Willtrell Hartson, a recent graduate of Massillon Washington High School in Ohio, has decided to join Ohio State's 2013 football program as a preferred walk-on. Hartson is a multi-sport athlete, having played football, basketball, and track, and was a standout for the Tigers in all three sports. He was a four-year letterman in football, playing quarterback, wide receiver, and defensive back. He was a three-year letterman in basketball, playing forward and center, and a two-year letterman in track, competing in the sprints and relays.
Hartson's decision to join Ohio State's 2023 football team was due to his admiration for the program and the opportunity to compete at the collegiate level. He believes that the combination of Ohio State's nationally-renowned football program, the quality of its academic offerings, and the chance to play Big Ten football was too good to pass up.
With the Buckeyes, Hartson will be able to continue to hone his skills at the college level. He will have the opportunity to compete for a spot on the team and prove himself to the coaching staff. He is confident that he will be able to make a positive impact on the program and help the Buckeyes to continued success.
What does being a preferred walk-on mean?
A preferred walk-on is an athlete who is invited to join a college team without being offered an athletic scholarship. Preferred walk-ons are typically highly skilled athletes who have the ability to contribute to the team’s success. Preferred walk-ons are typically invited to join the team by the head coach or other members of the coaching staff. They are typically asked to join the team after the team has filled all of its scholarship slots, and they are invited to join the team without having to go through the regular recruiting process. Preferred walk-ons are expected to work hard and compete for playing time just like any other member of the team, and they may eventually be awarded scholarships if they perform well.
Prior to committing to Ohio State, Hartson had scholarship offers from a number of other schools, including Akron, Cincinnati, Ohio, and Toledo.
What does the Ohio State football program running back squad look like in 2023?
In 2023, the Ohio State football program running back squad will be a veteran unit, with many of the same players who were on the team in 2013 still contributing. The team is expected to field a deep roster of experienced players, including:
• Miyan Williams is an Ohio State running back from Winton Woods High School in Cincinnati, OH. He was a four-star recruit and the top-rated recruit from Ohio in the 2020 recruiting class. Williams has been a standout for the Buckeyes since his freshman year, rushing for over 1,500 yards and 10 touchdowns. He was also the MVP of the 2021 Fiesta Bowl win over Clemson. In addition to his on-field performance, Williams has been a leader off the field as well, participating in community service projects and becoming an ambassador for the university. He is seen as a role model in his hometown of Cincinnati and is a source of pride for the state of Ohio.
• TreVeyon Henderson is a talented young running back out of Hopewell High School in Hopewell, Virginia. At 5-10 and 190 pounds, Henderson is a formidable force on the field. He has the speed and agility to outrun defenders and the strength to break tackles and gain extra yards. He is also a gifted pass-catcher with sure hands and excellent route-running abilities.
• Dallan Hayden is a 5-10, 200-pound running back from Christian Brothers High School in Memphis, Tennessee.
• DeaMonte "Chip" Trayanum is a running back for the Ohio State University football team from Akron, Ohio. Trayanum is a powerful runner who has the ability to run between the tackles and break tackles. He also has elite speed, which makes him a threat to score any time he touches the ball. His incredible athleticism makes him a threat to opposing defenses.
• Evan Pryor is a 5-11, 200-pound running back from William Amos Hough High School in Cornelius, North Carolina.
The Ohio State running backs will be a talented, deep group in 2023, with the potential to be even more successful than in the past.
WILLTRELL HARTSON – MASSILLON TIGERS RUNNING BACK