Athletic director Ross Bjork seems hellbent on creating new traditions for the Ohio State football program. From playing a folksy bluegrass song in the stadium to putting Buckeye leaves on the scoreboard, he is tinkering with a lot this offseason. He's even messing with longstanding traditions.
One tradition that was created before him in recent years that he has no say over is the Block O jersey. That was created by Urban Meyer as a way for players to vote on who the ultimate captain should be on the team. Whoever dons the jersey ins't just a leader, but he is perhaps the hardest worker on the team.
Last season, linebacker Cody Simon got the honor. He had his best season with the Buckeyes and was drafted by the Denver Broncos. This season, it's an almost virtual certainty that the jersey will be worn by another linebacker, and he might be the best one in the country.
Ohio State football player Sonny Styles is a virtual lock to don the Block O jersey
Sonny Styles moved to the linebacker position last year in order to make room for Caleb Downs after he transferred in from Alabama. It took him a while, but Styles was finally able to consistently make impact plays at that position during the four-game run through the College Football Playoff.
This season, Styles returns as a senior with a lot of respect and a lot of hype. He is the senior leader on the defensive side of the ball and should only be better now that he has a full season of playing linebacker under his belt. No one else has a better claim for the Block O than Styles does.
Styles is going to be a big part of what Matt Patricia does with the defense. His ability to stop the run up the middle and also drop back in coverage makes him one of the most versatile players on the roster. He also has the respect of his teammates, which is a big reason why he should be rewarded with this jersey.
Styles is already one of the freaks of college football, but now it's time for his teammates to show everyone around the country just how much he is respected inside the locker room. It would be shocking if he weren't wearing that jersey as he tries to help the Buckeyes defend the national championship.