It’s early in spring practice, but we’ve already seen the first of what should be many black stripes removed. Oklahoma State transfer Tanner McCalister, who followed new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles from Stillwater to Columbus, got this news early on Monday.
McCalister is a safety who brings some leadership and experience to the Ohio State defense. It helps to have someone with first-hand knowledge of the system as Knowles is installing a new defensive look for the Buckeyes. McCalister played for Knowles the past four years and started 23 games over the course of the past two seasons.
A seasoned veteran taking advantage of an extra season, McCalister seems poised and ready to go. Listen to what he had to say.
“Hey, I just want to say I’m blessed to be here, man. Blessed with this opportunity. I can only thank God man. I’m excited to see what we’re going to do this year. Shout out B.I.A. Hey, I love ya’ll boys. Go Bucks!”
🚨 Black Stripe Alert ‼️@McCalister_Dos2 becomes the first Buckeye to lose it in the 2022 season! 💯#GoBucks pic.twitter.com/v4XrNnjtDg
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) March 28, 2022
It should be exciting to see what the defense looks like under the leadership of Knowles. There may be some growing pains, but having a guy like Tanner McCalister to help lead the way should ease some of those issues.
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