Safety Jaylen McClain First Freshman In Fall Camp To Lose Black Stripe

COLUMBUS — Ohio State true freshman safety Jaylen McClain is the first freshman of fall camp to lose his black stripe.

🚨 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗽𝗲 𝗔𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘁 🚨

The kid from Jersey has been applying pressure, welcome to BIA @Jaylenmcclain08 🌰 pic.twitter.com/rezM94SxNC
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) August 7, 2024

Every newcomer into the Buckeye football program has a black stripe placed down the middle of his helmet. It is removed when the player has done enough in practice to be considered a full-fledged member of the Ohio State football team.

McClain is the third freshman overall to have his black stripe removed, joining receiver Jeremiah Smith and quarterback Julian Sayin who both lost theirs back during spring practice.

McClain was a standout in the spring as well, running with the second team at free safety due to an injury to sophomore Malik Hartford. McClain has continued his stellar play in fall camp, constantly finding himself near the football. He has recorded multiple interceptions in camp, including one during Wednesday’s session.

As a senior last year at Seton Hall Prep in New Jersey, Jaylen McClain totaled 126 tackles and earned First-Team All-State honors. He also blocked a punt and a field goal and recovered three fumbles. As a junior he posted 83 tackles.

McClain was a four-star prospect in the 247Sports Composite. He was ranked the No. 36 safety in the 2024 recruiting class and the No. 372 player overall. He chose Ohio State over offers from Michigan, Miami, LSU, Georgia, Oregon, USC, and many others.

Black Stripe Tracker

WR Jeremiah Smith – March 21
WR Brennen Schramm (rFr walk-on) – March 21
SAF Caleb Downs – March 26
RB Quinshon Judkins – March 26
QB Will Howard – March 30
OL Seth McLaughlin – March 30
TE Will Kacmarek – April 5
DT Will Smith, Jr. – April 5
QB Julian Sayin – April 8
SAF Jaylen McClain – August 7