|
Buckeyes
OSU or Ohio State w/e u call them they kick a##
Add your link here
All team OSU players
All-time Buckeye offense is a football fan’s dream team
By Larry Phillips
Gannett News Service
Throughout its history, Ohio State has produced some of college football’s greatest offensive stars.
Archie Griffin, the ’s only two-time Heisman Trophy winner, exploded out of a Buckeye backfield.
Look at the NFL on any given Sunday and you’ll find a poor defensive back being embarrassed by an Ohio State receiver — Terry Glenn, Joey Galloway, David Boston, etc. Few offensive linemen have garnered more attention than Buckeye legends Jim Parker and Orlando Pace.
It’s been an impressive array of talent. So selecting a first-team of Ohio State’s top offensive stars means cutting some unforgettable athletes.
Former OSU head coach John Cooper liked to talk about players who can “hit home runs.” In that vein, this lineup is filled with heavy hitters.
As with many of teams of this sort, athletes from the early part of the century probably won’t get their due. But that’s another factor that makes these arguments fun.
Here’s one attempt at picking the best Buckeyes.
Rex Kern (1968-1970)
Quarterback
Perhaps the greatest offensive leader ever at OSU. A three-year starter, Kern (6-0, 184) guided the Buckeyes to at least a share of three straight Big Ten titles, two Rose Bowl appearances and the 1968 national title. Ohio State was 27-2 during his career and Kern was MVP of the 1969 Rose Bowl , a 27-16 victory over second-ranked USC and O.J. Simpson.
Archie Griffin (1972-1975)
Running Back
Griffin is the most popular athlete to attend Ohio State. His small size (5-9, 182) and big heart made him an overachiever. But he became a three-time All-American because of his agility, shifty moves and quickness through the hole. The two-time Heisman Trophy winner averaged 6.13 yards per carry for his career and finished with 5,589 yards, more than 1,800 yards better than anyone else at OSU. The Buckeyes were undefeated against Michigan and played in four straight Rose Bowls with Griffin as a starter.
Eddie George (1992-1995)
Running Back
George was an intriguing combination of size (6-3, 230), power and surprising speed. George won the Heisman Trophy by producing the greatest single season by a running back in school history — 1,927 yards and 24 TDs. His 314-yard rushing performance against Illinois in 1995 is a school record. George also went over 200 yards against Washington and Notre Dame that season.
Cris Carter (1984-1986)
Wide Receiver
Carter became Ohio State's first All-American at this position in 1986. As a freshman, Carter set a Rose Bowl record by snagging nine passes for 172 yards. At 6-3, 200 pounds, Carter used his muscular build with spectacular leaping ability to make him nearly impossible to cover. He enjoyed an incredible pro career with the Philadelphia Eagles and Minnesota Vikings, which will surely send him to the NFL Hall of Fame.
Terry Glenn (1993-1995)
Wide Receiver
Another Columbus native who overcame several personal problems (including the murder of his mother) to emerge as Ohio State’s only Biletnikoff Award winner. Glenn’s startling foot speed made up for an unimposing frame (5-11, 185) and helped him catch 64 passes for 1,411 yards and 17 TDs in 1995. This was his only season as a full-time starter, but it was the greatest year an OSU receiver ever has recorded. His 82-yard TD reception against Notre Dame in 1995 was a play Buckeye fans will never forget.
Jan White (1968-1970)
Tight End
White served as a co-captain on the 1970 team and became Kern’s favorite target that season. An All-American, White had the size (6-3, 210) and speed to be an outstanding blocker as well as a downfield threat. Even Woody Hayes didn’t mind throwing the football if White was on the receiving end.
Orlando Pace (1994-1996)
Tackle
John Cooper said Pace became a starter the first day he strolled on campus. This two-time All-American won the 1995 and 1996 Lombardi Awards and was the 1996 Outland Trophy winner. His pancake blocks earned enough attention to make Pace (6-6, 320) the Big Ten’s most valuable offensive player in 1996.
John Hicks (1970, 1972-73)
Tackle
Few linemen enjoyed playing for Ohio State more than Hicks, who possessed boundless enthusiasm. His stature (6-3, 258) and quick feet boosted Hicks to the Outland and Lombardi Awards in 1973. He also finished second that season to Penn State halfback John Cappelletti in the Heisman balloting. Due to injury in 1971, Hicks has the distinction of bridging two spectacular eras. He played for teams anchored by Kern and Griffin.
Jim Parker (1954-1956)
Guard
Like Pace, Parker was a freak of nature in his day and was recently selected a starter on Sports Illustrated’s all-time college football team (as was Pace). Jim’s stunning speed and power made him a two-time All-American and the 1956 Outland Trophy winner. The 6-3, 251-pounder was OSU’s MVP in 1956 and is a College and Pro Football Hall of Famer.
Jim Lachey (1981-1984)
Guard
Why Lachey didn’t become a full-time starter until his senior year is a mind-boggling question that Earle Bruce should be forced to answer. Once Lachey did get his chance, the St. Henry native earned first-team All-American honors. Lachey earned his reputation by clearing the path for Keith Byars. As a pro, Lachey (6-4, 275) went on to become one of the NFL’s best linemen with the Washington Redskins.
Gomer Jones (1934-1935)
Center
Finally, a blast from the past. Jones was a two-time team MVP, who later became a College Football Hall of Famer. Jones was the rock of Francis Schmidt’s offensive lines that led the Buckeyes to a 14-2 mark over two seasons. Although OSU won a Big Ten title in his final season, most people remember that year for the 18-13 miracle loss to Notre Dame.
All-time OSU defensive team packs quite a wallop
By Larry Phillips
Gannett News Service
Jack Tatum was just a sophomore at Ohio State when he met O.J. Simpson.
Although Simpson ripped off a memorable 80-yard TD run against the Buckeyes in that 1969 Rose Bowl, the Juice said his clearest memory of that afternoon is an introduction to Tatum.
Taking a swing pass out of the backfield deep in Ohio State territory, Simpson was blasted out of bounds by Tatum short of the goal line in a one-on-one hit. That tackle saved a touchdown and set the tone for a 27-16 OSU victory that secured the 1968 national championship.
It was the kind of play only elite defenders make. But the Buckeyes have turned loose a few guys who could pursue a lightning quick power back and deliver a -turning blow.
Sticky defensive backs, strong run stoppers, roaming linebackers ... Ohio State has unleashed an outstanding stable of athletes on this side of the ball. They shared one common thread. Each liked to hit.
Here’s a look at the best to wear Scarlet and Gray.
Jim Stillwagon (1968-1970)
Defensive Line
Stillwagon could be considered Ohio State’s greatest defensive lineman. A 6-foot, 220-pound Mount Vernon product, he became a two-time All-American by consistently fighting off double-team blocks from his middle guard spot. The tenacious Stillwagon won the Outland and Lombardi Awards in 1970 and is enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame.
Bill Willis (1942-1944)
Defensive Line
Another college and pro football Hall of Famer, Willis landed on the line because of his size. Still, he was one of the fastest players on his teams and that lethal combination made him an All-American in 1944. Today, at 6-2, 210, Willis would be an ideal running back. In his era, he went on to become a seven-time All-Pro at middle guard.
Mike Vrabel was a pass-rushing machine for the Buckeyes. (Gannett News Service photo)
Mike Vrabel (1993-1996)
Defensive Line
A two-time All-American, Vrabel (6-4, 270) is probably the school’s best pass rusher. He established Ohio State’s single-season and career sacks records with 13 and 36, respectively. Vrabel also left school with 66 tackles for loss, another OSU record. The 1996 defense was one of the best in school history, and Vrabel was one of the biggest factors.
Bob Brudzinski (1973-1976)
Defensive Line
Brudzinski (6-4, 228) is the only defensive end to be named team MVP in the past 40 years. He had a spectacular year as a senior, often dropping into coverage off the line. Brudzinski broke up five passes and led the team in interceptions in 1976. He also posted 126 tackles and had 10 sacks that season.
Chris Spielman (1984-1987)
Linebacker
Spielman’s ferocious intensity made him an immediate crowd favorite. His performances in big elevated him to legendary status. This two-time All-American and Lombardi Award winner was selected MVP of the 1986 Cotton Bowl. His two interceptions also keyed an upset win over No. 1-ranked Iowa in 1985 and he racked up 29 tackles against Michigan in 1986. The 6-2, 240-pound Spielman completed his career with a school-record 283 solo stops.
Randy Gradishar (1971-1973)
Linebacker
Woody Hayes called Gradishar his best linebacker. Gradishar (6-2, 236) was the heart of a 1973 defense that fashioned four shutouts and allowed just 64 points during an undefeated season. This two-time All-American is also a member of the College Football Hall of Fame and the Academic All-America Hall of Fame.
Vic Janowicz, seen here carrying the ball, was also one of OSU’s best defensive backs of all time. (Photo courtesy of the College Football Hall of Fame)
Tom Cousineau (1975-1978)
Linebacker
Another two-time All-American, Cousineau owns the school’s single-season tackles record with 211 stops in 1978. He was also MVP of the 1977 Orange Bowl when the Buckeyes hammered Colorado 27-10. At 6-3 and 224 pounds, Cousineau might have been OSU’s most active linebacker. He owns six of the school’s top 10 single- tackle performances and became the first Ohio State player selected No. 1 overall in the NFL draft, although he opted to play in the CFL.
Vic Janowicz (1949-1951)
Defensive Back
Janowicz was the Charles Woodson of his day, only better. Not only did he win the Heisman as a junior for his offensive play, he was also a superb safety, punter and kicker. The 5-9, 186-pound Janowicz drilled a 38-yard field goal in the 1950 Snow Bowl, which still ranks as Ohio State’s greatest field goal. He also nailed 10 extra points in a at Iowa that season. He might be the Buckeyes’ finest all-around player.
Jack Tatum (1968-1970)
Defensive Back
The school’s most vicious hitter, Sports Illustrated recently listed the 6-foot, 208-pound Tatum as a starter on its all-century college football team. He burst on the national scene as a sophomore by throttling Purdue All-American Leroy Keyes during a 13-0 upset of the Boilermakers. Had there been a Jim Thorpe Award during Tatum’s day, he may have won it twice. Instead, the New Jersey native had to settle for two-time All-America honors.
Neal Colzie (1972-1974)
Defensive Back
Colzie finished his career with 15 interceptions, but that was only part of his skill. He was also Ohio State’s greatest punt returner, and his spectacular 56-yard dash against USC in the 1974 Rose Bowl turned the . The flashy, 6-2, 202-pound Colzie became an All-American in 1974.
Antoine Winfield (1995-1998)
Defensive Back
This Akron product might be the smallest player on either side of the ball (5-9, 170), but only Spielman matched his heart. Winfield was probably the school’s greatest cornerback for his combination of run support and pass coverage. Winfield was voted team MVP in 1997 and became an All-American and the Jim Thorpe Award winner as a senior.
Mike Doss (1999-2002)
Nickel Back
This three-time All-American was the soul of the 2002 national championship team. A safety who was second only to Jack Tatum among OSU’s fiercest hitters, Doss had a flair for the dramatic. He had two interceptions in an upset at Michigan in 2001, and added another pick that led to the Buckeyes’ first TD in the 2003 Fiesta Bowl. Doss led the team in tackles as a junior and was second as a senior, when he was a finalist for the Thorpe Award as the nation's finest defensive back.
Special Teams all team is pretty good!!
Tom Skladany (1973-1976)
Punter
Skladany is just one of six three-time All-Americans in Ohio State history. Skladany established a single-season school record with 46.7 yards per punt and finished his career at 42.7 yards per kick. The Buckeyes didn’t punt often during his career, but he was a field-position weapon that justified coach Hayes making him the school’s first scholarship punter.
Vlade Janakievski (1977-1980)
Kicker
Janakievski was a walk-on from the soccer team, who left school with OSU and Big Ten records for total kicking points in a season and a career. He had three separate PAT streaks of 47, 46 and 42, and drilled two important field goals at Michigan during an 18-15 win in 1979
Add your link here
|
Buckeye Greats
Eddie one of the 3 Rbs to win a heisman at OSU |
