Johnnie Dixon (1) is lifted into the air by A.J. Alexander (88) after Dixon’s touchdown during the second half of the Buckeyes game against Rutgers on Oct. 1. The Buckeyes won 58-0. Credit: Mason Swires | Former Assistant Photo Editor
Ohio State will be without redshirt sophomore tight end A.J. Alexander in the fall after the backup injured his knee, which required surgery and will cause him to miss the 2017 season, a team spokesman confirmed to The Lantern on Friday.
The news was first reported by Tim May of the Columbus Dispatch.
The tight end was injured after spring practice had concluded and has already undergone surgery, according to the spokesman.
Alexander played in all 13 games for Ohio State last season, catching four passes for 27 yards.
During spring practice, Alexander saw an increased role in the offense while redshirt senior tight end Marcus Baugh rehabilitated after undergoing shoulder surgery.
Ohio State’s three redshirt sophomore tight ends – Luke Farrell, Jake Hausmann and Kierre Hawkins – will likely take larger roles in the offense given the void Alexander leaves.
