After making his first career start as an Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker, former Liberty County High School football player Raekwon McMillan earned another accolade from his coaching staff.

McMillan tied for the team lead in tackles with eight, three solo, in the Buckeyes’ 42-24 win last Monday at Virginia Tech. After the coaching staff reviewed the film, they graded McMillan’s performance as “champion.”

“It was my first start, and it was a great atmosphere,” McMillan told the media during interviews this week. “My teammates were out there for me. The linebackers played their butts off, the D-line played their butts off, and the offense held their own.”

Buckeyes coach Urban Meyer told the media it’s rare for a first-time starter to be graded a champion.

The Buckeyes had a short week to prepare for their game Saturday afternoon against Hawaii at Ohio Stadium.

“My first start in the Horseshoe,” McMillan said, smiling and anticipating the excitement of his first home game as a starter. “I’m just ready to go out there with my teammates and have fun. It means a lot to me that I’m able to go out there. It’s truly a blessing. I want to thank God. … This has been a long journey and I’m finally here, it’s finally here.”

The Buckeyes blasted Hawaii 38-0. McMillan made 7 total tackles in the win.