Ohio State Buckeyes College Football Pregame Quote, 01/15/2025

On playing for the national championship against his former team:

Clearly, I picked good schools, so that’s in there for sure. But I’m excited to play with some of those guys. I have a lot of respect for that program. I have a lot of respect for Coach Freeman. I’m just excited for this matchup overall.

On his growth this season:

I would have to say at first, I have to credit a lot to my teammates and just getting closer to the team. I’ve been growing more passionate about the game, just who I’m playing for and why I’m really doing it. But my overall skillset, getting some of that gameplay, I get to really just match the speed of the game. I’ve played a bunch of different receivers from different schools, different body types, statures and things like that. Being able to be more dynamic, being blitz and do more things of that nature.

On why he transferred to Ohio State:

I really thought about the longevity of my career. I thought it would be at cornerback, and I had a lot of trust in Coach (Walton) and what Ohio State does with DBs. I just thought this would be the best fit. Being close to home, my brother here, that’s a plus. But I had to think about the longevity of my career. Playing with Sonny is not necessarily going to get me to the NFL, so I had to think about what was going to be best for me.

On his purpose with this Ohio State team:

When I really think about it, legacy is what comes to mind. My dad being here, my brother being here, and this team is growing as a faith-based team. I just want to give a lot of credit to Jesus Christ for giving me this opportunity to be on the team to be able to do this today.

On the pride he feels being from Pickerington:

This season means a lot to Pickerington. We all played childhood sports together, so I think it just goes with the community I was surrounded by and the type of parents that were around pushing their kids to be great. I hope that continues.