Ohio
2024 NFL Draft: Multiple Ohio State Buckeyes Sign UDFA Contracts
The 2024 NFL Draft ended as a productive weekend for the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Four Buckeyes players heard their names called during the three-day event. Star receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. kicked things off as the fourth-overall choice and was followed by defensive tackle Michael Hall Jr. (Cleveland Browns), tight end Cade Stover (Houston Texans), and linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (Las Vegas Raiders).
In the hours since the draft closed late Saturday evening, three other members of the Scarlet and Gray have signed NFL contracts as “undrafted free agents.” Here are the latest Ohio State players to ink professional deals.
Apr 25, 2024; Detroit, MI, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. poses after
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Josh Proctor (SAF) – Jacksonville Jaguars
Josh Proctor’s time at Ohio State was plagued by injuries, which limited his on-field contributions. However, the safety has more than proven his ability in the reps which he has received.
During the NFL Combine, the Owasso, Oklahoma native said his time off of the field has helped him prepare himself for life in the NFL.
“It helped me mature,” Proctor said. “Helped me learn, helped me grow in different aspects in life. So honestly, it’s just a great opportunity to be a better person, a better player at the end of the day.”
Xavier Johnson (WR) – Buffalo Bills
Xavier Johnson was Ohio State’s primary option out of the slot last season, a position at which he was able to mix his terrific hands with lightning speed. Receiver is not the only spot at which Johnson has experience, as the career of “weapon X” began playing defensive back.
By adding Johnson to their roster, the Bills are one step closer to filling the massive shoes of receiver Stefon Diggs. Diggs was traded to the Texans earlier this month, in exchange for a handful of current and future draft picks.
Matthew Jones (OL) – Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins offensive line was one of the best in the NFL last season. Miami finished with the most earned yards last season with 6,822, which averages out to over 400 per game.
Matthew Jones will have to work hard to earn a place on such a strong O-line, something of which the senior is not afraid. Following Ohio State’s Pro Day on March 20, Jones said his focus would be on becoming as multifaceted as possible.
“I’m just trying to be as versitalle as possible,” Jones said. “From that center position, just be comfortable and be confident.”
Ohio
Yosteria opens its enoteca
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – A downtown Youngstown business is expanding.
Yosteria celebrated the grand opening of its new space–the enoteca at Yosteria.
The owners modeled the space after a traditional wine bar in Italy, which is known as an “enoteca.”
The space located in the backyard of the property features an expanded wine list–their own in-house made wine and full bar options.
The owners say the expansion helps bring their original vision to life, showcasing a wide variety of Italian cuisine.
“We have strong southern Italian roots here,” co-owner Alex Zordich said. “We have a lot of southern Italian food, but we also have a lot of central northern. It’s fine introducing those fruits even to the Southern Italians here. So we’re excited about the wine aspect of that to just continue to educate.”
“There are so many Indigenous grapes in Italy, hundreds and hundreds, and we want to show you the different expressions of wine and how they, you know, they pair with food and just all the different wines that Italy has to offer,” co-owner Frank Tuscano added.
The owners say if you would like to check the new space out, reservations are highly recommended.
You can make those over on their website or by calling the restaurant.
Ohio
Car flipped, police investigating scene in Boardman
BOARDMAN, Ohio (WKBN) — A heavy police presence could be seen near Meadowbrook Avenue and Market Street in Boardman after one vehicle flipped on its roof Saturday evening
It happened a little before 7:30 p.m. on Market Street, right at the Meadowbrook Avenue intersection.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, multiple people involved have been taken into custody.
Large police presences were also at the corner of Southern Boulevard and Meadowbrook Avenue, and at the intersection of Indianola Avenue and Market Street.
Our crew is on the scene, but right now we’re unsure if there are any injuries or how the crash happened.
The intersection is currently blocked off while crews work.
The crash is under investigation.
No other information has been given at this time.
Dominic O’Brien contributed to this report.
Ohio
Ohio’s first mountain coaster coming to Hocking Hills
HOCKING HILLS, Ohio (WJW) — Visitors to Hocking Hills will soon have an opportunity to experience the beauty of southeastern Ohio in a whole new way.
Jake Ryan is one of the visionaries behind the Hocking Hills Mountain Coaster, a brand new attraction set to open next year.
According to Ryan, the coaster will feature 3,640 feet of track that will bob and weave through the trees at speeds up to 26 miles per hour, allowing riders to view Hocking Hills through a completely different lens.
Crews will break ground on the project August 1.
“We are so proud to bring this to the Hocking Hills community. This isn’t just for the tourists who visit this incredible area, it’s for the local community too, and we truly believe it’s going to be a blessing for everyone in the region,” Ryan wrote on social media, announcing the project and sharing a video rendering of what’s to come.
Ryan, who also manages more than two dozen cabins in the Hocking Hills area, told Fox 8 News visitors to the scenic region often share feedback about their stay, and one thing they always seem to ask for is more attractions.
Though rich with hiking trails, waterfalls, caves to explore and more, Ryan said he is filling a gap in the area with the creation of the Hocking Hills Mountain Coaster.
“It is definitely a need for the area based on feedback we get directly from guests we’re hosting,” Ryan said.
After looking across the country for different ideas and inspiration, Ryan said an alpine coaster – popular in areas like Gatlinburg, Tennessee in the Smoky Mountains – made the most sense in terms of giving visitors a unique, fun adventure they wouldn’t get anywhere else in the state.
“There’s nothing like it in Ohio,” Ryan told Fox 8. “It is a completely different experience.”

The project should be complete by late winter 2026 or early spring 2027.
Along with the coaster, Ryan said a 5,000 square foot commercial building will also be constructed to house a gift shop, merchandise and activities for the whole family.
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