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Ohio State Football: RB runner up for Heisman but left out of HOF so far

By Charlie Lockhart

26 Jan 1997: Running back Keith Byars of the New England Patriots celebrates after scoring a touchdown during Super Bowl XXXI against the Green Bay Packers at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Packers won the game, 35-21.
26 Jan 1997: Running back Keith Byars of the New England Patriots celebrates after scoring a touchdown during Super Bowl XXXI against the Green Bay Packers at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Packers won the game, 35-21. /
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In the 1975 season, Woody Hayes had a big hole to fill in the offensive line, the left tackle position. Kurt Schumacher had moved on to the NFL as a first round draft pick, so the offense was sure to take a step back right?

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Nope, sophomore Chris Ward stepped in and the offense didn’t miss a beat. In fact, Ward helped pave the way for Archie Griffin’s second Heisman Trophy season and the Buckeyes were in the hunt for the national title again.

The following season running back Jeff Logan rushed for 1,248 yards, and in 1977, Ron Springs ran for 1,166. Each of those two seasons Ward was named first team All-American.

I have followed the Buckeyes for 50 years now, but when Chris Ward played I was in the Navy and often at sea. Sometimes I couldn’t keep up with Ohio State football like I wanted to, so I always turn to my good friend Rod Gerald to fill in the blanks for me during that time.

Since Rod was the Buckeye quarterback when Ward was an All-American, I wanted to get his thoughts on the great Ohio State left tackle. Here is what Rod had to say about Chris Ward:

"“Chris dominated opposing defensive players. Our rushing attack was among the best in the nation during his years at Ohio State. He was one of the first big offensive linemen with speed. He was 6 ft. 4 in. 280 pounds and ran the 40 in 4.75. And Chris often pancaked defenders as well.”"

It may be a long shot for Ward to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame because it has been 40 years since he has worn the Scarlet and Gray. There have been many terrific linemen who have played since then, and some HOF voters may not have seen Ward play.

However, they should take into consideration Chris Ward was a two-time All-American who blocked for a Heisman Trophy winner. He also was the anchor on an offensive line that paved the way for an outstanding rushing attack during his three years as a starter, which was all-important to a Woody Hayes offense.

Oh, and he was the No. 4 pick in the NFL draft. I guess the New York Jets thought he had a pretty good college career.

Next: Receivers in the Spotlight in 2017

I think Chris Ward, Keith Byars and Jim Otis all should be strongly considered by the voters for induction into the College Football Hall of Fame this time around. And all three former Buckeye greats should eventually be included in that prestigious fraternity.

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