All-Decade Ohio State Football Dream Team (2005-2015)

Strong Safety: Kurt Coleman

At a spring practice during his freshman year, Coleman almost quit football altogether after a tackle left teammate wide receiver Tyson Gentry paralyzed. After Gentry reassured Coleman that he had forgiven him, Coleman went on to have one of the most productive careers at strong safety in Ohio State history. The clear leader of the Buckeyes’ defense, Coleman was named the Most Valuable Player at Ohio State in 2009. He raised his game each of his last three seasons, all as a starter at strong safety. After recording 68 tackles, five interceptions and three forced fumbles in 2009, he earned first-team All-American honors by Sporting News and first-team All-Big Ten honors.

I remember Coleman as a hard hitter and sure tackler who always went all-out and was an effective leader of the Ohio State defense. Most teams insist safeties have great size. Coleman wasn’t all that big, but he had everything necessary to succeed; toughness, leadership skills, athleticism, and intelligence.

Next: Vonn Bell