Ohio State Freshman Safety Malik Hartford Becomes Third Member of 2023 Class to Shed Black Stripe

After Ohio State's 11th spring practice on Friday, the 6-foot-2, 183-pound safety became the third member of the class of 2023 to shed his black stripe and "officially" be recognized as a Buckeye, as Carnell Tate and Jelani Thurman were the first true freshmen to participate in the program's rite of passage.

buckeye nation, weve got a new member of BIA. @MalikHartford , welcome to the brotherhood#GoBucks pic.twitter.com/juvFPiIkhg

— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) April 7, 2023

"Malik has come in and worked," Ohio State safeties coach Perry Eliano said of Hartford last week. "You see the talent that you saw when he was at Lakota West. He's extremely smart and has a high football IQ. He's a very, very humble young man that has come in, and he's shown flashes of what he can be. He's still learning the game of football on the collegiate level, but I'll tell you what, I've been pleased with what I've seen."

A native of West Chester, Ohio, Hartford was the fourth-ranked player in Ohio in the 2023 class, according to the 247Sports composite rankings. In 2022, Hartford led Lakota West High School on a deep run in the state playoffs. After the season ended, Harford received several accolades, including the Greater Miami Conference Defensive Player of the Year award and a co-Division I Ohio Defensive Player of the Year honor. He also earned a spot in the 2023 All-American Bowl. 

In his final two seasons with the Firebirds, Hartford collected 101 tackles, five tackles for loss, one sack, four interceptions and an impressive six blocked punts or kicks on special teams.

At Ohio State, Hartford will have time to develop as the Buckeyes possess tremendous depth at the safety position, including standout players like Josh Proctor, Lathan Ransom, Ja'Had Carter, Sonny Style, Cameron Martinez and Kourt Williams, among others.

However, with Proctor in his final season with the Buckeyes and Ransom a potential candidate for the NFL draft in 2024, Ohio State's coaching staff undoubtedly appreciates the early signs of encouragement from Hartford, who they believe can be an impact player on their defense in the future.

Along with Hartford, Thurman and sophomore walk-on running back Chase Brecht also shed their black stripes on Friday. Overall, nine Ohio State players have added scarlet to their helmets this spring. Their names are featured in the chart below: