Scarlet Sunrise: Zen Michalski building for future, loses black stripe

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Zen Michalski building for future, loses black stripe

The breakout isn’t coming for Ohio State freshman offensive lineman Zen Michalski. The Buckeyes are loaded with experienced talent in front of him.

But Michalski is certainly using his first season with the Buckeyes as a major building block for the future. The impressive former top-350 recruit shed his black stripe this week, signaling his officially entrance into the football program — and that he’s making progress in the offensive line room.

While the Buckeyes have been mauling defensive fronts all season, Michalski has been gaining practice reps and confidence as he goes through a potential redshirt season. That was apparent this week, when he shed his black stripe and became a member of the program.

Zach Boren breaks down Buckeyes resurgent pass rush

Ohio State is seeing steady growth from the young Rushmen after nearly two full months of action. The veterans have bounced back from a relatively slow start to deliver the kind of impact that was expected. And the Buckeyes are also getting healthier after going through a stretch where Tyreke Smith was sidelined by a concussion and Garrett was playing through a nagging lower-leg injury.

There is still a lot of football ahead of Ohio State, and there is still room for growth with tougher competition on the way. But the Rushmen are well on their way to meeting their own high standards again — and that’s where it all begins for the Buckeyes.

How has Ohio State ramped up the defensive pressure after a slow start to the season? Who has flashed for the Buckeyes as the defensive line has rounded into championship form? Where can the Rushmen still improve down the stretch? Former Ohio State captain Zach Boren was back in the Lettermen Row film lab to break it all down and answer those questions in the latest episode of BuckIQ.

Roll the tape!

Weekend Kickoff presented by Bryant Heating and Cooling Systems

Lettermen Row Weekend Kickoff presented by Bryant Heating & Cooling Systems: The Whatever It Takes Pregame Show is back!

The Lettermen Row crew will be live from Urban Meyer’s Pint House in Dublin’s Bridge Park on Thursday night for a full preview of the Buckeyes next Big Ten matchup, this time a primetime game against Penn State.

The next edition of the show will be Thursday, Oct. 28 at 7 p.m., and there will be plenty of Ohio State guests on hand to break down the pursuit of a win. Come out to see Cardale Jones, Zach Boren, Bobby Carpenter, Robert Landers and other former Buckeyes greats give their insight about the upcoming game with the Nittany Lions and give predictions about the matchup.

Get set with the panel of former Buckeyes with analysis, stories, delicious food from Urban Meyer’s Pint House in Dublin and some cold Coors Light. Don’t miss the next show Thursday at 7 p.m.

Lettermen Row Weekend Kickoff presented by Bryant Heating & Cooling Systems: The Whatever It Takes Pregame Show is proudly sponsored by Coors Light and Byers Auto!

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