Arvell Reese, the Ohio State linebacker who emerged as a defensive standout, often recalls a singular moment that defined his early days with the Buckeyes.
The Black Stripe Tradition
For Reese, the most cherished memory from his college career was the day he shed the program’s signature black stripe, a rite of passage that signals a player’s full integration into the team. Giants coach John Harbaugh remarked that Reese’s rapid acquisition of the stripe was a clear indicator of his readiness and work ethic.
He achieved that milestone just 16 days into the fall camp that preceded the 2023 season, a timeline that caught the attention of many watching the team’s development.
Reese’s freshman year saw limited action; he appeared in six games but did not register any statistics, a common experience for newcomers adjusting to the pace of Big Ten play.
A year later he carved out a larger role, logging 322 defensive snaps and compiling 43 tackles while operating behind veterans Cody Simon and Sonny Styles on the depth chart.
By his final season, Reese had become a cornerstone of the defense, starting at linebacker, earning All‑American honors, and being crowned the Big Ten’s Linebacker of the Year after posting 69 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks.
His progression from a quiet rookie to a celebrated defender illustrates how a simple stripe can herald a trajectory that reaches national recognition.