Six Ohio State freshmen played in Ohio State's 35-7 home-opening win over Youngstown State. Three of this year's newcomers etched their names in the stat book.
Malik Hartford became the first freshman to start in Ohio State's secondary since Jyaire Brown did against Wisconsin last season. However, Hartford was only on the field for the opening defensive series. He was credited with a tackle and a pass breakup during his 12 snaps. Ja'Had Carter replaced Harford for the rest of the day.
Although he didn't have any more snaps on defense, Hartford continued to play on special teams on the punt return unit.
Carnell Tate caught a pass for the second straight game. Against the Penguins, Tate hauled in a 20-yard catch from Devin Brown setting the Buckeyes up on Youngstown State's 30-yard line. On the next play, TreVeyon Henderson capped the day's scoring with a 30-yard touchdown run.
After overshooting WR Julian Fleming at the beginning of this drive, #Buckeyes QB Devin Brown had a couple of nice throws, including this dime to true freshman wideout Carnell Tate.
— Andy Backstrom (@andybackstrom) September 9, 2023
Went for a gain of 20 yards. pic.twitter.com/wVYcS691EY
Tate was given 12 plays with the offense and he was also used on the kickoff, kickoff return and punt return units on special teams.
Luke Montgomery played one snap with the offense as a sixth offensive linemen and Jermaine Mathews Jr. took 10 snaps with the defense.
Brandon Inniss, Mathews Jr. and Arvell Reese played only on special teams. Inniss was on the field for both of Ohio State’s kickoff returns and Mathews Jr. saw action on both kickoff coverage and punt returns. Reese started the game on the kickoff coverage team but left the game due to an injury and did not return.
All six of those freshmen have played in both of Ohio State’s two games to start this season. All freshmen are able to play in up to four games before a decision must be made on whether they will redshirt this season.
| NAME | POS | DEBUT | YSU STATS | GP | SEASON STATS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MALIK HARTFORD | S | Indiana | 1 tackle | 2 | 2 tackles, 1 PBU |
| BRANDON INNISS | WR | Indiana | Special teams | 2 | 2 offensive snaps |
| JERMAINE MATHEWS JR. | CB | Indiana | 1 tackle, 1 PBU | 2 | 1 tackle, 1 PBU |
| LUKE MONTGOMERY | OL | Indiana | 1 offensive snap | 2 | 5 offensive snaps |
| ARVELL REESE | LB | Indiana | Special teams | 2 | Special teams |
| CARNELL TATE | WR | Indiana | 1 catch, 20 yards | 2 | 2 catches, 35 yards |
| NOAH ROGERS | WR | Indiana | 1 | 3 offensive snaps | |
| JAYDEN BONSU | S | ||||
| NIGEL GLOVER | LB | ||||
| CEDRICK HAWKINS | S | ||||
| LINCOLN KIENHOLZ | QB | ||||
| KAYDEN McDONALD | DL | ||||
| JOSH MICKENS | DE | ||||
| JASON MOORE | DL | ||||
| JOSH PADILLA | OL | ||||
| BRYSON RODGERS | WR | ||||
| AUSTIN SIEREVELD | OL | ||||
| CALVIN SIMPSON-HUNT | CB | ||||
| WILL SMITH JR. | DL | ||||
| JELANI THURMAN | TE | ||||
| MILES WALKER | OT |
(Note: The table does not include freshman walk-ons who have not yet played.)
- #5 Ohio State 35, Youngstown State 7
- • Buckeyes Pull Away From Penguins 35-7
- • McCord Strengthens Standing as QB1
- • Have a (Brief) Day, Henderson
- • Tressel Represents OSU and YSU at Game
- • Ohio State Postgame • Youngstown State Postgame • Photos
- • Notebook
