COLUMBUS, Ohio – Todd Boeckman, Malcolm Jenklns, James Laurinaitis and Brian Robiskie were elected as 2008 captains of the Ohio State football team, as announced to the squad today.
“I’m extremely thankful and honored by the confidence shown by my teammates in my leadership,” said Boeckman, a senior quarterback from St. Henry High School in St. Henry, Ohio. “It’s a great feeling to have that type of role in this football program. You’re part of something much bigger than yourself.”
“When you think back on all the past captains at Ohio State, you realize what a great honor and opportunity this is,” said Jenkins, a senior cornerback from Piscataway (N.J.) High School. “This team is a very special collection of remarkable people; that’s why I came back for another year – to be around these guys.”
“It’s unbelievable to have the chance to represent the type of player and people we have on this team as their captain for another year,” said Laurinaitis, a senior linebacker from Wayzata High School in Hamel, Minn., who also served as a team captain in 2007. “With the number of outstanding leaders we have on our team, I will work to lead everyone in every way I can, on and off the field.”
Previous two-year captains: Richard T. Ellis (1891-92), Archie Griffin (1974-75), Glen Cobb (1981-82), Thomas Johnson (1984-85), Joe Cooper (2000-01), Steve Bellisari (2000-01)
“First and foremost, it humbles you. To have the respect of your teammates in such a way is definitely an honor,” said Robiskie, a senior who attended Chagrin Falls High School in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. “The tradition of guys who have led this team in the past shows you what an honor it is.”
Monday, August 25, 2008
Offensive Breakdown
With a team that returns 19 out of a possible 22 starters there are two things this Ohio State Team has: experience and depth. Each position seems as though it is filled with seasoned veterans or highly touted recruits. With their dominance of the Big 10 in recent years even a season filled with injuries could still lead to a successful result.
The O-Line
The offensive line returns four starters. Jim Cordle, the center, will enter his second year of starting. Last season, due to injury, he snapped most of the year from his weaker hand and did not miss a beat. Surrounding him, in the Guard positions, are two seniors Steve Rehring and Ben Person who both started every game last year. Replacing the All-American Right Tackle, Kirk Barton, is Bryant
Browning. Browning has continued to develop in game situations and is a crushing run blocker. The line is solidified by Outland Trophy contender Alex Boone. Boone who may be one of the best athletes on the team, not just the offensive line, could be a 1st round draft pick next year in the NFL Draft. Rounding out the depth in the O-line are three outstanding Freshman JB Shugarts, Mike Adams and Michael Brewster who are both 5 Star Recruits.
Wide Receivers
Brian Robiskie is the leading returning receiver from the past two seasons has outstanding speed and quickness. He is blessed with great hands and has a remarkable knack for the big play. Brian Hartline, who had six touchdown receptions last season, returns as Todd Boeckman’s go to receiver over the middle. Hartline, who is an Ohio State track star in the hurdles, has great hands, work ethic and an ability to find seams over the middle. Ray Small is trying to stay out of trouble and develop into the outstanding slot receiver that he has always been hyped up to be. Ted Ginn Sr. called him the best wide receiver that he has ever coached. Small has shown flashes of greatness and dynamic speed as a return man for Ohio State. Dane Sanzenbacher has solidified his starting role as the slot receiver in spring practice. Sanzenbacher is a speedy receiver who made an impact as a true freshman, showed great instincts for the game and developed into a solid red zone threat. Adding depth and talent to this already strong position are sophomore Taurian Washington, Five Star Recruit DeVier Posey and Four Star Athlete Lamar Thomas. If you include pass catching Tight Ends Rory Nicole and Jake Ballard this is a group that should keep Todd Boeckman very comfortable in passing downs.
Running Backs
With Heisman frontrunner Chris “Beanie” Wells you could move your back up running backs to defense and feel confident enough. Beanie fought through injuries last season to break Archie Griffin’s OSU sophomore rushing record with 1,609 yards and added 15 touchdowns. Barring any nagging injuries, like the ones that Beanie dealt with last year, the Buckeyes will do more than survive their schedule. Brandon Saine and Maurice Wells are very formidable speed backs that give Tressel several options offensively to slip them out onto the wings or use them on screen plays. In the Spring Redshirt Freshman Daniel “Boom” Herron took advantage of some injuries to the other running backs and should see some significant playing time.
Quarterbacks
Returning starter Todd Boeckman has a full season of starting under his belt and this being his fifth year in Tressel’s system should show some big signs of improvement. Todd was 1st Team Big Ten and led the conference in pass efficiency. In Spring Ball the word consistency was stressed with Todd who struggled in the
Buckeyes last four games. Todd was selected as a unanimous captain and has comfortably stepped up into that leadership role. Finally, I am at the part you have all been waiting for. Terrelle Pryor the number one recruit in the nation. Pryor, a 6 foot 6 freak of nature, is a dual threat at Quarterback and has the ability to score at any moment through the air or on the ground. Joe Bauserman, who was a more highly touted High School star than Brian Brohm, spent a few years in the Pittsburgh Pirates farm system has returned to Ohio State and adds depth and experience to the position.
The O-Line
The offensive line returns four starters. Jim Cordle, the center, will enter his second year of starting. Last season, due to injury, he snapped most of the year from his weaker hand and did not miss a beat. Surrounding him, in the Guard positions, are two seniors Steve Rehring and Ben Person who both started every game last year. Replacing the All-American Right Tackle, Kirk Barton, is Bryant
Browning. Browning has continued to develop in game situations and is a crushing run blocker. The line is solidified by Outland Trophy contender Alex Boone. Boone who may be one of the best athletes on the team, not just the offensive line, could be a 1st round draft pick next year in the NFL Draft. Rounding out the depth in the O-line are three outstanding Freshman JB Shugarts, Mike Adams and Michael Brewster who are both 5 Star Recruits.Wide Receivers
Brian Robiskie is the leading returning receiver from the past two seasons has outstanding speed and quickness. He is blessed with great hands and has a remarkable knack for the big play. Brian Hartline, who had six touchdown receptions last season, returns as Todd Boeckman’s go to receiver over the middle. Hartline, who is an Ohio State track star in the hurdles, has great hands, work ethic and an ability to find seams over the middle. Ray Small is trying to stay out of trouble and develop into the outstanding slot receiver that he has always been hyped up to be. Ted Ginn Sr. called him the best wide receiver that he has ever coached. Small has shown flashes of greatness and dynamic speed as a return man for Ohio State. Dane Sanzenbacher has solidified his starting role as the slot receiver in spring practice. Sanzenbacher is a speedy receiver who made an impact as a true freshman, showed great instincts for the game and developed into a solid red zone threat. Adding depth and talent to this already strong position are sophomore Taurian Washington, Five Star Recruit DeVier Posey and Four Star Athlete Lamar Thomas. If you include pass catching Tight Ends Rory Nicole and Jake Ballard this is a group that should keep Todd Boeckman very comfortable in passing downs.
Running Backs
With Heisman frontrunner Chris “Beanie” Wells you could move your back up running backs to defense and feel confident enough. Beanie fought through injuries last season to break Archie Griffin’s OSU sophomore rushing record with 1,609 yards and added 15 touchdowns. Barring any nagging injuries, like the ones that Beanie dealt with last year, the Buckeyes will do more than survive their schedule. Brandon Saine and Maurice Wells are very formidable speed backs that give Tressel several options offensively to slip them out onto the wings or use them on screen plays. In the Spring Redshirt Freshman Daniel “Boom” Herron took advantage of some injuries to the other running backs and should see some significant playing time.
Quarterbacks
Returning starter Todd Boeckman has a full season of starting under his belt and this being his fifth year in Tressel’s system should show some big signs of improvement. Todd was 1st Team Big Ten and led the conference in pass efficiency. In Spring Ball the word consistency was stressed with Todd who struggled in the
Buckeyes last four games. Todd was selected as a unanimous captain and has comfortably stepped up into that leadership role. Finally, I am at the part you have all been waiting for. Terrelle Pryor the number one recruit in the nation. Pryor, a 6 foot 6 freak of nature, is a dual threat at Quarterback and has the ability to score at any moment through the air or on the ground. Joe Bauserman, who was a more highly touted High School star than Brian Brohm, spent a few years in the Pittsburgh Pirates farm system has returned to Ohio State and adds depth and experience to the position.
Defensive Breakdown
D-Line
Loosing 2nd Team All Big Ten defensive end, Vernon Gholston, would slow down any teams pass rush. Except by the end of this season many fans will have forgotten about Gholston due to the play of Lawrence Wilson. Wilson, who was the starter opposite Gholston at D-End last season, went down in week one due to a broken leg. But know he is back and is poised to replace Gholston as the main sack artist for the Buckeyes. Thaddeus Gibson joins Gholston at the other defensive end position. This converted linebacker has incredible speed and drive and enough athletic ability to play safety. Look for Thaddeus to surprise some people with
Defensive Backs
Three words, Malcolm Jenkins Period. Jenkins possesses all of the skill and talent to be a number one cover 
corner in the NFL now. Passing up the draft Malcolm returned to
Linebackers
The buckeyes not only have one of the best inside linebackers in the nation, James 
Laurinaitis, but they also posses another top 10 linebacker in Marcus Freeman. Laurinaitis is a returning All-American, Butkus and Nagurski Award winner and one of the most proficient linebackers in the college ranks today. He has the ability to stuff the run, bring down the quarterback and drop back in coverage. Laurinaitis has 7 interceptions in his career at
Monday, August 11, 2008
3rd Times a Charm
Another college football season begins and, again this year, there are many questions surrounding each team. Can Georgia fight through the suspensions and live up to expectations? Can Tim Tebow match Archie Griffin and become the second player ever to win two Heisman trophies?
Can USC settle on a quarterback and be crowned King of the Pac 10 for the 7th straight year? With many new questions this year, Ohio State is still looking to answer questions from seasons past. Will their dominance over their big ten foes continue? Can they compete with the speed of the SEC? Will the voters even give OSU a shot at a third straight National Championship? Again this season, to the dismay of most college football fans, Ohio State is in the hunt for the National Championship. Last year the buckeyes were a bit of a surprise having had to replace so many stars on offense and defense. The Heisman Trophy Winner, Troy Smith, and the likes of Ted Ginn and Anthony Gonzales all found themselves selected in the NFL draft. The Buckeyes sent 8 draft picks to the NFL and many fans, including me, thought the Buckeyes would finish the 2007 season with two losses. It was exhilarating to see a team with just 11 returning starters excel a year earlier than expected. But all alliteration aside, it was troubling. With the success came some confusion. Questions arose and the chance that James Laurinaitis, Malcolm Jenkins, Alex Boone, Vernon Gholston and Brian Robiskie could all leave early for the draft. Gholston could not pass up the chance to be a Top 10 draft pick, but to the delight of all Buckeye fans everyone else returned. This Ohio State team returns an astounding 19 starters and, two National Championship games later, loads of experience. An undefeated march through the Big 10 and a record breaking third straight title are most certainty on the horizon. At just about any program, across the country, making it to the National Championship would be a success but now it’s different. The fact of the matter is that we have not returned any favor to the Big 10. In past years we received the benefit of the doubt that the Big 10 conference is a BCS conference. This year I would not expect that same sentiment to be present in the mind of the voters. 
This is the year for Ohio State to take a stand and to return some credibility to the conference. This offseason the Buckeyes brought home some interesting hardware; they were named the most hated team in College Football. Honestly, who can blame the voters the Buckeyes have been an embarrassment in the NC. I have tried to find a flaw in this team, something that assures me we will not make it to another National Championship game but I can not. This is one of the most talented and complete teams that have ever played under Jim Tressel and that is saying a lot. Let’s just hope they can live up to these lofty expectations. If they are the best team on the field in Southern California on Sep 13th there is nothing standing in their way of disappointing the general public once again.
Can USC settle on a quarterback and be crowned King of the Pac 10 for the 7th straight year? With many new questions this year, Ohio State is still looking to answer questions from seasons past. Will their dominance over their big ten foes continue? Can they compete with the speed of the SEC? Will the voters even give OSU a shot at a third straight National Championship? Again this season, to the dismay of most college football fans, Ohio State is in the hunt for the National Championship. Last year the buckeyes were a bit of a surprise having had to replace so many stars on offense and defense. The Heisman Trophy Winner, Troy Smith, and the likes of Ted Ginn and Anthony Gonzales all found themselves selected in the NFL draft. The Buckeyes sent 8 draft picks to the NFL and many fans, including me, thought the Buckeyes would finish the 2007 season with two losses. It was exhilarating to see a team with just 11 returning starters excel a year earlier than expected. But all alliteration aside, it was troubling. With the success came some confusion. Questions arose and the chance that James Laurinaitis, Malcolm Jenkins, Alex Boone, Vernon Gholston and Brian Robiskie could all leave early for the draft. Gholston could not pass up the chance to be a Top 10 draft pick, but to the delight of all Buckeye fans everyone else returned. This Ohio State team returns an astounding 19 starters and, two National Championship games later, loads of experience. An undefeated march through the Big 10 and a record breaking third straight title are most certainty on the horizon. At just about any program, across the country, making it to the National Championship would be a success but now it’s different. The fact of the matter is that we have not returned any favor to the Big 10. In past years we received the benefit of the doubt that the Big 10 conference is a BCS conference. This year I would not expect that same sentiment to be present in the mind of the voters. 
This is the year for Ohio State to take a stand and to return some credibility to the conference. This offseason the Buckeyes brought home some interesting hardware; they were named the most hated team in College Football. Honestly, who can blame the voters the Buckeyes have been an embarrassment in the NC. I have tried to find a flaw in this team, something that assures me we will not make it to another National Championship game but I can not. This is one of the most talented and complete teams that have ever played under Jim Tressel and that is saying a lot. Let’s just hope they can live up to these lofty expectations. If they are the best team on the field in Southern California on Sep 13th there is nothing standing in their way of disappointing the general public once again.Saturday, August 9, 2008
The Legends of Lard
So, my brother was in town this week, we got to talking and he brought up a conversation he had about the fattest players in baseball. I started thinking about it and I decided to put together a starting lineup. Forget the All-Star Team this is the All-Fat Team. In a league filled with high salaries, stretched waistbands and pulled hamstrings these are truly the All-Stars. Fortunately for them their poor eating habits and overall lack of athletic ability is completely overshadowed by their outstanding baseball skill. I have always argued that baseball players are the least athletic of any other major sports athletes and, at times, I have questioned if we should even refer to them as athletes. But I think my perspective may have been a bit off base. Watching all 5’11’ 270 pounds of Prince Fielder rumble around the bases for an inside the park home run was a thing of grace. Maybe they are not inferior athletes at all. Not many people could run the basses as quickly and as elegantly as Prince Fielder did. There are only two requirements for my picks: First they must be active players and second they must be able to fit at least 12 hot dogs in their mouth at once. (Buns Included) These Legends of Lard should not be looked down upon but raised up atop a pedestal and praised for their accomplishments. Here it is! This is what you have been waiting for...the starting lineup.
The Manager: Charlie Manuel
If you are going to have a team someone has to be the manager. Look at that face he is just hunting for sausage.
Weight: 225 lbs.
Today, Jose and Yadier let me borrow their chins. Oh happy day!
First Basemen: Prince Fielder
Height: 5-11
Weight: 277 lbs.
Hmmm ain't no meat in that donut sandwich huh Prince?
Second Basemen: Ronnie Belliard
Height: 5-10
Weight: 214
214...Yea in your bra
Short Stop: Juan Uribe
Height: 6-0
Weight: 225
You may be thinking that Uribe is not that big but he has been putting on a lot of weight at the Craps Table not to mention he has been taking diet tips from Bobby Jenks
Third Basemen: Miguel Cabrera
Height: 6-4
Weight: 240 lbs.
He only looks this big because he is secretly hiding Brandon Inge in his jersey to play defense for him
Outfield: Magglio Ordonez
Height: 6-0
Weight: 215
See that smile, its the same smile he had on his face when he learned grown ups could order Happy Meals too....aww Magglio they grow up so fast
Outfield: Carlos Lee
Height: 6-2
Weight: 240 lbs.
"El caballo" that's Spanish for the lettuce. Maybe he should try and incorporate that into his el dieto.
Outfield: Willie Mo Pena
Height: 6-3
Weight: 268 lbs.
Designated Hitter: David Ortiz
Height: 6-4
Weight: 230
Ohhh man. That's what I am talking about. That is just a smorgasbord of fun right there.
The Starting Rotation
CC Sabathia
Height: 6-7
Weight: 290 lbs.
CC breaks the scales just like he broke most Clevelander's hearts.
Fatolo Colon
Height: 5-11
Weight: 245
Bartolo was skinny, but then he learned instead of a paycheck he could be paid in Beer and hot dogs. Nothing like a direct deposit
Brad Penny
Height: 6-4
Weight: 260 lbs.
Every first monday of the month at noon the dodgers do not practice their tornado drills but they learn how to use a defibrillator. I hope for Brad's sake Manny does not decide to be Manny at the wrong time.
Aaron Harang
Height: 6-7
Weight: 275
It is not Harang's fault that his training schedule in the offseason is comprised of sleeping and Skyline chili. The dude lives in Cincy who can blame him.
Sidney Ponson
Height: 6-1
Weight: 260
I am not exactly sure what happened to Sidney Ponson maybe it is all the cristal. Bottoms up!
The Bullpen
Bobby Jenks
Height: 6-3
Weigt: 275
Good thing that pink facial hair makes him more aerodynamic otherwise his fastball might loose 5mph
Eric Gagne
Height: 6-0
Weight: 240
Apparently after steroid use subsides every muscle in your body is replaced with jelley donuts. Beard growth is suggested to slow the break down of muscles but not necessary
Bob Wickman
Height: 6-1
Weight: 240 lbs.
"I made you save....but I eated it.
Although these players are real this team is fictional. But there is one Major League Baseball team that tips the scales. This team recieves honorable mention for the domination of their wastebands. The fattest team in the MLB is the Chicago White Sox with an average weight of 224lbs. Well there you have it. Something that can make any American smile. These are truly real American Heros. If you have any suggestions or additions to my starting lineup leave your comments or send me an email.
The Manager: Charlie ManuelIf you are going to have a team someone has to be the manager. Look at that face he is just hunting for sausage.
Catcher: Bengie Molina
Weight: 225 lbs.
Today, Jose and Yadier let me borrow their chins. Oh happy day!
First Basemen: Prince FielderHeight: 5-11
Weight: 277 lbs.
Hmmm ain't no meat in that donut sandwich huh Prince?
Second Basemen: Ronnie BelliardHeight: 5-10
Weight: 214
214...Yea in your bra
Short Stop: Juan UribeHeight: 6-0
Weight: 225
You may be thinking that Uribe is not that big but he has been putting on a lot of weight at the Craps Table not to mention he has been taking diet tips from Bobby Jenks
Third Basemen: Miguel CabreraHeight: 6-4
Weight: 240 lbs.
He only looks this big because he is secretly hiding Brandon Inge in his jersey to play defense for him
Outfield: Magglio OrdonezHeight: 6-0
Weight: 215
See that smile, its the same smile he had on his face when he learned grown ups could order Happy Meals too....aww Magglio they grow up so fast
Outfield: Carlos LeeHeight: 6-2
Weight: 240 lbs.
"El caballo" that's Spanish for the lettuce. Maybe he should try and incorporate that into his el dieto.
Outfield: Willie Mo PenaHeight: 6-3
Weight: 268 lbs.
Designated Hitter: David Ortiz
Height: 6-4
Weight: 230
Ohhh man. That's what I am talking about. That is just a smorgasbord of fun right there.
The Starting Rotation
CC SabathiaHeight: 6-7
Weight: 290 lbs.
CC breaks the scales just like he broke most Clevelander's hearts.
Fatolo ColonHeight: 5-11
Weight: 245
Bartolo was skinny, but then he learned instead of a paycheck he could be paid in Beer and hot dogs. Nothing like a direct deposit
Brad PennyHeight: 6-4
Weight: 260 lbs.
Every first monday of the month at noon the dodgers do not practice their tornado drills but they learn how to use a defibrillator. I hope for Brad's sake Manny does not decide to be Manny at the wrong time.
Aaron HarangHeight: 6-7
Weight: 275
It is not Harang's fault that his training schedule in the offseason is comprised of sleeping and Skyline chili. The dude lives in Cincy who can blame him.
Sidney PonsonHeight: 6-1
Weight: 260
I am not exactly sure what happened to Sidney Ponson maybe it is all the cristal. Bottoms up!
The Bullpen
Bobby JenksHeight: 6-3
Weigt: 275
Good thing that pink facial hair makes him more aerodynamic otherwise his fastball might loose 5mph
Eric GagneHeight: 6-0
Weight: 240
Apparently after steroid use subsides every muscle in your body is replaced with jelley donuts. Beard growth is suggested to slow the break down of muscles but not necessary
Bob WickmanHeight: 6-1
Weight: 240 lbs.
"I made you save....but I eated it.
Although these players are real this team is fictional. But there is one Major League Baseball team that tips the scales. This team recieves honorable mention for the domination of their wastebands. The fattest team in the MLB is the Chicago White Sox with an average weight of 224lbs. Well there you have it. Something that can make any American smile. These are truly real American Heros. If you have any suggestions or additions to my starting lineup leave your comments or send me an email.
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