3. He wore the “BlockO” last year.
Styles wasn’t just a successful player on the field; he was a highly regarded person in Ohio State’s locker room, which is why it was an easy decision for the Buckeyes’ coaching staff to give Styles one of the highest honors they can bestow to a player.
Styles wore the “Block O” last year, which is given annually to the Ohio State player who exemplifies “the core values of being a Buckeye: toughness, leadership, and character.” The tradition was started in honor of former Ohio State defensive end Bill Willis, who played for the Buckeyes from 1942-44. He later played for the Cleveland Browns and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Willis was known for his toughness, accountability and the highest of character, and Styles possesses those same traits.
“Being able to wear the Block O would be an honor,” Styles said last August. “I think the biggest thing, obviously, wearing the Block O is about the integrity and character of a person. But I think for me, just seeing the guys that wore that number before me and having a personal relationship with them and knowing the kind of men they were, they were great men.”
Styles was the sixth “Block O” recipient, joining defensive end Jonathan Cooper, offensive line Thayer Munford, wide receiver Kamryn Babb, wide receiver Xavier Johnson and linebacker Cody Simon.