Spring Football Notes – Ohio State Buckeyes
3/25/1998 12:00:00 AM | Football
March 25, 1998
Unlike last year when the Ohio State coaching staff was faced with the challenge of rebuilding a team ravaged by graduation losses and early departures to the National Football League, Coach John Cooper appears to have a sturdy, rock-solid foundation in place as he heads into the 1998 season – his 11th year at the helm of the Buckeyes.
Cooper and company welcome back 17 starters from last year’s team which posted a 10-3 record, finished tied for second in the Big Ten and capped off the season by playing in the Sugar Bowl, the fourth consecutive New Year’s Day appearance for the Buckeyes.
The cast of holdovers includes All-Americans Andy Katzenmoyer at linebacker and Antoine Winfield at cornerback – two of the nine returnees from a defense that finished second nationally in both scoring and passing efficiency and was seventh in total defense. The 6-4, 260-pound Katzenmoyer became Ohio State’s first Butkus Award winner last year as a sophomore and is unquestionably one of the finest linebackers ever to play at OSU. Winfield, a 5-9, 180-pound senior and the Buckeyes’ 1997 MVP, should be a leading candidate for the Jim Thorpe Award this year.
Additionally, safeties Damon Moore and Gary Berry and cornerback Ahmed Plummer return for the Buckeyes, as do linebacker Jerry Rudzinski, ends Matt LaVrar and Rodney Bailey and tackle Joe Brown. The latter two played extremely well the last half of the season, especially the 6-5, 260-pound Bailey, the only true freshman to start last year for defensive boss Fred Pagac.
There is no lack of talent either on the other side of the ball, where offensive guru Mike Jacobs has eight starters returning, including the talented wide receiver tandem of split end David Boston and flanker Dee Miller. Boston had a school record and Big Ten-best 73 receptions last year, and the two of them combined for 131 catches, 1,951 yards and 19 touchdowns.
Versatile fullback Matt Keller, All-America left guard Rob Murphy, center Kurt Murphy, right guard Ben Gilbert, right tackle Tyson Walter and ever improving tight end John Lumpkin also return on offense.
And though not technically a starter, super sub Joe Germaine is back at quarterback. A 6-2 senior, Germaine came off the bench to throw for 1,847 yards and 16 touchdowns last year, helping the Buckeyes average more than 400 yards and 30 points per game. Even though he has started just one game during his two years at Ohio State, Germaine already ranks sixth in OSU passing annals with 3,040 yards and 31 touchdown passes,
If Germaine is a lead pipe cinch to take over at quarterback, junior Michael Wiley seems equally assured of stepping in at tailback as a replacement for senior Pepe Pearson. The speedy, elusive Wiley rushed for 588 yards and six touchdowns last year, averaging 5.6 yards per carry. He will have competition though from sophomore Derek Combs, and perhaps from senior Joe Montgomery. The 225-pound Montgomery had knee surgery at the end of the 1996 season and clearly was not himself last year. Healthy, he is the Buckeyes’ most effective inside runner.
The other vacancies, both on offense and defense, are still up for grabs. But Cooper feels good about a talent pool that includes tackles Brooks Burris, Henry Fleming and Jim Massey, linebacker Na’il Diggs and defensive linemen Clinton Wayne, Paris Long and Marcus Perez, just to name a few.
There are no worries in the kicking department, not with punter Brent Bartholomew and field goal specialist Dan Stultz both returning. Bartholomew, who averaged 45.2 yards per boot last year, will be in his fourth year as a regular. Stultz is coming off an impressive rookie season in which he kicked a 55-yard field goal (the longest ever by an OSU kicker in Ohio Stadium) and led the team in scoring with 92 points.
With a solid nucleus of returning talent, the 1998 Buckeyes should once again be one of the nation’s elite college football teams.
Sizing Up the Spring Vacancies
QUARTERBACK
Joe Germaine certainly appears to be the heir apparent. He has been the 1A quarterback the past two years, repeatedly coming off the bench to lead the Buckeyes to victory. Even though he has started just one game, he already ranks sixth in career passing yardage at OSU with 3,040 yards. A tremendously accurate passer, he has the advantage of game experience and knowing the system.
Mark Garcia was the third teamer last year and saw limited action in mop-up roles, completing nine of 23 passes for 175 yards and one touchdown (he also was intercepted once). But the 6-4, 215-pound Garcia is a smooth, graceful athlete with a big-time arm and will receive every opportunity to showcase his talents in the spring.
Austin Moherman and David Priestly are two talented freshmen who represent the future. They worked with the scout team last year, but if one or the other stands out in the spring, that could translate into playing time in the fall.
TAILBACK
Michael Wiley has been itching for the chance to show what he can do. That chance should come this year for the shifty, speedy junior who ran for 588 yards and six touchdowns last year and averaged 5.6 yards per carry. Wiley has also played wide receiver for the Buckeyes and his ability to catch the ball is a definite plus as far as the coaches are concerned. So, too, is his ability to hit the home run every time he touches the ball.
Joe Montgomery had his knee cleaned up in January and hopes to be full-go in the spring. At 220 pounds, he is the big back that can pound the ball inside, an ingredient that was missing from the OSU attack last year. If he is back, it is a big plus for the Buckeyes.
Derek Combs is a true freshman who got the coaches attention last fall with his ability to get around the corner. The former Mr. Ohio is an instinctive runner who, like Wiley, is a threat to go all the way anytime he touches the ball. At 6-2 and 190, he also has Big Ten size.
OFFENSIVE RIGHT TACKLE
This spot is up for grabs, but 6-7, 295-pound senior Brooks Burris would appear to be the leading candidate heading into spring ball. The Buckeyes’ most experienced lineman, Burris has played in 32 games and has made eight starts, including five last year at right tackle.
True freshman Henry Fleming gradually worked his way up the depth chart last year and wound up as the No. 2 left tackle behind Tyson Walter. Don’t be surprised to see him move to the right side and put himself in position for playing time. Being 6-7 and 300 won’t hurt his chances.
Eric Smith is a third possibility. The 6-6, 330-pounder was redshirted last fall and has been away from competition since 1994. But the coaches like what they have seen of the big guy and he will get a look in the spring.
BUCK LINEBACKER
Na’il Diggs is clearly the most experienced of the candidates. He played a total of 126 minutes in 13 games last year as a redshirt freshman and started the Michigan and Florida State games when the Buckeyes used an additional linebacker. He wound up his first year with 28 tackles, including eight tackles for loss and a team-high six sacks.
James Cotton is a transfer from City College of San Francisco. He enrolled at OSU at the start of Winter Quarter and the coaches are anxous to get a look at the 6-4, 245 pounder.
A couple of true freshmen also will get a look. Courtland Bullard played in all 13 games last year and totaled 43 minutes, although much of that time came with the special teams. He wound up the year with 11 tackles. Jason Ott is another highly regarded player. He was redshirted last year, but the coaching staff believes he can be an excellent football player.
DEFENSIVE TACKLE
For the past two years, the coaches have toyed with the idea of moving Clinton Wayne from end to one of the inside positions. Look for that to happen this spring. Wayne, a 6-3, 270-pound sophomore has both the size and quickness to be a good down lineman. He played in all 13 games last year as a redshirt freshman and had 11 tackles. He’s quick and makes plays (as evidenced by his 38-yard interception return for a touchdown against Indiana last year).
Don’t be surprised either to see Massive (with a capital M) Paris Long in the picture. The 6-5, 330 pounder was redshirted last year as a true freshman. He spent most of the fall at offensive tackle, but moved over to defense prior to the bowl game and impressed the coaching staff with his raw athletic talent.
Randy Homa is another name that will pop up. He played a total of 30 minutes in eight games last year and was No. 2 on the depth chart behind Garnett. At 6-2 and 260, he is the smallest of the candidates, but with a bench press of 475 pounds, he is also one of the strongest. After two years in a reserve role, he wants to play in the worst way.
Heath Queen hurt his foot in fall camp and was redshirted last year as a true freshman. He is big, strong and athletic, and the coaches will take a long look at this 6-5, 270 pounder in the spring. He came to Ohio State with great high school credentials.
Ohio State Notebook THE 1998 SCHEDULE
Sept. 5 @West Virginia Sept. 12 TOLEDO Sept. 19 MISSOURI Oct. 3 PENN STATE Oct. 10 @Illinois Oct. 17 MINNESOTAi Oct. 24 @Northwestern Oct. 31 @Indiana Nov. 7 Michigan State Nov. 14 @Iowa Nov. 21 MICHIGAN
iHomecoming
1997 RESULTS Overall Record 10-3 Conference 6-2 Aug. 28 WYOMING W 24-10 Sept. 13 BOWLING GREEN W 44-13 Sept. 20 ARIZONA W 28-20 Sept. 27 at Missouri W 31-10 Oct. 4 IOWA W 23-7 Oct. 11 at Penn State L 27-31 Oct. 18 INDIANA W 31-0 Oct. 25 NORTHWESTERN W 49-6 Nov. 1 at Michigan State W 37-13 Nov. 8 at Minnesota W 31-3 Nov. 15 ILLINOIS W 41-6 Nov. 22 at Michigan L 14-20 Jan. 1 vs Florida State L 14-31
SPRING DATES – The Buckeyes open Spring Practice on Apr. 1 and wrap things up on Saturday, Apr. 25, with the annual Scarlet & Gray Game at 1:30 p.m. in Ohio Stadium. The latter will be broadcast by WBNS Radio (AM 1460) and televised live on Coaxial Cable. Coach John Cooper and his staff will hold a total of 15 practices (Apr. 1, 2, 3, 6,7, 9, 10, 13, 14, 16, 17, 20, 21, 24 & 25).
SPRING GAME TICKETS – Free tickets for the Spring Game are available at Big Bear stores and Huntington Bank branches in Columbus and Central Ohio. All fans MUST have a ticket to get into the game. There will be a limited number of tickets available the day of the game at the Stadium, but to avoid lines, we suggest picking up your tickets ahead of time.
LAST YEAR – The Buckeyes finished the 1997 season with a 10-3 record, their third consecutive season with 10 or more wins (just the second time in OSU history for that particular feat). In Big Ten play, Ohio State posted a 6-2 record, good for a three-way tie with Penn State and Purdue for second place.
OSU ALL-TIME – With a 41-6 victory over Illinois on Nov. 15, Ohio State became the seventh school in Division 1A to win 700 football games. At the end of the 1997 season, the Buckeyes have an all-time record of 700-276-53.
THE POLLS – Ohio State wound up 12th in both major polls. The Buckeyes began the year in ninth place in both polls and climbed to as high as fourth in both in late November. OSU posted a 2-3 record against top 25 teams in 1997 downing No. 8 Iowa, 23-7 in Columbus on Oct. 4, and No. 20 Michigan State, 37-13 in East Lansing on Nov. 1; and losing at No. 2 Penn State, 31-27 on Oct. 11, at No. 1 Michigan, 20-14 on Nov. 22., and to No. 4 Florida State, 31-14, in the Sugar Bowl.
DECADE OF THE BUCKEYES – Ohio State has posted an overall record of 74-22-3 in the 1990s, including a Big Ten ledger of 47-14-3. The Buckeyes have a 32-6 record since the start of the 1995 campaign and are 51-11-1 in the last five seasons.
SENIOR SUCCESS – Last year’s senior class posted a four-year record of 41-10, tying the 1996 seniors for most wins in a four-year period. This year’s seniors head into the 1998 campaign with a three-year record of 32 wins and six losses.
COOPER NOW SECOND – With 10 victories last season, John Cooper has become the second winningest football coach in Ohio State history with a 10-year record of 86-32-4. The Buckeyes’ 31-0 blanking of Indiana on Oct. 18 provided Cooper with his 82nd victory and officially moved him into sole possession of second place. The school record, of course, belongs to the legendary Woody Hayes, who recorded 205 wins from 1951 to 1978. Cooper also currently ranks sixth among active Division 1A coaches in terms of victories with a career record of 168-72-6.
KATZENMOYER WINS BUTKUS – Ohio State sophomore linebacker Andy Katzenmoyer became the Buckeyes first Butkus Award winner last year. Additionally, Katzenmoyer was a finalist for the Lombardi, Maxwell and Nagurski awards.
1997 ALL-AMERICANS – Three Ohio State players earned All-America honors in 1997, marking the third straight year that the Buckeyes have had at least three first-team picks. Katzenmoyer was named to all the major teams, while junior cornerback Antoine Winfield was named to the Football Coaches and Football Writers teams, and sophomore offensive guard Rob Murphy was named to the Football News team.
ALL-BIG TEN PICKS – Six Ohio State players won first-team All-Big Ten honors: Katzenmoyer, Winfield, split end David Boston, safety Damon Moore, offensive tackle Eric Gohlstin and punter Brent Bartholomew. All but Gohlstin return in 1998.
LOADED IN ’98 – Ohio State loses just five starters from last year’s squad: Golhlstin, tailback Pepe Pearson, quarterback Stanley Jackson, defensive tackle Winfield Garnett and linebacker Kevin Johnson.
1998 ALL-AMERICA CANDIDATES – Katzenmoyer, Winfield and Murphy all hope to repeat their All-America honors in ’98, while Germaine, Boston, Moore and Bartholomew hope to join that select circle for the first time.
RECORD SETTERS – David Boston set a school single-season record last year with 73 receptions, breaking the old mark of 69, set by Cris Carter in 1986. Boston also broke the school single-game mark with 14 receptions at Penn State, eclipsing the old standard of 13 that he had shared with Gary Williams (Boston had 13 at Indiana in 1996 and Williams 13 against Florida State in 1981). Boston also had 14 touchdown receptions, the second highest total in school history, three behind Terry Glenn’s record 17 in 1995. Additionally, another sophomore, safety Gary Berry, set a school single-season record for interception return yardage with 166, an average of 33.1 yards per return on his five interceptions.
BUCKEYE NOTES – Boston and flanker Dee Miller combined for 131 receptions, 1,951 yards and 19 touchdowns last year. Both the reception total and yardage figure are school records by a pair of receivers . . . Quarterback Joe Germaine has come off the bench to throw for 3,040 yards and 31 touchdowns the past two seasons and currently ranks sixth in both career categories at Ohio State . . . With Gohlstin gone, Murphy now becomes the Buckeyes most experienced offensive lineman with 23 starts to his credit the past two years (he did not play against either Arizona or Illinois last year because of knee injuries) . . . Katzenmoyer’s tackle for loss total is now 36 in 25 games. The school record of 66 belongs to Mike Vrabel (1993-96) . . . Punter Brent Bartholomew set school records last year for number of punts (72) and punting yardage (3,252) . . . Placekicker Dan Stultz, meanwhile, kicked the longest field goal in Ohio Stadium history by a Buckeye kicker, drilling a 55 yarder against Indiana . . . Winfield was the Buckeyes’ MVP last year, marking the first time in OSU history that a defensive back has won that honor . . . Ohio State was fourth nationally last year in average attendance with an average of 91,967 for seven home games.
SURGICALLY SPEAKING – Rob Murphy (right knee), Joe Montgomery (right knee) and Jerry Rudzinski (left shoulder) all had off-season surgery. Murphy and Montgomery are expected to see only limited action during spring drills.
SOME NEW FACES – Junior College linebacker James Cotton enrolled at the start of Winter Quarter and will be available for Spring Practice. So will tight end Darnell Sanders, who originally was set to enroll last fall, but did not enroll until Winter Quarter and will be a true freshman in the fall.
CALL HIM COACH – Associate Director of Athletics Bill Myles has returned to the football staff as Director of Football Operations. Myles was the Buckeyes’ offensive tackles coach between 1977 and 1984. He left coaching in 1985 to become an assistant director of athletics for the Buckeyes.
NEW SHOE – Ohio Stadium, the home of Ohio State football since 1922, will undergo a major overhaul beginning this spring. The four-year, $150 million project is designed to preserve the Horseshoe and, at the same time, bring it up to code in all areas. Construction will be completed in time for the 2001 season, with no lost games or seats during the remodeling. The stadium capacity is expected to jump from its present 90,000 to approximately 96,000. During the first phase (beginning in late May), cables that are currently buried outside the east and west walls will be dug up and moved farther away from the stadium.
Ohio State Numerical
No. Name
1 Gary Berry
2 Rolland Steele
3 David Mitchell
4 Ken-Yon Rambo
5 Michael Wiley
6 Jimmy Redmond
7 Joe Germaine
9 David Boston
11 Antoine Winfield
12 Austin Moherman
13 Damon Moore
14 David Priestly
15 Dee Miller
16 Mark Garcia
17 Percy King
19 Ahmed Plummer
20 Central McClellion
21 Charlie Sanders
23 Matt Keller
24 Scott Fulton
25 Jermon Jackson
26 Ashanti Webb
27 Jerry Westbrooks
30 Jason Ott
32 Na’il Diggs
33 Joe Montgomery
34 Greg Simpson
35 Jerry Rudzinski
36 Sean Penny
39 Joe Cooper
41 Brent Bartholomew
42 Kevin Griffin
43 Derek Combs
44 Chris Kirk
45 Andy Katzenmoyer
47 Dan Stultz
48 Matt LaVrar
49 Tim Cheatwood
52 James Cotton
55 Tam Hopkins
56 Rob Murphy
58 Courtland Bullard
59 Paris Long
60 Brent Johnson
61 Kevin Loadman
63 Kurt Murphy
64 Ben Gilbert
67 Brooks Burris
68 Nick Spiess
69 Jim Massey
71 Ben Pulfer
71 John Bates
72 Marcus Perez
73 Joe Brown
74 Eric Smith
75 Henry Fleming
76 Jefferson Kelley
77 Tyson Walter
78 Drew Elford
80 Reggie Germany
81 Darik Warnke
83 Vaness Provitt
84 Steve Wisniewski
85 John Lumpkin
86 Andy Stamp
87 Kevin Houser
88 Mike Gurr
89 Darnell Sanders
90 Clinton Wayne
92 Paul Breed
91 Jeff Wilson
93 Randy Homa
94 Rodney Bailey
96 Tony Eisenhard
98 Kevin Johnson
99 Heath Queen
OSU Spring Depth Chart
Offense (I)
First Team
SE 9 DAVID BOSTON (6-3, 205, Jr.)
Won All-Big Ten honors and led the Big Ten with OSU record 73 rcpts. for 970 yards…6th at OSU w/106 catches…22 TDs.
LT 77 TYSON WALTER (6-5, 305, So. )
Stepped in for Orlando Pace and started all 13 games at LT…intense on the field…improving.
LG 56 ROB MURPHY (6-5, 300, Jr.)
1997 Football News All-American…missed two starts with knee troubles and won’t do much in the spring…23 starts.
C 63 KURT MURPHY (6-4, 290, Jr.)
Solid young player who started six of last seven games last year…his emergence helped stabilize young line.
RG 64 BEN GILBERT (6-5, 295, Jr.)
Started every game as a true sophomore…physical and determined…made steady progress over course of season.
RT 67 BROOKS BURRIS (6-6, 295, Sr.)
Veteran of 32 games and nine starts…eight starts in 1997, including at RG vs. Illinois in place of Rob Murphy.
TE 85 JOHN LUMPKIN (6-8, 260, Sr.)
Emerged last year… 4th-leading receiver (17 for 320 yds and 3 TDs)… spectacular 50-yard TD grab in Sugar Bowl.
QB 7 JOE GERMAINE (6-2, 196, Sr.)
Starts for the first time after 2 years as backup… already sixth in OSU passing annals with 3040 yds…4th nationally in PE.
FB 23 MATT KELLER (6-0, 230, Jr.)
Savvy…third-leading rusher and receiver…257 rush yards and 4.4 ypc avg…19 receptions for 139 yards…good blocker.
TB 5 MICHAEL WILEY (6-0, 190, Jr.)
Mercurial…588 rush yds and six TDs as backup…100-yd KO ret. vs. BG…expected to shine as a starter…all-purpose back who cah also catch.
FL 15 DEE MILLER (6-1, 190, Sr.)
Breakout season in ’97 with 58 rcpts & 981 yds w/ 5 TDs…the real deal and a great complement to Boston at SE.
Second Team
SE 83 VANESS PROVITT (6-3, 190, So.)
Six catches last year…made good progress; or REGGIE GERMANY (6-1, 195, So.) …Talented with all the tools…worth watching.
LT 69 JIM MASSEY (6-5, 280, Fr.)
Redshirted last year…. spent much of his time with the scout team…coaches really like his skill and moxie.
LG 76 JEFFERSON KELLEY (6-6, 290, So.)
Began last year at tackle but then switched to guard…slimmed down from his freshman year…still learning.
C 78 DREW ELFORD (6-4, 300, Jr.)
Has seen limited playing time as a backup guard the past two seasons, but has a chance to step up this year.
RG 55 TAM HOPKINS (6-5, 315, So.)
Saw action in seven games and played in the 4th qtrs. in four of last five games…big, athletic…will contend for PT.
RT 75 HENRY FLEMING (6-7, 300, So.)
Played in seven games last year as a true freshman; or ERIC SMITH (6-6, 330, Jr.)…Talented, could be spring sleeper.
TE 84 STEVE WISNIEWSKI (6-5, 265, Jr.)
A fine receiving & blocking season…5th on team w/12 rcpts. for 175 yds and 2 TDs…very solid backup
QB 16 MARK GARCIA (6-4, 215, Sr.)
Big, talented and chomping at the bit…was the No. 3 QB last year, seeing only limited time (23-9-1-1)…rifle arm.
FB 36 SEAN PENNY (6-2, 215, So.)
Averaged 6.0 yards per rush last year as a true frosh…coaches like his size and ability…will just get better.
TB 43 DEREK COMBS (6-2, 180, So.)
Future star…really has some jets…remember this guy; or JOE MONTGOMERY (5-11, 210, Sr.)…Explosive inside runner who is trying to battle back from severe knee injury.
FL 4 KEN-YON RAMBO (6-2, 180, So.)
20.7 ypc last year as a freshman…TD vs Northwestern…can fly; or 42 KEVIN GRIFFIN (5-10, 183 Sr.)…Special Teams captain…invaluable team player.
Pu 41 BRENT BARTHOLOMEW (6-2, 205, Sr.)
All-Big Ten…9th nationally (45.2 ypp; 4th best @ OSU)…career-best 55.0 avg. vs. Ind…20 down I20 (3 I20 vs. PSU)…no Iowa returns.
PK 47 DAN STULTZ (6-0, 195, So)
Good first year…55-yard FG vs. IU longest ever in Ohio Stadium by OSU kicker…11 of 13 inside 20…led Big Ten in kick scoring…plenty of leg.
Defense (4-3)
First Team
DE 94 RODNEY BAILEY (6-3, 255, So.)
Started last four games…only true frosh to start in ’97…9 tackles vs. Michigan (2 TFLs; -9)…came on like gangbusters.
DT 90 CLINTON WAYNE (6-3, 270, So.)
Played in all 13 with three starts (Arizona-Iowa)…quick and athletic…11 tackles…38-yard int. return TD vs. Indiana.
NG 73 JOE BROWN (6-7, 265, So.)
3rd year soph… started five of last six regular season games …23 tackles…all the tools…has a chance to be very good.
DE 48 MATT LaVRAR (6-3, 240, Jr..)
In his second year as a starter…moved from LB to DE last fall and had 25 tackles in solid first year….seven solos vs. Ariz.
BLB 32 NA’IL DIGGS (6-4, 230, So.)
Could be starter at BLB…talented…paced “D” with six sacks, four the last three games…3 TFL at Minnesota…started Michigan and FSU games.
MLB 45 ANDY KATZENMOYER (6-4, 260, Jr.)
THE DOMINANT DEFENSIVE PLAYER in college football…’97Butkus Award winner…All-American… 97 tackles; 13 TFLs (-30)…36 career TFLs, 14 sacks, 6 ints.
WLB 35 JERRY RUDZINSKI (6-1, 220, Sr.)
Started all 13 games in ’97 and played well…65 tackles, included 9FL & 4SA…knack for right place at right time…honor student.
CB 11 ANTOINE WINFIELD (5-9, 180, Sr.)
A warrior.!..FCA & FWA All-American…team best 100 tackles (82 solos), 12 PBUs…incredible game vs. Michigan…definite Thorpe candidate…dare you to find a better all-around corner.
FS 1 GARY BERRY (6-0, 205, Jr.)
5 ints for OSU record 166 yds in ’97…two TDs vs. MSU (45 int ret.; 1 yd blocked punt)…really strong finish…speedster. . . has All-Am potential.
SS 13 DAMON MOORE (5-11, 200, Sr.)
HITTER!…’97 All-Big Ten …67 stops, 3 ints., 2 FR & 6 PBUs in ’97…10 career ints…school record 19 stops vs. Wisc. in ‘9 . . .tough personal year (father died week before Penn State game).
CB 19 AHMED PLUMMER (6-0, 190, Jr.)
Started for 1st time in ’97 and had 42 tackles, 5 ints and 7 PBUs…3 PBUs vs. PSU, 2 vs. IU…5 stops, FF vs. Minn….83-yd int. ret. TD vs. Ill…strong finish…District Academic All-Am.
Second Team
DE 96 TONY EISENHARD (6-7, 265, Jr.)
Five-game starter in 97…had 18 tackles, including 3FL and a sack…athletic.
DT 93 RANDY HOMA (6-2, 260, So.)
Came in as LB and still learning DT position…one of team’s strongest (benches 475)…9 games played…won’t hurt you.
NG 59 PARIS LONG (6-5, 330, So.)
Big and strong…Redshirted last year…played “O” line last year, but moved to “D” during bowl drills.
DE 91 JEFF WILSONn (6-3,255, Sr.)
Solid reserve the past three years…nine tackles last year in 11 games…good quickness.
BLB 58 COURTLAND BULLARD (6-3, 220, So.)
Up-and-comer who can hit…one of the gems of last year’s frosh class…could contend for a starting spot…11 tackles last year…excelled on special teams.
MLB 44 CHRIS KIRK (6-3,235, jr.)
Dependable backup to former HS teammate… 18 tackles in ’97, including career-best 5 tackles (1 sack/ -6) vs. IU.
WLB 30 JASON OTT (6-4, 235, Fr.)
Redshirted last fall…smart, tough football player who has gotten bigger and stronger since enrolling…will get the chance in the spring to show what he can do.
CB 3 DAVID MITCHELL (6-1, 185, So.)
Played in all 13 games last year as a true frosh, much of that time coming with special teams..16 stops, 2 PBUs in ’97.
FS 17 PERCY KING (6-4, 210, Jr.)
Blocked XPA and almost a punt vs. Michigan… 14 tackles in ’97…blocked 1st qtr. Iowa FGA & recov’d at OSU 44…int at MIZZOU.
SS 20 CENTRAL McCLELLION (5-11, 180, Sr.)
Key reserve the past two years…nickel back…28 tackles in ’97, including seven against Illinois…works hard at all he does, both on the field and in the classroom.
CB 2 ROLLAND STEELE (5-11, 160, So.)
Good athlete with excellent speed…grabbed first career interception vs. Mizzou…nine tackles in limited action…not real big, but has a lot of bite for his size…redshirted in ’96.
