Ohio State Football: All Time Greats, The Post Woody Era.

Remember the “Pancake Man”. The phrase “pancake block” didn’t originate in Columbus, but it may have been used more often during Orlando Pace’s career at Ohio State than ever before. Nobody could flatten a defender like the great left tackle for the Buckeyes.

With All-American Korey Stringer as the starting left tackle Orlando Pace played on the right side his freshman season forming one of the best tackle combos ever. After Stringer left Ohio State for the NFL, Pace moved to his more natural position and became one of the greatest left tackles in college football history.

In 1995 he anchored the offensive line that paved the way for Eddie George to run his way to the Heisman Trophy. Pace’s play earned him All-American honors and he was awarded the Lombardi Award as the best college lineman or linebacker.

In 1996 Pace did one better. He was voted All-American for the second time, was the Lombardi award winner again, and won the Outland Trophy as the best interior lineman in the country. Other awards he claimed that season included UPI lineman of the Year and the Jim Parker Award. He also was a finalist in the Heisman voting, finishing fourth.

For his outstanding career at Ohio State Orlando Pace was inducted into the Varsity O Hall of Fame, the College Football Hall of Fame, and named to the Ohio State Football All-Century Team and the Sports Illustrated All Century Team.

After his Ohio State career, Pace became the first offensive lineman selected as the number one overall pick in the NFL draft in over 25 years. He had a long and successful career for the St. Louis Rams and was selected to play in the Pro Bowl seven times. He was also voted to the 2000’s All-Decade Team.

But Buckeye fans who watched him play will still remember Orlando Pace as the “Pancake Man”.

Next: David Boston 1996-98