A Message from Tyvis Powell

The following is a message from redshirt freshman Tyvis Powell, named Ohio State's starting nickelback in spring camp.

A little over two years ago, I made my childhood dream come true. On June 1, 2011, I committed to being a student-athlete for Thee Ohio State University.

Although I made this great decision, I have failed so far at completing my goals. First off I would like to apologize to all of the Tyvis Powell "Believers." I know you guys had high expectations for me last season. Last year, I felt like I let all of you down. I just think i kind of grew complacent with just being here.

When we started the offseason in January, I made a promise to myself that I would work as hard as I could to redeem myself. Which is why discontinued my Twitter and Facebook account. I did not want any distractions while I was on this mission. As you can see, the hard work in the off season paid off during the spring, because I was able to become the starting nickel for Thee Ohio State University. (I still get chills just thinking about it. Lol) You guys don't know how many years I've been waiting to be able to say that.

Now that the spring is over, I still feel like I'm not where I need to be. We have a saying in the secondary called "B.I.A." Which stands for "Best In America" and right now I do not feel like I am the best nickel in America. Which is why I've been dedicating myself to my workouts. I try to lift six days a week and do footwork and drills every day. So far Armani Reeves and myself have been working non-stop.

In all honesty, I'm doing this for you guys. I don't want to let y'all down again. Y'all are my motivation.

The other day I read "Open Letter from Buckeye Nation to Tyvis Powell" and your kind words are what helps me make it through tough situations. I realized that without y'all there is no me. I believe I need y'all more than y'all need me. So what I want to really say is: Thank You for believing in me.

I promise Buckeye Nation that I will not let you down. I understand that I will have heavy competition this summer, but the difference between the competition and myself is that it means so much more to me. I learned that to play in this secondary you have to be willing to overcome all situations. No matter what challenge they throw in front of you, you have to find a way to beat it. I'm going to apply that attitude towards fall camp by out working all of the competition.

This year every one is expecting us to win the national championship, and either you can embrace it or run from it. Well I'm here to tell you that everyone is embracing the challenge. I can honestly say that there has been a ton of change in attitudes and behaviors. Buckeye Nation, we are going for it all this year.

Put on your seat belts because its going to be a long season. Remember "Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance." As long as we all stick together nobody can beat us.

Tyvis