EXCLUSIVE: Ohio State football stars on recruiting, pre-game rituals and Chipotle

‘Pre-game rituals are to tell life stories the night before to a teammate’

The college football season is less than a month out, and the Buckeyes are anxious for its return. In an effort to fill the the Horseshoe-size void in my heart created by the off-season, I talked to Ohio State football players A.J. Alexander, Malcolm Pridgeon and Demetrius Knox, who gave me a glimpse of what it’s like to be an OSU football player and the inside scoop on the upcoming season.

A.J. Alexander, Sophomore, Tight End

Photo Credit: Dan Harker

As each football season begins, what do you look forward to the most?

Running out of the tunnel on Saturdays.

This spring, Urban Meyer said, “Tight end is the most improved position on the team.” What are you and your teammates doing to prepare for the 2017 season opener at Indiana (08/31)?

Getting a head start on preparing for them.

What do you get at Chipotle? 

A steak burrito, of course.

Malcolm Pridgeon, Senior, Offensive Tackle

Photo Credit: Alejandra Villa

Your first and only recruiting visit to Columbus came the weekend before National Signing Day. While Ohio State doesn’t typically recruit JUCO players, Coach Urban Meyer said you came on your visit and “stole everybody’s heart.” Was the feeling mutual? 

Yes, that’s why I am here. It was the best opportunity and at that moment, I couldn’t have thought of a better place to be.

What is your favorite Ohio State tradition?

Carmen Ohio because it gets everyone hyped for the games and it helps the fans get pumped up and engaged before the game.

For what NFL team would you want to play?

Giants. I grew up on Long Island and I have grown up a fan.

What is your favorite place to eat on campus? 

Chipotle . . . I get a chicken bowl with double everything.

Demetrius Knox, Junior, Offensive Guard

You originally committed to the Texas Longhorns and then made the decision to re-open your commitment. Why did you ultimately decide to be a Buckeye? 

I went to three state championships in high school and won two, so I was used to winning. At the time, Mack Brown, who was the Texas head coach, was let go. I knew their program was going to struggle because of it. I loved the state of Texas so much and that’s why I wanted to stay there. But I was born in Springfield, Ohio and I’ve always wanted to go to Ohio State because they’ve always been my favorite team. So, in my mind, I was like, “My favorite team wins at least 10 games every year and a lot of my family is in Ohio,” so it only made sense.

And, if you could offer a prospective recruit any piece of advice, what would it be?

My advice to any recruit is to do your homework on your school. Listen to the nice things they’re telling you, but try to realize it’s their job to tell you what you want to hear. Don’t go to a school because of a coach — because they might not be there next year. Your choice on picking a school determines the rest of your life.

Do you have any pre-game rituals? If so, what are they?

Pre-game rituals are to tell life stories the night before to a teammate. Long story (laughs).

Do you think you could start on the basketball team?

I’ve never actually played on a basketball team, so no (laughs).


Featured Image courtesy of Athlon Sports.

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