Ohio State football: Preferred walk-on prepares for freshman season

Being a walk-on is hard at any program, but especially at a big one like the Ohio State football program. We talk to one who’s getting ready for his freshman season.

“Growing up as a kid, playing at Ohio State was always a dream of mine. I always dreamed of going there, playing for some of the best coaches and the best players in the country, and being able to learn and grow around them,” Reis Stocksdale told me.  “Ohio State also has great education so all of that came with the commitment.”

Stocksdale was a four-year starter at Little Miami High School, totaling a school-record 31 touchdown receptions in the process, before committing to Ohio State football as a preferred walk-on. He helped lead the Panthers to the playoffs in three consecutive years after the team hadn’t reached the postseason since 1992.

The Buckeyes offered Stocksdale a preferred walk-on in early November and he committed a couple of months later on February 26, 2021. The 5’11 wide receiver also held scholarship offers from Butler, Dayton, Valparaiso, Wayne State, and more. He was named to OPSWA’s All-Ohio First Team in 2020 and Cincinnati.com’s All-Division II First Team in 2021.

“Throughout high school, I tried to do everything I could to play wherever I could. I feel most comfortable in the slot but I can play anywhere they need me,” Stocksdale went on to say. “I try to perfect my craft wherever I am. Freshman season, I’m just looking to get up there and continue to get better.”

Stocksdale has the ability to play several positions including slot receiver and punt returner and has flashed high-level speed with a 4.5-second 40-yard dash. Dave Berk of First Star Football Report said he’s an under-the-radar prospect that excels in space because of his speed and quickness.

“Speed is important because when you’re in the open field, you have to make a move and get around (the defender) as quickly as you can,” Stocksdale explained to me. “I want to work on running routes, getting bigger, still trying to get faster. I’m trying to work on everything to become a better football player.”

The Morrow-product racked up 1,107 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns on 38 catches during his senior season, highlighted by a 323-yard performance, which ranks seventh-most in state history. He finished his impressive career with 104 catches, 2,770 yards, and 35 total touchdowns for 26.6 yards per reception.

Stocksdale talked about his relationship with Ohio State’s coaching staff: “I talk the most with coach (Justin) Perez. We kept in contact throughout this year and after the season was over. Ryan Day is a really smart, great coach. One of the best coaches in the nation so it’s going to be fun to be able to play for and learn from him.”

After visiting the campus in Columbus last year and meeting Perez for the first time, the assistant director of player personnel became the main contact for Stocksdale. Although it’s unlikely for the walk-on receiver to see the field this coming season, it’s possible he could work his way on to the special teams unit at some point in the future.

He joins current walk-ons Zak Herbstreit, Jackson Kuwatch, Cayden Saunders, Andre Turrentine, and Toby Wilson. Ohio State football starts the 2021 season at Minnesota before a home opener against Oregon: “The Oregon game is going to be a good one so I’m looking forward to that being scheduled at home,” Stocksdale said.