Ohio State defensive tackle Tywone Malone loses black stripe
COLUMBUS — With some bumps and bruises to the interior of the Ohio State defensive line, junior Tywone Malone has been stepping up.
And, after Saturday’s scrimmage, Malone shed his black stripe, officially becoming a Buckeye. Freshman offensive tackle Luke Montgomery also received the post-practice honor.
Malone was one of three spring transfer window additions for Ohio State. He came over from Ole Miss, where he originally committed to play both football and baseball. But after two years with the Rebels — and one College World Series ring — Malone decided to hit the portal.
He’s focusing solely on football at Ohio State. Longtime D-Line coach Larry Johnson and the Buckeyes actually tried to recruit Malone out of high school. Malone was the top-rated New Jersey prospect in the 2021 class, according to the On3 Industry Ranking.
The Bergen Catholic product appeared in 14 football games at Ole Miss, including 13 last season. He recorded 13 tackles and two sacks in his Rebels career.
“He’s got game experience,” Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles said of Malone earlier in training camp. “He’s got toughness, he’s got savvy. You know, he’s just someone you feel comfortable with right away. You know, he just, he can handle things — and the physicality, too.”
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Both Tyleik Williams and Mike Hall Jr. have dealt with apparent injuries this training camp, but Malone has slid right in with the first-team defensive line showing what he brings to the table at 6-foot-4, 303 pounds.
“You need and you want so many guys that can play,” Knowles said. “You want as many guys that can that can play to step up. So he adds so much depth.
“Other guys will be fresher because of it.”
Tywone Malone latest Buckeyes transfer addition 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 and senior walk-on offensive lineman Quinton Burke shed their black stripes 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 Thursday. Freshman offensive tackle Luke Montgomery lost his Saturday, along with Malone. Now, five Ohio State transfer additions have received the post-practice honor this year.
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