Safety Tanner McCalister became the first of Ohio State’s midyear enrollees to lose his black helmet stripe, the team announced Monday after five spring practices. McCalister joined the Buckeyes in January after transferring from Oklahoma State and following defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. For newcomers to the program, black stripes are placed upon their helmets, concealing the ordinary scarlet stripe, and are then removed when they officially become a Buckeye in the eyes of the coaching staff. The rite of passage began under former coach Urban Meyer nearly a decade ago and has continued under Ryan Day, his predecessor. Along with former Arizona State running back Chip Trayanum, who is switching positions to linebacker, McCalister is one of two transfers. The other 11 midyear enrollees are freshmen. McCalister is a potential starter at nickel safety for Ohio State and has brought familiarity with Knowles’ defense to Columbus. At the start of…
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