Ohio State Football: Tyler Moeller's Return Is Feel-Good Story of 2010

After being sucker-punched by a man in a Florida bar last July, it looked as it Tyler Moeller would never see the football field again.

The blow left Moeller in serious medical condition. He was immediately rushed to a Florida hospital and put into emergency care.

Moeller's parents were happy to see the safety even alive after the incident. Their son playing football was the last thing on their minds.

After suffering serious head trauma, there was no chance Moeller would be on the field in 2009.

With that said, Buckeye fans' first glimpse at the former hybrid safety/linebacker was at the media day in August. The sight was horrific.

A yellow bruise surrounded the wound on his head and about a dozen staples protruded from his cuts. Nonetheless, Moeller was all smiles for the cameras throughout the day.

This spring offered him his first chance to be back on the field and he performed well, even though he wasn't cleared to hit.

But, last month, Moeller got the green light to play in the fall.

With Jermelle Hines moving to free safety, Moeller has the chance to make an impact at Ohio State's Star position where Hines played last year.

After almost having his football career ripped from him, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Moeller go after the spot with the attitude of a fighter training for a title match.

His intensity has always made him a dominating player. At Colerain High School, he was somewhat undersized at linebacker, but put more fear in opposing offenses than other members of the stacked Colerain defense.

That same intensity made him a force on special teams in his early Buckeye years. He made such an impact that he was slated to start at Sam linebacker before that fateful night in July last year.

Moeller won't be just given the spot, however. Nate Oliver was featured heavily at Star during the spring and held his own.

But Moeller's versatility and experience at both linebacker and safety make him a much better candidate for the position.

And, as I said above, he'll be taking full advantage of his second chance at football.

Hines thrived at Star last season and was a huge difference-maker for the defense. His 57 tackles were good enough for fourth on the team, and he also had two interceptions, with one being returned for a touchdown.

Moeller offers a similar package to Hines. Both have the size and speed to give defenses' headaches as an extra defensive back.

With the Buckeyes being forced into the nickel package repeatedly last season, Hines saw much more action than outside linebacker Austin Spitler.

Such could be the case again this year for Moeller. Etienne Sabino emerged as a candidate at Sam, but Moeller would offer more against spread offenses.

As the 2010 season closes in, Moeller's journey to redemption is almost complete.

After everything he's been through, don't expect him to back down from this last challenge.