Marysville’s Gabe Powers evaluates OSU Spring Game performance

After deciding to attend The Ohio State University early, Marysville standout Gabe Powers got the chance to compete in a Buckeye uniform for the program’s Scarlet and Gray spring game.

“I feel like I did well in adjusting to the pace of the game,” Powers told The Marysville Journal-Tribune.

The once highly sought-after prospect added that he is still finding his way when it comes to learning the defensive playbook but stated that he felt his performance April 16 was “decent” in his eyes.

Gabe Powers looks to the sideline for the next play call as the defense falls behind the offense during the program’s spring game at Ohio Stadium.

Powers got several minutes especially in the second half of the spring game. With a new team and a new game plan to learn, Powers noted that he’s confident that he’ll get the hang of things.

“I still got a lot to prove,” Powers expressed. “So, I got to keep working.”

As of this moment, Powers is enrolled with the university and is in the midst of finishing up the finals period. The former Monarch shared that he is taking five classes and alluded to how the first moments on campus was a balancing moment for him.

“[Classes] are good,” Powers commented. “It was an adjustment at first, being on your own and everything being independent, but I love Ohio State so I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

For any athletes attending college, the dauting task of molding oneself to either the speed or rigor of collegiate athletics can be a tough bill to pay. In his first moments on campus, Powers kept his head aimed at competing the best way he can every day.

“There are other recruits here too,” Powers said. “Everybody here has been great though — [everybody] really helps you through it all.”

 He added that the linebacker room has been a welcoming environment since he stepped on campus.

Jim Knowles currently serves as the team’s defensive coordinator along with being the linebackers’ coach. The 35-year collegiate coach started Jan. 2 of this year after Al Washington left for the University of Notre Dame to be the team’s defensive run game coordinator and defensive line coach.

Prior to joining the Fighting Irish, Washington recruited Powers to the Buckeyes. The Buckeyes play Notre Dame week one of the collegiate season.

“Love [coach Knowles],” Powers expressed. “I love the coaching staff as a whole.”

In terms of goals Powers wants to reach soon is getting his weight up physically. He currently weighs about 225 pounds, but he plans on reaching upwards of 240-245 pounds.

 While getting physically ready is a process in of itself, Powers hopes to get his black stripe removed from his helmet cementing him as a Buckeye.

“Biggest short-term goal right now is to get that black stripe off,” Powers noted. “We are done with practices right now… so I don’t think we can do that until later, but that is definitely the main goal right now.”

Gabe Powers (36) meets OSU linman Grant Toutant (73) at the mid level of the defense during a run play.

For those unfamiliar, newly added players are given a black stripe which covers the red line on Ohio State’s helmets. Players must show their skill, grit and work ethic in order to have it removed.

“It really solidifies that you’re on the team,” Powers explained. “It’s just kind of an accomplishment… then you work on the next goal.”

Powers commented that he keeps in touch with his friends and family in Marysville which is about a 30-minute drive from campus. After the spring game, Powers went back home to attend Easter festivities with his family.

Powers is will also return to Marysville High School graduation ceremony in Late May.