Ohio State Football - Central Ohio News

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 game, 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.

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.