Ohio State Freshman Kicker Jake Seibert Loses Black Stripe

Seibert “officially” became a Buckeye after making all of his field goal attempts during Wednesday's practice, director of player development Ryan Stamper said in the video announcing Seibert's black stripe removal.

Shout out 10th Unit!!! Happy to be a Buckeye!! https://t.co/fYbFYtzraj

— Jake Seibert (@seibert_jake) November 5, 2020

Seibert is the 23rd member of Ohio State's class of 2020 to have his black stripe removed, leaving just two scholarship freshmen who still have their black stripes: cornerback Lejond Cavazos and defensive lineman Jacolbe Cowan, who were both unavailable for the Buckeyes' first two games of the season.

Ohio State could potentially turn to Seibert to handle field goal duties on Saturday night against Rutgers if Blake Haubeil, who is currently “day-to-day” with a groin injury, is unable to play against the Scarlet Knights. Walk-on Dominic DiMaccio handled the kicking duties against Penn State after Haubeil came out of the game, but after making his first career field goal attempt from 22 yards out, he missed a 23-yard field goal, which head coach Ryan Day was displeased about.

While Seibert is grayshirting this season, meaning he won't be placed on scholarship until next season, he's still eligible to play this year – and since everyone gets a free year of eligibility this year, the Buckeyes don't have to worry about preserving his redshirt.

“Jake's definitely an option,” Day said Tuesday. “He came here for a reason. Especially now with the rule where this year really doesn't count (for eligibility purposes), he's definitely an option.”

Seibert wasn't the only Buckeye to lose his black stripe on Wednesday; Marvin Davies, a freshman walk-on wide receiver from Cleveland, also had his stripe removed after practice, joining graduate transfer tight end Corey Rau as the second walk-on to lose his stripe this fall.

Im grateful for everyone who has helped me get to this position! Extremely blessed to be a Buckeye !! https://t.co/ktB0gGOwVf

— Marvin Davies IV (@Marvin_Davies27) November 5, 2020

Stamper said Davies, a graduate of Orange High School, has “put in for the Buckeyes every day,” both on the field and in the classroom, as he has aspirations of becoming a doctor after his football career.