True freshman Jonathon Cooper was one of six Buckeyes to lose their black stripe on Saturday. Credit: Sheridan Hendrix | Lantern Photographer

True freshman Jonathon Cooper was one of six Buckeyes to lose their black stripe on Saturday. Credit: Sheridan Hendrix | Lantern Photographer

The black stripe on the helmet has become a mark of youth, a way to distinctively separate those deserving to play and those who need to develop under the regime of coach Urban Meyer. Having the stripe removed grants those players the right to play with the other, more experienced, players.

On Saturday night, Meyer announced that six Buckeyes have completed their rite of passage into consideration for playing time.

Cornerback Damon Arnette, quarterback Joe Burrow, defensive lineman Davon Hamilton and cornerback Joshua Norwood—all redshirt freshmen—gained the honor. Defensive lineman Jonathon Cooper and linebacker Tuf Borland join wide receiver Austin Mack and offensive lineman Michael Jordan as the only true freshmen to lose the black stripe.

Borland and Cooper enrolled in the spring with Mack and Jordan.

This announcement comes on the heels of the team’s first intrasquad scrimmage this fall which took place on Saturday morning at the Coffey Road Fields.

The Buckeyes open up on Sept. 3 versus Bowling Green.