Ohio State cornerback Jermaine Mathews loses black stripe
COLUMBUS — True freshman cornerback Jermaine Mathews followed a head-turning senior season at Winton Woods in Cincinnati with early enrollment at Ohio State, where he went through the growing pains that come with a first spring season before settling in and now making his mark in training camp.
Mathews has something to show for that progression already, as he shed his black stripe Tuesday afternoon — along with true freshman wide receiver Bryson Rodgers — officially becoming a Buckeye.
“We offered him late, as you consider it now, in that procedure. Because it was like camp last year,” defensive coordinator Jim Knowles said of Mathews in February. “And then he just exploded his senior year. So I mean, I’m really excited. Let’s face [it], when a guy commits, you really don’t know what he’s going to do senior year. But he really showed that he’s a playmaker.”
Mathews was the top-rated 2023 prospect in Ohio and the No. 4 cornerback in the class, according to the On3 Industry Ranking.
Mathews recorded 51 total tackles, four forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and six interceptions during his aforementioned senior season at Winton Woods, earning Defensive Player of the Year recognition from the Ohio Prep Sports Writers Association for the Division II Southwest District.
Mathews did a bit of everything for Winton Woods. He also scored as a receiver and as a kickoff and punt return man. In fact, amid his state-title-winning junior season, he housed a pair of punts.
On3 bumped Mathews to a five-star rating in its final recruiting rankings last cycle. As the No. 48 overall prospect in the 2023 class, per the On3 Industry Ranking, Mathews has intriguing potential.
His black stripe removal Tuesday is a reminder of that potential.
Jermaine Mathews latest Buckeyes true freshman to shed black stripe
Sophomore offensive linemen George Fitzpatrick and Tegra Tshabola lost their black stripes the second week of this year’s spring practice, along with Ole Miss transfer cornerback Davison Igbinosun and true freshman wide receiver Carnell Tate. Oregon State transfer quarterback Tristan Gebbia shed his black stripe later in spring ball. And so did true freshman safety Malik Hartford and true freshman tight end Jelani Thurman. Both Simmons and Victor Cutler Jr. shed their black stripes last Thursday. Freshman offensive tackle Luke Montgomery lost his last Saturday, along with Ole Miss transfer defensive tackle Tywone Malone. True freshman wide receiver Bryson Rodgers joined Mathews in receiving the post-practice honor Tuesday.
Counting down
Buckeyes vs. Indiana: 18 days
Buckeyes vs. Michigan: 103 days
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