Ohio State Football: A look at Buckeyes among Top 150 greatest players

No. 143 Chris Spielman:  I’m not sure any defensive player who wore the Scarlet and Gray was more fun to watch than this great middle linebacker.

If a back ran between the tackles it would probably be a short trip. If he ran outside there was a good chance Spielman would chase him down.

He was a run stuffer who could also run sideline to sideline.

The great MLB recorded 546 tackles during his Ohio State career, was a two-time All-American and won the Lombardi Award in 1987.

Now for the Heisman Trophy winner.

No. 51 Eddie George:  This great back would probably be higher on the list if the backfield wasn’t as loaded as it was when he enrolled at Ohio State. It was difficult for Eddie to get many carries his first two seasons with guys like Robert Smith, Raymont Harris, Jeff Cothran and Butler By’not’e ahead of him on the depth chart.

Once he got his opportunity he made the most of it. He rushed for over 3,300 yards and 36 touchdowns his final two seasons and won the Heisman in 1995.

Now for the “Pancake Man” who helped Eddie win the coveted Trophy.

No. 51 Orlando Pace:  It’s rare when fans get excited to see an offensive lineman play but that was the case during the three years the big tackle played for the Buckeyes. They loved to keep track of the pancake blocks during the game.

Pace was an All-American in 1995 and 1996. He also won the Lombardi Trophy for best linebacker / lineman twice, the Outland Trophy in 1996 and was named to the Sports Illistrated Team of the Century.

All of these Buckeyes are deserving to be ranked among the Top 150 college football players of all time. ESPN will soon announce the top 25 players on this list and for certain one former Ohio State football player will be recognized. Don’t be surprised if at least one more will be.