Ohio State Football - Central Ohio News

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 game-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 games 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-game 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 game 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 game. The flashy, 6-2, 202-pound Colzie became an All-American in 1974.

Antoine Winfield made up for his lack of size with a lot of heart. (Gannett News Service photo)

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.

Mike Doss celebrates an interception during the 2003 Fiesta Bowl. (Jason J. Molyet/Gannett News Service)

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.