OSU football: Boren's transfer sure to add spice to rivalry
Wednesday,
April 23, 2008 3:27 AM
The Columbus Dispatch
Offensive lineman Justin Boren has decided to transfer from Michigan to Ohio State, and OSU
football historian Jack Park thinks it is an unprecedented move.
Citing disenchantment with the new Michigan coaching staff of Rich Rodriguez, Boren -- a
sophomore starter in 2007 -- left the Wolverines last month. Coach Jim Tressel confirmed for
The Dispatch last night that Boren, who attended Pickerington North, intends to
play for the Buckeyes after sitting out the 2008 season because of NCAA transfer rules.
"It's exciting to be coming back home to central Ohio," Boren, who just finished the spring
semester at Michigan, said in a statement through Tressel. "I am looking forward to the chance to
help the Buckeyes continue their excellence in any way I can."
Tressel welcomed the transfer. Because of Big Ten rules, Boren can never be on scholarship at
OSU.
"Justin is a fine young man and an excellent football player," Tressel said. "We are happy that
he has decided to continue his career at Ohio State and ultimately earn his degree in his
hometown."
Park, considered the walking encyclopedia of OSU football, said he can't recall another
high-profile player transferring from Michigan to Ohio State, and certainly not since World War
II.
"He is just one player, but I think it's a major moment (in the history of the rivalry)," Park
said. "Just that it would happen is one thing. Then you throw in the fact his father (Mike Boren,
who played linebacker for Bo Schembechler) had been at Michigan just makes it all the more
interesting."
Park pointed out that two players in the 1940s started their college careers at OSU, went to
World War II, then played at Michigan upon their return. Howard Yerges Jr. was the starting
quarterback and J.T. White the starting center for the Wolverines' 1947 national championship
team.