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Buckeyes freshman defensive end Kenyatta Jackson sheds black stripe

Spencer-Holbrookby:Spencer Holbrook•08/21/22•

SpencerHolbrook

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Kenyatta Jackson is showing what made him a four-star prospect. (Kenyatta Jackson/Courtesy)

COLUMBUS — Kenyatta Jackson just arrived at Ohio State this summer. But his hard work and instant push is already paying off on the practice field.

A true freshman defensive end from Hollywood, Florida, and former top-50 player in his class, Jackson shed his black stripe Saturday, a mark signaling that he is officially a member of the football program for the Buckeyes.

Jackson was one of three Buckeyes freshman to lose the stripe Saturday following practice. Tailback Dallan Hayden and Kyion Grayes were the other two first-year Ohio State playmakers to shed theirs.

Jackson is stepping into his first year in the loaded defensive line room for the Buckeyes, one that position coach Larry Johnson could see as many as 12 rotational players earn time in.

Kenyatta Jackson may not be a part of that rotation in Year One under the tutelage of Johnson and the Ohio State defensive staff. But he certainly is making progress. That was evident Saturday, when he shed his black stripe to officially become a member of the Buckeyes program.

Other Ohio State freshmen to lose black stripes this preseason

Kaleb Brown lost his black stripe last week. He joined cornerback Jyaire Brown and C.J. Hicks as the freshmen who have shed their stripe during camp.

Ohio State freshman cornerback Jyaire Brown was in the early days of his first training camp with the Buckeyes. But it was already clear that he is already making a push for a role. Brown became the first freshman to lose his black stripe during the month of training camp, shedding the stripe that signifies an official place with the Buckeyes, early in camp.

C.J. Hicks became the second Buckeyes freshman of camp to lose his black stripe earlier this month. Hicks is pushing to be a part of the Buckeyes linebacker rotation. With his elite size and speed, he can make it happen. The opportunities will be there against some nonconference opponents to help him prove he belongs on the field this fall.

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