Andre Turrentine is the latest Buckeye to lose his Black Stripe.
After Wednesday morning announcements that both Tyleik Williams and Palaie Gaoteote had “officially” become Buckeyes after Tuesday's practice, the true freshman safety followed suit, as the 5-foot-11, 190-pound first-year defensive back took a big step in the program.
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) September 15, 2021
Shoutout to @KingATIII for losing the stripe! Welcome to #BIA #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/tKeoGqPMsB
A four-star recruit, Turrentine was the No. 169 overall prospect in the class of 2021, the No. 9-rated safety in the country and the fourth-ranked player in the state of Tennessee, hailing from Ensworth High School in Nashville.
Turrentine has yet to see any snaps for Ohio State through the first two weeks of the season, but head coach Ryan Day confirmed Monday that starting free safety Josh Proctor will be out for the season after suffering a leg fracture in the second half against Oregon.
At a press conference Tuesday, Day said the team is exploring all options when it comes to replacing Proctor, which may have expedited the process of Turrentine seeing his Black Stripe removed this week.
The Buckeye defense has not shied away from giving reps to true freshmen so far this season, considering cornerback Denzel Burke has started both games to open the season and has played more snaps than anyone else on defense, with 137.
| Player | Pos | Date |
|---|---|---|
| JACOLBE COWAN | DL | APRIL 2 |
| MARVIN HARRISON JR. | WR | APRIL 6 |
| JACK SAWYER | DE | APRIL 6 |
| TREVEYON HENDERSON | RB | APRIL 10 |
| EMEKA EGBUKA | WR | APRIL 13 |
| REID CARRICO | LB | APRIL 13 |
| DENZEL BURKE | CB | AUG. 7 |
| KYLE MCCORD | QB | AUG. 12 |
| JESSE MIRCO | P | AUG. 13 |
| J.T. TUIMOLOAU | DE | AUG. 14 |
| EVAN PRYOR | RB | AUG. 14 |
| DONOVAN JACKSON | OL | AUG. 20 |
| JORDAN HANCOCK | CB | AUG. 20 |
| JANTZEN DUNN | S | AUG. 20 |
| NOAH RUGGLES | K | SEPT. 7 |
| JAYDEN BALLARD | WR | SEPT. 7 |
| PALAIE GAOTEOTE | LB | SEPT. 15 |
| ANDRE TURRENTINE | S | SEPT. 15 |
| TYLEIK WILLIAMS | DT | SEPT. 15 |
