Senior Tribute: Hats Off to a Hardworking Group

Seniors on Picture Day (courtesy of the Ozone)

Dave Thurman (5:00 PM)

Saturday's game is another big one as Iowa comes to town, with the winner heading to the Rose Bowl. It is also Senior Day at Ohio Stadium, as Buckeye fans bid farewell to a group of 19 players. 

It may not be the most talented class to ever don the Scarlet and Gray (Beanie, Hartline and Washington would have helped), but it is a group that has persevered through some personal trials and showed a lot of heart. 

Before we look at the players individually, let's take a moment and examine them as groups.

On offense there are eight seniors, but amazingly, five of them came to Columbus as walk-ons. It is one of the weakest offensive groups I can remember, and no doubt that is one reason this team has struggled to move the chains consistently. 

On the other side of the ball there are nine players preparing for their final home game and it is a strong group, which again helps explain the success of the defensive troops this season. Finally there are two specialists who are seniors, and they have done a solid job this season as well (combined with Small's returns they helped special teams be well above average).

Briefly let's take a look at all 19 seniors, and consider their impact over the past four to five years:

Offense

Dan Potokar —A speedy walk-on receiver who was diagnosed with cancer during his career but has battled with the will of a champion.

Ryan Shuck —Another walk-on receiver who earned a scholarship this year, and was able to play a little on special teams. No doubt he'll always remember recovering a fumble against Minnesota.

Joe Gantz —A running back who walked on, earned a scholarship his senior year and actually got to carry the ball four times.

Marcus Williams —A very talented walk-on who earned a scholarship and was a special team's stud the past couple of years until sidelined by an injury. His long run in the spring game will always be a highlight in my mind.

Ray Small —Has there ever been a player in the doghouse as often as Ray? Touted as another Ted Ginn, he never lived up to the hype, but did flash moments of brilliance in his career, and will be remembered fondly for his game-changing punt returns against Penn State this season. 

Jake Ballard —The big guy showed excellent hands in his freshman season when he snagged a TD against Indiana, but had few passes thrown his way the next three years. A fine blocker, Jake is probably the most successful of the seniors who played on the offensive side of the ball. 

Andrew Moses —A walk-on who earned a scholarship, the big guy played quit a bit the past two seasons, and actually got the start against New Mexico State, a game in which he also served as a captain.   

Jim Cordle —A talented lineman, Cordle started a lot of games the past three seasons. A fine center, and a decent guard, he struggled at tackle this year when he was pressed into service. Certainly the ultimate team player who put the needs of the squad above his own limitations!   

Defense

Tom Ingham —A walk-on defensive lineman, he eventually earned a scholarship and got to play in four games this season. 

Todd Denlinger —The big guy had a steady, unspectacular career, but certainly saved his best for last, having a solid senior year. 

Doug Worthington —A big time catch out of New York, Doug battled injuries his first couple of years, and then was moved from end to tackle. Although a little undersized, he worked hard and developed into a fine player, who served as a captain this season and played with distinction.

Lawrence Wilson —Another top line recruit, who spurned Notre Dame when they changed coaches, Wilson had terrible luck, with two devastating injuries. To his credit he battled his way back into the rotation this year, and had some fine moments. 

Robert Rose —One of the prizes of the '06 recruiting class, Rose came to Columbus amid lofty expectations. Injuries curtailed his career, but he didn't quit and had his best year as a senior, as part of the top d-line in the country. 

Austin Spitler —Many thought the coaches reached with this recruit, but hard work and patience earned him a starting spot this year (as well as being one of the captains) after backing up some great linebackers throughout his career. Not the quickest backer around, Austin is extremely strong and did well against the run, improving as the season went on. 

Anderson Russell —The punching bag of the senior class, he came to Columbus having only been offered one other D-1 scholarship (Duke). Thrust into the lineup as a redshirt freshmen he logged more minutes in his career than other member of this year's class, but certainly had his struggles. Good against the run but very shaky against the pass, Russell had his moments, and never complained when he was benched earlier this season. Still he'll always be remembered for having "oven mitt" hands. 

Andre Amos —Another guy who flashed potential early on and then battled a lot of injuries. Although he never became the shut down corner some expected, he used his speed to contribute this year as the third corner.

Kurt Coleman —Hands down the best player in the class, Coleman became a star this year, and deserves to be on some All-America teams. A captain, who led by example through hard-nosed play, he was terrific at forcing turnovers and will be difficult to replace. 

Specialists

Aaron Pettrey —Possessing a great leg, this sixth-year senior (he gray-shirted and red-shirted) certainly showed patience. Although somewhat inconsistent, he proved to be a tremendous weapon, hitting numerous field goals of 50 yards or more. 

Jon Thoma —Another guy who originally walked on and earned a scholarship, he finally got his chance in '09. Although his punting average isn't that great, Thomas did a fine job of launching the ball high, and had few punts returned. 

Once again I contend that this isn't the most talented or achieving group to leave Columbus. But when they run onto the field for the last time this Saturday, I will stand and applaud, because of their hard work and perseverance. 

Guys like Worthington, Wilson, Rose and Amos could have easily given up due to their multiple injuries. Ray Small was surely tempted to head home to Cleveland about the 10th time he wound up in the doghouse, but he stayed. Players like Thoma and Spitler waited many years to see the field. And of course, Dan Potokar showed the ultimate courage in battling a serious disease. 

This is a group I would gladly go to war with, because they have exhibited sterling character. I hope they can go out as winners and earn a spot in the Rose Bowl because they deserve it. Thanks class of '10—you are classy representatives of all things Buckeye and should proudly run into the Horseshoe one final time!