Walk-On Linebackers Logan Hittle, Cade Kacherski and Ben Schmiesing Are First Buckeyes to Lose Black Stripes Under Ryan Day

Urban Meyer's black stripe tradition is carrying on with Ryan Day and three walk-on linebackers have the honor of becoming Day's first players to have theirs removed.

Linebackers Logan Hittle, Cade Kacherski and Ben Schmiesing all shed their black stripes on Thursday, the first three players of the 2019 team to lose their stripes.

Hittle is a senior walk-on linebacker out of Tri-Valley High School in Nashport, Ohio where he was a four-year member of both the football and basketball programs, captaining both teams his senior season. He joined Ohio State football team in the winter of 2018.

This guy epitomizes Relentless Effort! Congrats to @_hittle20 for losing the black stripe!#GoBucks pic.twitter.com/I9rFdKas2i

— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) March 21, 2019

Kacherski followed in his father's footsteps when he chose to walk-on at Ohio State out of high school. His father, John Kacherski, played linebacker for the Buckeyes from 1987 through 1991 and was a starter and captain for the Buckeyes his senior year.

The LB room is on ! @cadekacherski1, get that black stripe off!#GoBucks pic.twitter.com/8cGHTBFKWW

— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) March 21, 2019

Schmiesing was a preferred walk-on at Ohio State out of Piqua, Ohio where he was an All-Ohio linebacker and running back at Piqua High School.

The third LB of the day to lose the black stripe Congratulations @Ben_Schmiesing!#GoBucks pic.twitter.com/WRZIMDs6fV

— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) March 21, 2019

“The opportunity to go to Ohio State and be on the sidelines,” Schmiesing told the Piqua Daily Call when he signed with the Buckeyes. “They are one of the top teams in the country. You grow up watching them on TV, you have all their gear and now it is exciting to be part of such a great program. I think that is every kids dream. You couldn’t ask for anything better than this.”