By Danielle Daniels
Ryan Day OSU head coach Akron Week Part 1 8 27 2024.mp3
Strength Staff Selects 10 “Iron Buckeyes” Following Summer Training
Six on offense and four on defense receive the staff highest individual honor
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Iron Buckeye – the highest award given out by Ohio State’s strength and conditioning staff – went to 10 Buckeyes for their work this summer during offseason training. They were: WR Jeremiah Smith, WR Emeka Egbuka, SAF Lathan Ransom, LB Cody Simon, LB Sonny Styles, RB TreVeyon Henderson, OL Josh Fryar, DT Ty Hamilton, OL Carson Hinzman and OL Donovan Jackson.
Mickey Marotti, Ohio State’s director of football sport performance, has described an Iron Buckeye as someone who showcase “unquestionable training, dedication, determination, discipline, toughness and leadership.” The group of 10 selected this summer is the most at any one time in the 13 years that Marortti has been at Ohio State.
Emeka Egbuka • Sr. • WR • Steilacoom, Wash.
Egbuka enters the 2024 season as one of the nation’s most productive returning wide receivers. Marotti on Egbuka: “Emeka has a prevailing presence that drives those around him to surpass expectations and get better every day.”
Josh Fryar • Sr. • OL • Beech Grove, Ind.
One of the anchors along the offensive line, Fryar is looking to start for a second consecutive year along and is coming off a fine 2023 season when he started all 13 games at right tackle and earned first-team all-Big Ten Conference honors. Marotti on Fryar: “Josh brought high energy and solid development as a leader. He uplifted those around him daily.”
Ty Hamilton • Sr. • DL • Pickerington, Ohio
Hamilton, a 41-game veteran, is in his fifth year with the team and has 65 career tackles with 7.0 tackles for loss and 4.0 sacks. Marotti on Hamilton: “Ty is a man of grit who consistently gives his all for his teammates.”
TreVeyon Henderson • Sr. • RB • Hopewell, Va.
Henderson, one of the nation’s top returning running backs, has 2,745 career rushing yards and 37 total touchdowns entering his senior season. In addition to Iron Buckeye status, Henderson was also the strength staff’s choice as the team’s most improved player. Marotti on Henderson: “TreVeyon’s development was unmatched. He challenged those around him to develop and grow together and he provided great spirit every day.”
Carson Hinzman • Jr. • OL • Spring Valley, Wisc.
Hinzman was a 12-game starter last year at center and is in his third season with the program. Marotti on Hinzman: “Carson is hard working and made numerous physical advancements while enhancing performance of those around him.”
Donovan Jackson • Sr. • OL • Bellaire, Texas
A two-time first team All-Big Ten guard, Jackson is one of the top offensive linemen in the country and will be a candidate for All-America and major awards honors in 2024. Marotti on Jackson: “Donovan has a contagious voice among his teammates that aided in inspiring those around him to perform at elite levels. He made great gains to an already impressive resume of strength and speed measurables.”
Lathan Ransom • Sr. • SAF • Tucson, Ariz.
Ransom is a tough, veteran competitor who has made more tackles – 152 – in his career than any other current Buckeye. Marotti on Ransom: “Lathan has great vigor and a liveliness that provides an edge for his teammates to uplift one another. He’s a great leader.”
Cody Simon • Gr. • LB • Jersey City, N.J.
Simon is the most experienced linebacker on Ohio State’s roster this fall, having played in 44 games with 15 starts over his career. Marotti on Simon: “Cody is a consistent and consummate leader for the team. He knows and executes all details while holding others accountable around him.”
Jeremiah Smith • Fr. • WR • Miami Gardens, Fla.
Smith, who enrolled in January along with 14 other true freshmen, is one of the youngest players to ever earn Iron Buckeye status. Marotti on Smith: “Jeremiah showed substantial growth in numerous areas and elevated those around him.”
Sonny Styles • Jr. • LB • Pickerington, Ohio
A terrific athlete, Styles has played multiple positions on the field for the Buckeyes and will line up at linebacker for the first time in his Ohio State career this fall. Marotti on Styles: “Sonny is a great competitor who strives every day to become better. He made substantial gains in strength, speed, power this summer.”
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