To the players and staff of Ohio State Buckeyes football, there really is no such thing as an ‘offseason.’
The time between regular-season games is not spent relaxing on the couch recovering from the past year’s bruises, but instead on the field preparing for the coming campaign. In such a program, it can be tough to stand out as someone who takes things to a level above the rest.
In the eyes of strength coach Mick Marotti, however, three Buckeyes did exactly that.
Ohio State offensive lineman Josh Fryar, cornerback Davison Igbinosun and linebacker Sonny Styles were each earned an Iron Buckeye Award for their above-and-beyond effort prior to the commencement of spring workouts. Mariotti described an Iron Buckeye as showcasing "unquestionable training, dedication, determination, discipline, toughness and leadership."
Earning that recognition means even more for the three aforementioned Buckeyes, as they are each playing for something more than just helping their team win.
A veteran, Fryar is working to cement himself in Ohio State's starting rotation for another year. Departures from fellow linemen Matthew Jones (to the 2024 NFL Draft), Jakob James (to the Toledo Rockets) and others have left several spots on the Buckeyes O-line ripe for the taking.
Igbinosun is about to begin his second season with the Buckeyes, as well as at the collegiate level. Ohio State has brought in several additions at defensive back with which he will have to compete for an important role on this year's team, including Alabama transfer safety Caleb Downs.
Finally, Sonny Styles has been undergoing a transition from safety to linebacker since Ohio State's loss to Missouri in the 2024 Cotton Bowl back in December 2023. Styles has had to work extra hard to adjust to his new position and show he can do anything the coaching staff demands from him.
Fryar, Igbinosun, and Styles are all preparing to take the field for Ohio State's 2024 Spring Game in Ohio Stadium on Saturday, April 13. Kick-off is scheduled for noon.
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