Ohio State Freshman Defensive Tackle Mike Hall Sheds Black Stripe

The four-star prospect from Streetsboro, Ohio, became the 17th member of Ohio State's freshman class of 2021 to have his black stripe removed on Wednesday.

newest member of the rushmen @MichaelHallJr_ #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/IFn8IcA8U9

— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) September 23, 2021

“This guy only knows one speed, whether we've got pads on or no pads on, and his speed is go, all the time,” Ohio State assistant strength and conditioning coach Chris Fenelon said while removing his black stripe.

Ohio State defensive line coach Larry Johnson said earlier this week that Hall is “close” to being ready to play, though Ohio State is considering limiting him to four games this year to preserve his redshirt.

“Mike is close. Mike is really close to getting the feel,” Johnson said. “We just don't want to waste his year yet, we can play him in four games before we decide to redshirt him. But he's close. Mike's a lean guy, he's 270, 275, we're trying to get weight on him, to be honest with you. But he's gonna be fine, he's gonna be a good player. He's really energetic, he's really powerful, so I like where Mike is at right now.”

All four of Ohio State's freshman defensive tackles have now had their black stripes removed as Hall joins fellow defensive tackle Tyleik Williams and defensive ends Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau in “officially” becoming a Buckeye. He was one of two Buckeyes to have their black stripes removed on Wednesday along with cornerback Jakailin Johnson.