Scarlet Sunrise: Ohio State depth of award candidates even includes long snapper

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Ohio State depth of award candidates even includes long snapper

Ohio State stars are on nearly every preseason watch list and award list that has been released this preseason.

The longsnapper position is no different. Buckeyes starting longsnapper Bradley Robinson is on the watch list for the Mannelly Award, which is given annually to the top senior longsnapper in FBS football.

Robinson, who started last season for the Buckeyes, is entering his second season as the first-team longsnapper.

The award has only been given twice; it was founded prior to the 2019 season. Robinson is the second Ohio State player to be on the preseason watch list in the award’s three-year history; Liam McCullough was on the preseason watch list two seasons ago.

Now Robinson is the latest. He was recognized and could be an award winner this fall.

Kyle McCord loses black stripe

Kyle McCord isn’t slowing down at Ohio State.

The spring success came more easily than seemingly could have been expected for an early enrollee. The first week of training camp has continued that trend with some jaw-dropping throws and solid command of the attack for a freshman quarterback. And heading into a key scrimmage on Saturday, McCord has a realistic shot at claiming the backup job while continuing to push presumptive starter C.J. Stroud.

That Black Stripe on his helmet never stood a chance of sticking around for long, and now it’s officially gone.

McCord was ceremonially welcomed into the Ohio State brotherhood on Thursday, the latest sign that he’s well ahead of schedule in validating his five-star recruiting status.

Starting with a deep ball right off the bat in the spring game and continuing with a handful of attempts that put his accuracy and arm strength on full display, McCord’s seemingly rapid transition was one of the most notable surprises in that April scrimmage.

Another big one is looming on Saturday. Kyle McCord will go into it with the black stripe gone as a full-fledged member of the Buckeyes.

READ: Kyle McCord turning heads on practice field, Black Stripe removed

Emeka Egbuka making strong push for Buckeyes

Ohio State opened up a portion of practice to the media Thursday morning, and plenty of Buckeyes players flashed in the short timeframe.

One of them was freshman wide receiver Emeka Egbuka. The former five-star prospect continues to dazzle with an impressive training camp. Lettermen Row’s Austin Ward has more on Egbuka’s performance Thursday and throughout camp.

Part of it is here:

A full summer in the strength program clearly did wonders for the five-star prospect, and his natural ability continues to flash alongside that improved physique when he’s making acrobatic, one-handed grabs in individual drills. Marvin Harrison hasn’t slowed down any, either, and both are certainly looking more than capable of expanding the rotation for position coach Brian Hartline right away this season.

READ: Practice Observations as Buckeyes gear up for critical scrimmage

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