Kye Stokes became the first true freshman from Ohio State’s 2022 recruiting class to have his black stripe removed this spring.
The four-star defensive back garnered the third-lowest rating of the Buckeyes’ stacked recruiting group. However, the Florida prospect clearly made a strong early impression.
Stokes responded to Ohio State’s hype video celebrating the news by calling it a “blessing” to pass the program’s rite of passage.
It’s a Blessing ❤️#AGTG #Gobucks https://t.co/VXFCviq09X
— Kye Stokes (@kye_stokes) April 8, 2022
Fifth-year senior Tanner McCalister, who transferred from Oklahoma State, preceded Stokes as the first Ohio State newcomer to lose his black stripe.
Courtesy of Cleveland.com’s Stephen Means, the early enrollee embraced comparisons to starting safety Josh Proctor, who missed most of last season with a leg injury.
“Everybody that I talk to says that I’m mini-Proctor,” Stokes said. “Even in the locker room, it’s, ‘You’re mini-Proctor.’ I wouldn’t mind playing like him. He’s a great athlete. That’s big bro. I’ve been mirroring him. I’ve been learning from him, so that’s not a bad comparison at all.”
Stokes is now officially a Buckeye. He’ll get another chance to turn heads during Ohio State’s spring game on April 16.
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