Ohio State Walk-On Kicker Jayden Fielding Loses Black Stripe

Fielding becomes the 15th member of the Buckeyes’ 2022 recruiting class to shed his black stripe.

Author:
Andrew Lind
Oct 6, 2022 12:11 PM EDT

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Although he’s handled kickoff duties in the first five games of the season, Ohio State freshman kicker Jayden Fielding lost his black stripe following Wednesday evening’s practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, signifying his status as an official member of the team.

“This guy’s been working his butt off since he got here,” director of player development C.J. Barnett said. “Very little guy, but he’s got a big leg.”

Fielding joined the Buckeyes this offseason as a walk-on from League City, Texas, by way of Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy, where he was considered the seventh-best kicker in the class of 2022. He picked Ohio State over similar opportunities at Cincinnati, Florida State, Georgia, Rutgers and Virginia Tech.

Fielding has kicked off 41 times for Ohio State this season, with 19 going for touchbacks. He was notably named the Buckeyes’ special teams player of the week following the 77-21 win over Toledo, when he kicked off 12 times with 10 touchbacks.

“I just want to thank all the (special teams players), Coach (Parker) Fleming, the strength staff, Coach (Zachary Higgins) and God for putting me in this position to be successful and be brothers with y’all,” Fleming said.

Fielding is now the 15th member of Ohio State’s 2022 recruiting class to shed his black stripe, joining quarterback Mason Maggs, running backs Dallan Hayden and T.C. Caffey, wide receivers Kojo Antwi, Kaleb Brown and Kyion Grayes, defensive ends Caden Curry and Kenyatta Jackson, defensive tackle Hero Kanu, linebacker C.J. Hicks, cornerbacks Jyaire Brown and Ryan Turner and safeties Kye Stokes and Sonny Styles.