A former Michigan linebacker, joins Ohio State.
The Wolverines walk-on gives the Buckeyes more depth at linebacker.
Another player from The Team Up North has joined Ohio State via the transfer site. Joey Velazquez, a former linebacker for Michigan, moved to the Buckeyes and will join the 2024 squad as a walk-on with one season still to go. First reported by Tony Gerdeman of Buckeye Huddle, an Ohio State representative verified this change to Bucknuts.
Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Velazquez played a reserve role for his redshirt freshman and sophomore seasons throughout his five years with the Wolverines. According to 247Sports rankings, Velazquez, a three-star recruit for the 2019 cycle, was ranked No. 38 in the class out of DeSales High School and the nation’s No. 61 safety prospect.
When Velazquez was living in Ann Arbor, he performed in
As a baseball player, Velazquez was more successful with the Wolverines. Velazquez was a four-year letterwinner who participated in 100 baseball games for the Maize and Blue, making 68 starts. During his time with Michigan, the outfielder hit.255 with a batting average, nine home runs, and a.769 OPS. In 2021 and 2022, Velazquez was a member of the Wolverine teams that made it to the NCAA Regionals. It seems unlikely that he will play baseball for Ohio State.
On Sunday, James Laurinaitis, a graduate assistant for Buckeye University, posted a photo of the Scarlet and Gray linebackers gathered to watch the Super Bowl. Velazquez was spotted with his new teammates, Garrett Stover and Payton Pierce, who are early enrollee freshmen and now wearing a walking boot due to a foot ligament issue, but should be ready for spring practice.
Interpreting Ohio State’s decision to promote James Laurinaitis to linebackers coach
The Buckeyes returned to the man who was already inside the building after taking their time.
Following Zach Smith’s dismissal, Ohio State temporarily elevated Brian Hartline from his position as quality control coach to wide receivers coach in 2018. After spending several seasons in the NFL, Hartline only had one year of coaching experience, but he soon proved he had the necessary abilities for the position. He has since been promoted to co-offensive coordinator for the Buckeyes.
James Laurinaitis, according to the Scarlet and Gray, can have a similar path. Ryan Day, the head coach, revealed on Thursday that Laurinaitis had been promoted from graduate assistant to linebackers coach. After serving in a comparable capacity at Notre Dame for a single year, the three-time All-American and former captain of Ohio State joined the staff in that capacity last summer.
Similar to Hartline, Laurinaitis receives her experience from
