BrutusReport.com Writer's Q&A: Archie
Griffin has to be 1. No back in history here or anywhere else has ever
accomplished what he did.
Top 3 Ohio
State running backs of
all time?
Bill Smith: Archie
Griffin has to be 1. No back in history here or anywhere else has ever
accomplished what he did. 2. My choice is Les Horvath winner of the 1944
Heisman trophy. He was a little before my time but anyone that played 401
minutes in a 540 minute season deserves the ranking. 3. Eddie George a great
player that always gave the Bucks everything he had. John Brockington is a
candidate. While many may not ever have seen him play, he was outstanding. Vic
Janowitz was more QB than RB.
Eric Geier:
1.) Archie
2.) Eddie
3.) Chic Harley
Steve Patterson: I would love to put Chris Wells into the
list but historically there were too many other great backs for Ohio State.
The third best was Keith Byars who got robbed of the Heisman in 1984. Second was
Eddie George who had 1,927 yards rushing his senior season with 24 touchdowns
and an average of 152.2 yards per game. And the two time Heisman winner, Archie Giffin, has to
be number one.
Ryan Leonardo:
1. Archie Griffin
2. Eddie George
3. Keith Byars
Pete Quint: Archie Griffin, Chic Harley, Eddie George. If
Robert Smith had played for three years he would certainly be on this list. He was the best I had seen play for the
scarlet and grey in person.
Top 3 Ohio
State linebackers of all
time?
Bill Smith: 1. Randy Gradishar He played like he hated
everyone in the opponents' stadium including the popcorn vendor, my kind of LB.
2. Tom Cousineau—Cous was the first choice in the 1979 draft by the Bills but
felt insulted by the team and played in Canada.
He was outstanding at OSU and led the D by example. 3. There are lots of great
and deserving candidates including recent grads like A.J. Hawk and current
players like James Laurinaitis. My 3rd favorite is Chris Spielman.
He was too small and too slow but played like a madman with an understanding
for the game that was unique. He gave more than he had to give every play of
every game. He was a second round pick of the Lions in 1988 and became the
anchor of the D. Spiels is the kind of player any coach would love to have
because he makes the entire team better by showing them what kind of effort it
takes to win.
Eric Geier: All pretty recent players:
1.) A.J. Hawk
2.) Andy Katzenmoyer
3.) James Laurinaitis
Steve Patterson: Recent linebackers AJ Hawk, Andy
Katzenmoyer, and James Laurinaitis were or will all be first round NFL
selections. But Tom Cousineau and Chris Spielman are legends both with record
breaking and award winning careers for the Buckeyes. My top three would be AJ
Hawk, Chris Spielman and Tom Cousineau at the top.
Ryan Leonardo:
1. A.J. Hawk
2. Chris Spielman
3. James Laurinaitis
Pete Quint: Marcus Merick, Tom Cousineau, Chris Spielman. A.J.
Hawk could make this list if he has a stellar NFL career.