Widely considered to be the ultimate team sport, football requires the constant dedication and effort of not simply the star players but the role ones as well. While few remember the fullback who casts key blocks all season long for the conference's leading rusher or the relatively unknown reserve linebacker who filled the gaps on any odd number of downs to keep the core unit fresh throughout the season. Though few publications or media outlets ever pay true homage to these selfless athletes, it is time someone took notice and brought their cause to the forefront. With this being said, DTI has decided to answer the call and brings you a list of the Buckeyes best players you probably have heard very little about.
Ohio State Buckeyes-
*Offense-
*Marcus Williams (So.), RB- His numbers aren't gaudy and he doesn't show many flashes of greatness on the field, but one thing is for certain; he can play. A key member of the scout team and special teams unit since he joined the Buckeyes as a walk-on three years ago. Williams spent time in 07a€² as the Buckeyes fourth tailback and even played some mop up time late in games (14 carries/40 yards). The countless contributions to the team can not be measured with statistics or the lack of highlight type plays on ESPN. His work keeps defenses well prepared in practice and the top backs safe from late game injuries. With Wells, Saine and Herron, there will be few pigskin handoffs to go around to other backfield members, but if they go to anyone it will be this Ironton, OH native. With that said, in 2008 expect more of the same role only elevated in intensity as OSU tries to contend for their third straight BCS National Championship Game appearance.
* Dane Sanzenbacher (So.), WR- The Toledo Central Catholic standout could one day be the answer to an Ohio State trivia question; he scored the first touchdown of the 2007 football season. Unfortunately for the pedestrian sized wide receiver, the score would be his only one the entire season. Due to a lock-jam at the position and several injuries which slowed his progression, Sanzenbacher was limited to 11 catches for 82 yards, numbers far fewer than he and the Buckeyes would have liked. This year, with Brian Robiskie and Hartline, Ray Small, Taurian Washington and a slew of young gun pass snatchers, receptions will without a doubt be at a premium. There is something to be said however, for a smart, possession type wideout who runs crisp routes and is not afraid to go over the middle of the field to make a play. He may never haul in a 40-yard catch or burn the opposition's best cornerback on a go route but he will be a consistent piece of this offense for the next three seasons. In 08a€², expect the sophomore to be listed as the fifth receiver on the depth chart but do not be surprised to see him in the game 10-15 plays downs. By years end, 200-300 receiving yards and three-four touchdowns could be very possible.
* Kyle Mitchum (Sr.)/ Andrew Moses (Jr.), OL- It would not be fair to simply point to the skill positions as the lone key contributors to OSU's success over the past few seasons. Never a position of much recognition unless your a coach or analyst breaking down film, these big men are key to any successful play from the line of scrimmage. Now imagine you have the distinct honor of backing up those quintessential pieces. Enter Mitchum and Moses, a versatile guard/tackle and center combination which combine to play in 10 games last season (Mitchum (3) and Moses (7)). Mitchum is a seasoned veteran who has seen part of three seasons in Columbus. From special teams player to significant contributor, he has grown each season and may be the most ready non-starter on the roster. Moses' rise through the ranks is somewhat story book. From a local high school (Bishop Watterson) in Dublin, OH, the junior chose to walk-on to OSU as backup opposed to possible one day starting for a school in the MAC conference. Through hard work and perseverance, he shot up the charts and went from consistent scout teamer to the reserve center for one of the nation's top programs; impressive to say the least. Whether it is in practice, for a drive to rest the starters or at the end of a rout, these individuals have been exceptional assets to the rotation on the offensive line. With the potential for injury, a new RT in Bryant Browning and a tough 08a€² schedule, expect the M & M on the 0-line to see continued action throughout the season, possible late in the campaign as well.
*Defense-
* Tom Ingham (Jr.)/Bryan Gray (Sr.), DL- The definition of "unsung" heroes these two individuals bust their rear ends in practice everyday with the hopes of toughening up the offensive line for the week ahead and possible earning a chance to go out and tackle whatever bodies are left out on the field in the games' final quarter. There is little doubt, working diligently in the trenches for five days and then having to stand on the sidelines and watch your teammates make plays can eat at the competitor in a player but these d-lineman do it with a smile on their face. While Ingham, slated at DE, did not see time last season, he has been a key contributor and thus is listed on the early depth charts as one of the primary backups in 2008. While his time there will most likely be short lived, a few plays here and there could be appropriate if he continues to battle each week. Gray, a defensive tackle, saw the field in three games last year and recorded two tackles. With the many wrinkles thrown in by defensive coordinators Jim Heacock and Luke Fickell it would be more likely for Gray to see time, as tackles are usually harder to come by and linebackers often take the place of d-ends in blitzing formations. Though OSU has four good players on the unit and two heralded freshman, Gray is the fifth warrior in the rotation and may see time in half of the Buckeyes games this season, albeit in mosstly limited duty.
* Tyler Moeller (So.), LB- There was some hesitation here for the sole fact Moeller has enough skill to start for many of the teams in the Big Ten conference. A highly touted prospect out of Cincinnati Colerain, Jim Tressel and co-defensive coordinator/linebackers coach Luke Fickell have been extremely high on the hybrid middle man since day one. However, with the Buckeyes sporting one of the finer linebacking cores in the nation, no. 26 has been limited to select game situations and late fourth quarter action. With that being said, rarely do you find a player with his abilities willing to play the bench role and still give 100% when called upon. In 2008, with eight quality LBs on the roster, Moeller might continue to make his mark Monday through Friday at the Woody Hayes Athletic facility but an increase in his eight tackles last season and a couple of big plays could be in the works. After this season, with Freeman, Terry and Laurinaitis graduating, Columbus may finally see Moeller's time on the field triple if he continues to improve.
* Aaron Gant (Jr.), S- The definition of the "reserve" defensive back on the two-deep list, this former Michigan high school star has settled into a nice role as the team's second free safety behind Anderson Russell while also getting some time at the strong side. Gant has trotted onto the field many a time over his Buckeye career including 11 games in 2007, in which he picked up six tackles. Gant can also be put into the "could start elsewhere" category but chooses to instead help OSU's secondary core by providing necessary depth and key minutes at several different points during the game. With Kurt Coleman and Russell entering their second year at the position, no.8 is in a battle for the third spot in the rotation with other veteran safeties Jamario O'Neal and Nick Patterson. 2008 should be the year for Gant to earn a little more face time and he could come close to 15 tackles and possible an interception. Of all the players on this list, the defensive stopper might see the most significant time due to some of the Big Ten's multiple wide receiver sets and the intense showdown with passing power USC.
Ohio State Buckeyes-
*Offense-
*Marcus Williams (So.), RB- His numbers aren't gaudy and he doesn't show many flashes of greatness on the field, but one thing is for certain; he can play. A key member of the scout team and special teams unit since he joined the Buckeyes as a walk-on three years ago. Williams spent time in 07a€² as the Buckeyes fourth tailback and even played some mop up time late in games (14 carries/40 yards). The countless contributions to the team can not be measured with statistics or the lack of highlight type plays on ESPN. His work keeps defenses well prepared in practice and the top backs safe from late game injuries. With Wells, Saine and Herron, there will be few pigskin handoffs to go around to other backfield members, but if they go to anyone it will be this Ironton, OH native. With that said, in 2008 expect more of the same role only elevated in intensity as OSU tries to contend for their third straight BCS National Championship Game appearance.
* Dane Sanzenbacher (So.), WR- The Toledo Central Catholic standout could one day be the answer to an Ohio State trivia question; he scored the first touchdown of the 2007 football season. Unfortunately for the pedestrian sized wide receiver, the score would be his only one the entire season. Due to a lock-jam at the position and several injuries which slowed his progression, Sanzenbacher was limited to 11 catches for 82 yards, numbers far fewer than he and the Buckeyes would have liked. This year, with Brian Robiskie and Hartline, Ray Small, Taurian Washington and a slew of young gun pass snatchers, receptions will without a doubt be at a premium. There is something to be said however, for a smart, possession type wideout who runs crisp routes and is not afraid to go over the middle of the field to make a play. He may never haul in a 40-yard catch or burn the opposition's best cornerback on a go route but he will be a consistent piece of this offense for the next three seasons. In 08a€², expect the sophomore to be listed as the fifth receiver on the depth chart but do not be surprised to see him in the game 10-15 plays downs. By years end, 200-300 receiving yards and three-four touchdowns could be very possible.
* Kyle Mitchum (Sr.)/ Andrew Moses (Jr.), OL- It would not be fair to simply point to the skill positions as the lone key contributors to OSU's success over the past few seasons. Never a position of much recognition unless your a coach or analyst breaking down film, these big men are key to any successful play from the line of scrimmage. Now imagine you have the distinct honor of backing up those quintessential pieces. Enter Mitchum and Moses, a versatile guard/tackle and center combination which combine to play in 10 games last season (Mitchum (3) and Moses (7)). Mitchum is a seasoned veteran who has seen part of three seasons in Columbus. From special teams player to significant contributor, he has grown each season and may be the most ready non-starter on the roster. Moses' rise through the ranks is somewhat story book. From a local high school (Bishop Watterson) in Dublin, OH, the junior chose to walk-on to OSU as backup opposed to possible one day starting for a school in the MAC conference. Through hard work and perseverance, he shot up the charts and went from consistent scout teamer to the reserve center for one of the nation's top programs; impressive to say the least. Whether it is in practice, for a drive to rest the starters or at the end of a rout, these individuals have been exceptional assets to the rotation on the offensive line. With the potential for injury, a new RT in Bryant Browning and a tough 08a€² schedule, expect the M & M on the 0-line to see continued action throughout the season, possible late in the campaign as well.
*Defense-
* Tom Ingham (Jr.)/Bryan Gray (Sr.), DL- The definition of "unsung" heroes these two individuals bust their rear ends in practice everyday with the hopes of toughening up the offensive line for the week ahead and possible earning a chance to go out and tackle whatever bodies are left out on the field in the games' final quarter. There is little doubt, working diligently in the trenches for five days and then having to stand on the sidelines and watch your teammates make plays can eat at the competitor in a player but these d-lineman do it with a smile on their face. While Ingham, slated at DE, did not see time last season, he has been a key contributor and thus is listed on the early depth charts as one of the primary backups in 2008. While his time there will most likely be short lived, a few plays here and there could be appropriate if he continues to battle each week. Gray, a defensive tackle, saw the field in three games last year and recorded two tackles. With the many wrinkles thrown in by defensive coordinators Jim Heacock and Luke Fickell it would be more likely for Gray to see time, as tackles are usually harder to come by and linebackers often take the place of d-ends in blitzing formations. Though OSU has four good players on the unit and two heralded freshman, Gray is the fifth warrior in the rotation and may see time in half of the Buckeyes games this season, albeit in mosstly limited duty.
* Tyler Moeller (So.), LB- There was some hesitation here for the sole fact Moeller has enough skill to start for many of the teams in the Big Ten conference. A highly touted prospect out of Cincinnati Colerain, Jim Tressel and co-defensive coordinator/linebackers coach Luke Fickell have been extremely high on the hybrid middle man since day one. However, with the Buckeyes sporting one of the finer linebacking cores in the nation, no. 26 has been limited to select game situations and late fourth quarter action. With that being said, rarely do you find a player with his abilities willing to play the bench role and still give 100% when called upon. In 2008, with eight quality LBs on the roster, Moeller might continue to make his mark Monday through Friday at the Woody Hayes Athletic facility but an increase in his eight tackles last season and a couple of big plays could be in the works. After this season, with Freeman, Terry and Laurinaitis graduating, Columbus may finally see Moeller's time on the field triple if he continues to improve.
* Aaron Gant (Jr.), S- The definition of the "reserve" defensive back on the two-deep list, this former Michigan high school star has settled into a nice role as the team's second free safety behind Anderson Russell while also getting some time at the strong side. Gant has trotted onto the field many a time over his Buckeye career including 11 games in 2007, in which he picked up six tackles. Gant can also be put into the "could start elsewhere" category but chooses to instead help OSU's secondary core by providing necessary depth and key minutes at several different points during the game. With Kurt Coleman and Russell entering their second year at the position, no.8 is in a battle for the third spot in the rotation with other veteran safeties Jamario O'Neal and Nick Patterson. 2008 should be the year for Gant to earn a little more face time and he could come close to 15 tackles and possible an interception. Of all the players on this list, the defensive stopper might see the most significant time due to some of the Big Ten's multiple wide receiver sets and the intense showdown with passing power USC.
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