Countdown to the Showdown Archive
Source: The Advocate, Baton Rouge LA
The countdown to the Bowl Championship Series title game has begun. Each day, The Advocate is running a special page in Sports devoted to LSU and Ohio State. Check back each day for memorable LSU moments from the 2007 season, plus profiles, trivia, schedules, position breakdowns and more. To see previous days' content, just click on the date you wish to view.
Below are the position breakdowns to date...new ones will be posted each day
BREAKING DOWN THE SHOWDOWN: Wide Receiver
LSU’S Early Doucet
6-1, 206, Senior
St. Martinville LA
All-SEC second team in 2006, started first two games, then sat out four games this year (injury) and started last 6; began season with 9 catches vs. Miss. State; scored 2 TDs in win over Alabama; 35 catches, 321 yards and 2 TDs since return from injury; passed 35 yards to quarterback Matt Flynn vs. Alabama; leads LSU with 50 catches (474 yards, 4 TDs)
Career: 153 catches, 1,892 yards, 19 TDs
"I think guys that make plays breed other guys that make plays. I think when Early steps into the huddle, he has a feel that we all enjoy." -- Les Miles
OSU’S Brian Robiskie
6-3, 196, Junior
Cleveland OH
Biletnikoff Award Top 10; Top games: 9 catches, 153 yards vs. Youngstown State; 3 TDs vs. Northwestern; long catch 68 yards (TD) vs. Washington; caught passes in 24 straight games; 13 catches of 20 yards or longer this season; team-leading 50 catches, 885 yards, 10 TDs; started all 12 games; son of former LSU All-SEC (1976) running back Terry Robiskie
Career: 80 catches, 1,281 yards, 15 TDs
"To watch my son jump up and catch a touchdown against Penn State, nothing in the world matches that." -- Terry Robiskie
BREAKING DOWN THE SHOWDOWN: Tight end
LSU’S RICHARD DICKSON
6-3, 237, Soph.
Ocean Springs, Miss.
Pass-catching starter; fourth in team receiving stats; 28 catches, 331 yards, 3 TDs in 4 starts this season; best day: 5 catches, 69 yards vs. Alabama; shares starts with senior Keith Zinger; rated the top two-way player in Mississippi prep football in 2005; made all-state defensive team; dad played for Mississippi State; played in 25 games in his two seasons.
Career: 34 catches, 427 yards, 3 TDs
"I like being the guy who they know is going to run the right routes and catch the ball if they throw it." -- Richard Dickson
OSU’S JAKE BALLARD
6-7, 255, Soph.
Springboro OH
Top TE prospect in Ohio, but was home state’s Defensive Player of the Year in senior year at Springboro High; started season second on depth chart; played in 10 games in freshman season mostly as blocker in two TE sets; caught 2 passes for 5 yards, 1 TD in freshman season; 13 catches, 149 yards, 2 TDs this year; big 2007 game 3 catches, 35 yards vs. Michigan State; splits time with junior Rory Nicol.
Career: 15 catches, 154 yards, 3 TDs
"I've never seen a tight end like that who is not afraid to lay his body on the line and go up and get that football." -- Todd Boeckman, Ohio State QB
BREAKING DOWN THE SHOWDOWN: Offensive Guard
LSU’S CARNELL STEWART
6-5, 320, Sr.
River Ridge LA
A first-year starter; moved from defense to offense before 2006 season; played 97 percent of LSU’s 920 offensive plays, a team high; best game: 7 knockdowns and pancake block vs. South Carolina.
"He’s come miles since the first game." -- Greg Studrawa, LSU line coach
OSU’S KIRK BARTON
6-6, 300, Sr.
Massillon OH
Team captain; started 7 games in redshirt freshman season and all but 3 games in last three seasons; missed those three with knee injury; AFCA All-America; AP third team All-America; All-Big Ten last two seasons.
"I wear a Big Ten (championship) ring. But it reminds me of failure. I want the big one." --Kirk Barton
BREAKING DOWN THE SHOWDOWN: Running Back
LSU’S JACOB HESTER
6-0, 228, Sr.
Shreveport LA
LSU’s all-everything tailback, fullback, blocker, special teams player; Big game: 28 carries, 126 yards, 2 TDs vs. Arkansas; Tigers first 1,000-yard back in 5 seasons; finished senior year with 204 carries, 1,017 yards, 11 TDs; captured national attention with fourth-down carries vs. Florida; All-SEC second team.
Career: 343 carries, 1,694 yards, 19 TDs rushing; 62 catches, 459 yards, 7 TDs
"You look at a guy like Hester and you go, ‘That’s who I want holding the ball." -- Les Miles, LSU head coach
OSU’S CHRIS ‘BEANIE’ WELLS
6-1, 235, Soph.
Akron OH
2006 Parade All-America; took over No. 1 RB spot in spring practice after the departure of Antonio Pittman; played in 13 games in 2006, his 'true' freshman season with 576 yards and 7 TDs; All Big Ten this year; Big games: 31 carries, 221 yards, 1 TD vs. Michigan State; 39 carries, 222 yards, 2 TDs vs. Michigan.
Career: 358 carries, 2,039 yards, 21 TDs
"I think I came out of my mom’s womb wanting to go to Ohio State." -- Beanie Wells
BREAKING DOWN THE SHOWDOWN: Defensive tackle
LSU’S MARLON FAVORITE
6-1, 302, Jr.
Harvey LA
A backup to start the year; a starter after Charles Alexander’s season-ending injury in practice; missed SEC Championship Game with injury; played in 26 games with 10 starts; 50 tackles, 5 for losses and 2 sacks .. turned in top games this season against South Carolina, Auburn and Florida.
"I get held a lot. I turn around and look at the ref and say, ‘Ref, I’m getting held.’ It’s just one of those difficult things you have to deal with and makes you work harder on the field." -- Marlon Favorite
OSU’S TODD DENLINGER
6-3, 286, Soph.
Troy OH
Reserve duty in 11 games in 2006 redshirt freshman season; first-team All-Ohio in 2004 & wrestler; earned starting job in spring practice; injury cost him two games this year; started 10 games with 13 tackles, 3 behind the line and 1 sack.
"We have excitement, athleticism, all the talent. It’s just a matter of putting it to use." -- Todd Denlinger (From theozone.net)
BREAKING DOWN THE SHOWDOWN: Weakside linebacker
LSU’S ALI HIGHSMITH
6-1, 223, Sr.
Miami FL
Second team AP All-America; First team All-SEC; CBSsportsline.com All-America; three-year starter; All SEC second team in 2006; second in tackles (86) this season; three 2007 games with 10 or more tackles: South Carolina (10), Auburn (11), Arkansas (19); started 37 games in career; played in 12 games, started 2 in true freshman season.
CAREER: 51 games, 252 tackles, 24 1/2 tackles for losses (91 yards), 9 1/2 sacks
"It’s a determination to go out there and just take over the game and give your offense the most opportunities." -- Ali Highsmith
OSU’S MARCUS FREEMAN
6-2, 236, Jr.
Huber Heights OH
Enrolled at OSU early, worked in 2004 spring practice and then played in 13 games as a freshman; redshirted in 2005 after injury in first game;started 11 games in 2006 and had 15 tackles in BCS Championship Game; started 12 games this year; made Butkus Award list; second leading tackler with 95 stops, 1 1/2 sacks, broke up 5 passes and forced 1 fumble; second-team All-Big Ten.
"He may get overshadowed by bigger names, but nobody plays and prepares harder." -- Luke Fickell, linebackers coach
BREAKING DOWN THE SHOWDOWN: Fullback
QUINN JOHNSON
6-2, 238, Soph.
Edgard LA
Big play was 9-yard reception on fourth-down punt formation from punter Patrick Fisher to keep drive alive against Tennessee in SEC title game; converted from linebacker to fullback after redshirt freshman year in 2005; played in 12 games in 2006 with 2 carries for 6 yards; the 'blocking' fullback did not have a carry this season, but caught 2 passes for 18 yards; led West St. John to 2003 State 2A title.
"Quinn takes a lot of punishment from opposing teams, never whines and does whatever it takes for our team to be successful." -- Larry Porter, assistant coach
DIONTE JOHNSON
6-0, 242, Sr.
Columbus OH
Blocking in the I-formation is his forte; had 1 carry this season and 5 (9 yards) in 4-year career; played in 42 games since playing in true freshman season in 2004; plays special teams, mostly kickoff team; was backup in junior year; son of former N.Y. Giants Pro Bowler Pepper Johnson, current New England Patriots coach; godfather is dad’s former Ohio State All-America teammate Keith Byars.
"The emotion and enthusiasm Dionte brings to the field makes him special." -- Dick Tressel, assistant coach
BREAKING DOWN THE SHOWDOWN: Free Safety
CURTIS TAYLOR
6-3, 204 Jr.
Franklinton LA
Earned starting spot in spring drills; played mostly special teams in 11 games in redshirt freshman season; sophomore season highlighted by 4 tackles against Arizona; played in 12 of 13 games in 2006; replaced NFL first-round pick LaRon Landry this season; 8 tackles in key wins over Florida and Ole Miss; finished season with 49 total tackles and a sack, 2 interceptions, 6 passes broken up and the fumble recovery that set the Tigers up for the winning score against Alabama
CAREER: 36 games, 64 tackles, 2 interceptions
"Curtis is a very good football player and I’m not sure a lot of people know it yet." -- Bo Pelini, defensive coordinator
ANDERSON RUSSELL
6-0, 205, Soph.
Atlanta GA
Earned starting spot in 2006 season opener against Northern Illinois in redshirt freshman season; knee injury in fifth game (Iowa) put him out for the season; rehabbed during spring drills and returned in fall camp to regain starting job; third leading tackler this season with 58 tackles, 3 sacks and a forced fumble; Son of former Philadelphia Eagle Kevin Russell; brother Brandon played at North Carolina.
CAREER: 17 games, 74 tackles, 1 interception
"Anderson has fought through injuries all season, but has remained upbeat and productive." -- Paul Haynes, assistant coach
BREAKING DOWN THE SHOWDOWN: Wide Receiver
DEMETRIUS BYRD
6-2, 195 Jr.
Miami FL
First-year signee out of Pearl River Junior College; among 2006’s top junior college receivers with 45 catches, 730 yards, 5 TDs; played in JUCO national championship last season; 2007’s big play last-second TD catch in 30-24 win over Auburn; biggest game, 6 catches, 144 yards, 1 TD vs. Alabama; team’s third leading receiver; filled in for loss of first-round draft picks Dwayne Bowe and Buster Davis.
CAREER: 33 catches, 593 yards, 7 TDs
"The way we ended up in the national championship I really look at it like it was meant to be for us. We are blessed." -- Demetrius Byrd
BRIAN HARTLINE
6-3, 180, Soph.
North Canton OH
Filled in spot left by loss of first-round draft picks Ted Ginn Jr. and Anthony Gonzales; played in 13 games in 2006 redshirt freshman season; finished 2006 with 17 receptions, 256 yards, 2 TDs; looks smaller but plays bigger than 6-3; best 2007 game, 7 catches, 95 yards vs. Wisconsin; team’s second-leading receiver this year with 46 catches for 619 yards, 5 TDs.
CAREER: 63 catches, 875 yards, 7 TDs
"If you pass him on the street, you’d think he’s a punter." -- James Laurinaitis, Ohio State linebacker
BREAKING DOWN THE SHOWDOWN: Cornerback
JONATHAN ZENON
6-0, 180, Sr.
Breaux Bridge LA
Interception for TD against Tennessee in SEC title game stands among LSU’s big plays this season; worked in three games in redshirt freshman year behind three future NFL players; three starts in sophomore year marked by interception against Ole Miss; reached full-time starter status in 2006 junior season with 4 picks, 2 for TDs and broke up 12 passes; rated as top-drawer 'cover' corner; big game 7 tackles vs. South Carolina; finished season with 41 tackles, 3 picks, 7 passes broken up.
CAREER: 40 games, 87 tackles, 9 interceptions and 172 return yards
"You keep pressure on your opponent and you work and you work and you find a way to win. That’s Jon." -- Les Miles
MALCOLM JENKINS
6-1, 208, Jr.
Piscataway NJ
Returning All-Big Ten after playing in 10 games and earning nickelback spot in 2005 true freshman season; position is field corner, because he covers wide side of the field; started three games in freshman year at boundary corner, the spot on the short side of the field; extra-fast 4.3 in 40; freshman-high 9 tackles against Notre Dame in Fiesta Bowl; four interceptions in sophomore season; usually covers opponent’s best receiver; 2007’s top game 9 tackles vs. Purdue; three picks this year.
CAREER: 35 games, 136 tackles, 7 interceptions
"He does a great job preparing himself and others and translating that to the field - a true leader." -- Taver Johnson, assistant coach
BREAKING DOWN THE SHOWDOWN: Quarterback
MATT FLYNN
6-3, 227, Sr.
Tyler TX
Redshirted in 2003, then climbed depth chart from No. 3 QB in 2004, to backup role to No. 1 draft pick JaMarcus Russell for two seasons; waited for starting job to open up in 2007 spring practice; claim to fame in first three seasons was start and MVP performance in 40-3 win over Miami in 2005 Peach Bowl when Russell was injured; took starting job in spring 2007; sat out two games this year with injuries; biggest game 24 of 44 for 353 yards and 3 TDs with 3 picks in win over Alabama.
CAREER: 49 games, 410 passes, 226 completions, 2,922 yards, 27 TDs, 12 interceptions; 116 rushes, 332 yards, 5 TDs.
"When things get tough, he’ll be able to handle it." -- Early Doucet, wide receiver
TODD BOECKMAN
6-5, 243, Jr.
St. Henry OH
After 2004 redshirt year, played in six games during the next two seasons behind 2006 Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith and backup QB Justin Zwick; big play in first two seasons was 42-yard TD pass to Ted Ginn Jr.; took starting job in spring drills; completed 176 of 273 passes for 2,171 yards, 23 TDs against 12 interceptions; ran 47 times for net 70 yards; biggest game 19 of 26 for 253 yards and 3 TDs against Penn State; sacked 13 times for 92 yards.
CAREER: 18 games, 283 passes, 183 completions, 2,257 yards, 24 TDs, 12 interceptions; 51 rushes, 84 yards, 1 TD.
"As good as he is, Todd always works hard and is always trying to improve." -- Joe Daniels, assistant coach
BREAKING DOWN THE SHOWDOWN: Defensive End
KIRSTON PITTMAN
6-4, 252, Sr.
Garyville LA
Tigers' 'speed' rusher; freshman All-SEC as a true freshman in 2003; played in 12 games with one start in 2004; used redshirt year in 2005 with injury then sat out entire 2006 season after tearing Achilles tendon in offseason workout; returned to team in spring 2007 and claimed starting spot in fall workouts; was SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week after eight tackle game against Virginia Tech; finished season with 61 tackles, 12 1/2 tackles behind the line, 14 quarterback 'hurries' and one interception; led Tigers with seven sacks for 47 yards; graduated Friday.
CAREER: 38 games, 95 tackles, 19 tackles for losses, 12 sacks
"I think we’re really going to leave a legacy of hard work." -- Kirston Pittman
VERNON GHOLSTON
6-4, 264, Jr.,
Detroit MI
Buckeyes’ top pass rusher; second-team AP, Walter Camp All-America; Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year; played in six games in 'true' freshman season; took redshirt season in 2005 when he broke his left hand in season opener; returned for sophomore season to start 13 games and earn spot on All-Big Ten second team; led 2006 team with 15 tackles for losses and 7 1/2 sacks; had one interception in 2006; 14 1/2 tackles for losses and 13 sacks this season with one fumble recovery.
CAREER: 31 games, 83 tackles, 29 1/2 tackles for losses, 21 1/2 sacks
"No one has meant more to our defensive success than Vernon, with his physical gifts and his tenaciousness on the field." -- Jim Heacock, assistant coach
BREAKING DOWN THE SHOWDOWN: Middle Linebacker
DARRY BECKWITH
6-1, 230, Jr.
Baton Rouge LA
Linebacker in the mold of other top Baton Rouge prep linebackers like Moonie Winston, George Bevan, Mike Anderson, Warren Capone, Albert Richardson; starred on special teams in 2005 true freshman season; moved from outside linebacker to inside in the middle of the 2006 season; team’s second leading tackler in 2006; first career interception in win over Tennessee; big 2006 game nine tackles against Arizona; fourth leading tackle this season; top game 12 tackles vs. Kentucky; key interception in SEC title game; first-team Coaches All-SEC; had arthroscopic surgery in early November.
CAREER: 35 games, 136 tackles, four sacks, two interceptions, 10 1/2 tackles for losses
"We play with a sense of urgency." -- Darry Beckwith
JAMES LAURINAITIS
6-3, 240, Jr.
Hamel MN
Follows in the footsteps of big-time Buckeyes linebackers like A.J. Hawk, Andy Katzenmoyer and Chris Spielman; Butkus Award winner for nation’s top LB; finalist for Lombardi, Nagurski & Bednarik awards & Lott Trophy; consensus All-America; Big 10 Defensive Player of the Year; career best 19 tackles in this year’s win over Wisconsin; top player on top defense in country; led or tied for team lead in tackles in 15 or last 24 games; 103 tackles, five sacks, two interceptions this year.
CAREER: 37 games, 227 tackles, 17 1/2 tackles for losses, nine sacks, seven interceptions
"He is that dedicated in his preparation, in his study and in his quest to gain every competitive advantage." -- Luke Fickell, assistant coach
BREAKING DOWN THE SHOWDOWN: Cornerback
CHEVIS JACKSON
6-0, 184, Sr.
Mobile AL
All-SEC first team; SI honorable mention All-America; played in 51 career games, perhaps the most in LSU records; has team-high streak of 39 consecutive starts; played in nickel & dime defenses in 2004 'true' freshman season; biggest 2004 game subbed for All-America Corey Webster against Florida; had 7 tackles vs. Florida in 2005, then interception vs. Florida in 2006; LSU’s 'cover' corner; fill-in punt returner; top defender in Sugar Bowl win vs. Notre Dame; big game this season 7 tackles; 4 interceptions, 15 passes broken up this year.
CAREER: 51 games, 140 tackles, 8 tackles for losses, 7 interceptions
"Every day is a chance to get better." -- Chevis Jackson
DONALD WASHINGTON
6-1, 188, Soph.
Indianapolis IN
After redshirting in 2005, started 9 games in 2006 in nickel package; in 2006 played in 13 games, forced 3 fumbles, had 41 tackles & 48-yard fumble return vs. Texas; plays 'boundary' corner covering short side of the field; superstar in Indiana prep football at wideout and DB; this year 34 tackles, 2 for losses, 1 sack, 1 interception with 70-yard return and 1 recovered fumble; big game 5 tackles vs. Michigan.
CAREER: 25 games, 75 tackles, 1 interception, 4 fumble recoveries
"He’s an up-and-coming playmaker … diligent and consistent. Big things are ahead of him." -- Taver Johnson, assistant coach
BREAKING DOWN THE SHOWDOWN: Center
BRETT HELMS
6-2, 270, Jr.
Stuttgart, AK
Opened redshirt freshman (2005) season with start at left guard against Arizona State; two starts in season shortened by injury; returned in 2006 with switch to starting center spot; in on 695 plays with team-high 108 “knockdown” blocks and 15 “pancakes” in 13 starts; second-team All-SEC; has 25 career starts; younger brother Trey is LSU freshman.
“We just focus on making holes for the fast, athletic guys to get through and let them get the glory.” -- Brett Helms
JIM CORDLE
6-4, 302, Soph.
Lancaster OH
First-year starter and was team’s offensive line player of the week in Akron win; backup to All-America Doug Datish in 2006 redshirt freshman season; earned job in spring practice; enrolled in spring 2005, but injury (broken foot) forced him to take redshirt that season; was first-team All-Ohio in junior & senior prep seasons; played in 6 games in 2006.
“Jim is quick and athletic, and has proven his toughness by playing through injury.” -- Jim Bollman, assistant coach
BREAKING DOWN THE SHOWDOWN: Defensive End
TYSON JACKSON
6-5, 291, Jr.
Edgard LA
Played in every game since 2005 redshirt freshman season, 39 straight; started 12 games in 2006 with 37 tackles, 10 for losses, 8 1/2 sacks, 1 interception; second-team All-SEC last season; 35 tackles in 13 starts this season with 10 passes broken up and 15 quarterback “hurries” ; sacks and tackles for losses totaling 119 yards in 3 seasons; big game 8 tackles vs. Kentucky; played through injuries this year.
CAREER: 85 tackles, 15 1/2 tackles for losses, 13 sacks
“We saw him last year, just kind of as a puppy scratching the surface of what he can do.” -- Kirk Herbstreit, ESPN
CAMERON HEYWARD
6-6, 282, Fr.
Suwanee GA
Played in all 12 games in true freshman season; shares spot with 6-5, 294, sophomore Bob Rose; in on 30 tackles, 9 for losses and 2 1/2 sacks; broke up 2 passes and forced a fumble; big game 5 tackles vs. Penn State; Georgia 5A Defensive Player of the Year last season … turned 18 May 6; plans to play basketball; son of former NFL running back Craig ‘Ironhead’ Heyward.
“He has worked very hard this season to successfully adjust to the demands of college football.” -- Jim Heacock, assistant coach
BREAKING DOWN THE SHOWDOWN: Strong Safety
CRAIG STELTZ
6-2, 209, Sr.
Kenner LA
LSU secondary player follows All-Americans Corey Webster and Tommy Casanova; first-team All-American on six lists this year; first-team All-SEC; began senior season with three interceptions against Mississippi State; Tigers’ top tackler this year with 97; also 5 tackles behind the line, 1 sack, 6 interceptions, 1 fumble recovery and 3 forced fumbles.
CAREER: 43 games, 180 tackles, 11 interceptions for 172 yards in returns
“During the spring I got hit a few times by him and I got a slight headache.” -- Early Doucet, LSU wide receiver
KURT COLEMAN
5-11, 187, Soph.
Clayton OH
Went into spring drills as backup to Jamario O’Neal then earned starting spot; played in 12 of 13 games with 9 tackles in 2006 freshman season; blocked 50-yard field goal try by Bowling Green in 2006; 54 tackles this season; 1 sack, 4 passes broken up and 1 forced fumble this season.
Career: 24 games, 63 tackles 3 1/2 tackles for losses
“A physical and tough competitor who has given us great consistency in the secondary.” -- Paul Haynes, OSU assistant coach
BREAKING DOWN THE SHOWDOWN: Left Guard
HERMAN JOHNSON
6-7, 356, Jr.
Olla LA
Played high school in Denton, Texas; started 23 consecutive games; the biggest LSU football player ever; started last 10 games in sophomore season chalking up 62 knockdown blocks and 22 “pancake” blocks; played 11 games in redshirt freshman year in 2005; played in 97 percent of LSU snaps this season; Coaches All-SEC first team; AP All-SEC second team; best game was 2007 Tulane with 11 knockdown blocks.
“…that left guard (Herman) Johnson is a monster in there.” -- Frank Beamer, Va. Tech coach
STEVE REHRING
6-8, 345, Jr.
West Chester OH
Second-year starter; All-Ohio prep lineman; though enrolled in spring 2004, took redshirt that year; played in first three games in 2005 before pneumonia sidelined him the rest of the season; returned in spring 2006, then started last nine games that year; Buckeyes averaged 59 more yards per game in his 2006 starts; started 12 games this season; key lineman in allowing only one sack per game in last two seasons.
“Experienced and intelligent. Steve has used his size and strength to great advantage this year.” -- Jim Bollman, OSU assistant coach
BREAKING DOWN THE SHOWDOWN: Kicker
COLT DAVID
5-9, 173, Jr.
Grapevine TX
15-yard TD run off fake FG vs. South Carolina among season’s national highlights; impact player in 2005 true freshman season; handled short FGs, good on 4-of-5 and hit 45 of 46 PATs; blocked PAT vs. Ole Miss in 2006 ended streak of 77 straight; good on 8 of 13 FGs in sophomore season, including 45-yarder vs. Florida; first-team Coaches All-SEC in 2007; LSU’s leading scorer in 2007 with SEC-high 139 points; set numerous LSU records.
CAREER: 3 seasons, 37-50 FGs (long 49), 153-155 PATs.
“We made him a team captain.” -- Bradley Dale Peveto, assistant coach
RYAN PRETORIUS
5-9, 175, Jr.
Durban, South Africa
At urging of fellow South African Gary Anderson, former NFL kicker, sent videos to U.S. colleges; Ohio State offered him as a ‘preferred’ walk-on in 2004; took 2004 redshirt season, then kicked off twice in 2005 and 19 times in 2006; tried two 50-yard-plus field goals in sophomore season; made 52-yarder vs. Cincinnati, missed from 51 yards vs. Northern Illinois; won field goal/PAT duties in fall camp; good on 17 of 21 FGs this season, longest 50 vs. Penn State.
CAREER: 3 seasons, 18-23 FGs (long 52), 45-46 PATs, 52 kickoffs
“A capable kicker and an even more colorful character; he is one of a kind on our team.” -- Joe Daniels, OSU assistant coach
BREAKING DOWN THE SHOWDOWN: Right Guard
LYLE HITT
6-2, 299, Soph.
Baton Rouge LA
Home-grown talent; after taking redshirt in 2005, switched from defense to offense at midseason 2006 to help bolster injury-riddled O-line; played in three games last season, all on defense; earned starting spot in 2007 spring drills; started 12 of 13 games; sat out Kentucky game with injury; in on nearly 700 plays this year; best game 9 “knockdown” blocks vs. Alabama.
“I’ve really learned to enjoy playing the position.”-- Lyle Hitt
BEN PERSON
6-4, 321, Jr.
Xenia OH
Backup to All-Big 10 lineman T.J. Downing in 2005 redshirt freshman season and 2006 sophomore year; with All-Big Ten right tackle Kirk Barton the reason Buckeyes get rushing yards on right-side runs; played in 9 games in 2005 and 12 in 2006; four-year basketball star in high school; considered the most competitive of Buckeyes’ O-linemen.
“He has consistently used his size and power with excellent results.”-- Jim Bollman, assistant coach
BREAKING DOWN THE SHOWDOWN: Strongside Linebacker
LUKE SANDERS
6-5, 242, Sr.
West Monroe LA
Played three games in 2004 true freshman season before shoulder injury sidelined him; returned to back-up LB and top special teams roles in 2005; started 11 of 13 games last season with best-game eight tackles and a sack vs. Auburn; sack vs. Notre Dame in 2007 Sugar Bowl labeled “big play”; took over starting spot in spring drills; among LSU’s strongest players; finished 2007 season with 28 tackles, 1.5 tackles for losses, three passes broken up, five quarterback hurries, one fumble recovery and one forced fumble.
CAREER: 41 games, 73 tackles, 4 tackles for losses, 2.5 sacks.
“He’s exceptionally fast and exceptionally strong and plays hard on every snap.”-- Bradley Dale Peveto,assistant coach
LARRY GRANT
6-3, 226, Sr.
Norcross GA
First-rate special teams defender with blocked field goal vs. Washington and blocked punt vs. Northwestern ; transfer from City College of San Francisco; JuCo All-America in 2005; One start, played 12 games in 2006 junior season in backup at middle linebacker; all over the field player has interceptions, forced and recovered fumbles, tackles for losses and sacks; earned starting spot in spring practice; big game seven tackles vs. Illinois; 43 tackles this season.
CAREER: 24 games, 61 tackles, 10 tackles for losses, 5.5 sacks, two interceptions (68 return yards).
“Our only starting senior on defense, he has a special role to perform, and has done a terrific job.”-- Luke Fickell, assistant coach
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