The black stripe ritual was designed by Urban Meyer as an in-house motivational tactic for his players. The stripe doesn't come off a freshman's helmet until he has proven he's worthy of being a Buckeye. So the longer it's on, the more stressful it becomes. Everyone in practice sees it.
Fryar becomes the first of six offensive linemen to lose the black stripe. More than a player's personal pride is at stake because the coach announces every time a freshman has his stripe removed. In a world where Ohio State invites top-rated prospects into the program every year, it gives fans -- who can't see practice -- a way of tracking which players are acclimating to the program the right way. It's very public.
Fryar was excited about the honor and had some words of gratitude.
“I just want to thank everybody here, thank you Coach Stud, especially, thank my O-line unit, thank my strength coaches, and I especially want to thank the defense for going hard every day and giving me a look. Go Bucks!”
Fryar thanks his teammates and coaches below.
🚨 Black Stripe Alert ‼️— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) October 3, 2020
Big moment for the big man! Congrats on losing your stripe @joshfryar2!#GoBuckeyes pic.twitter.com/yyBvigqYj8
Fryar becomes the eighth freshmen to lose their black stripe, a list that includes Miyan Williams, Trey Sermon, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Kourt Williams, Gee Scott, Jr. and Julian Fleming.
SOURCE: Buckeyes Wire