We’ve been going through a series here at Buckeyes Wire. It’s a debate on which Ohio State football player is the best to wear specific jersey numbers, and we’re now cruising along to No. 13.
Before we get into all the fun, here’s an update on where we stand with all the jersey numbers we’ve debated to date:
Jersey No. 1 | Jersey No. 2 | Jersey No. 3 | Jersey No. 4 | Jersey No. 5 | Jersey No. 6 | Jersey No. 7 | Jersey No. 8 | Jersey No. 9 | Jersey No. 10 | Jersey No. 11 | Jersey No. 12
We’re doing this because while things are beginning to slowly open up, we’re all still a little stir crazy from getting cabin fever due to the measures put in place to help mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. Thank goodness things are slowly starting to reopen. Golf, NASCAR, underwater basket weaving — if it’s live, I find myself watching it now.
But we digress. In the long, illustrious history of Ohio State football, there is sure to be some disagreement, but that only makes it more fun.
We will continue to keep going along his journey through the summer and will have the results of all of these polls further down the road. For now though, get your voice heard by voting in the Twitter poll below:
Okay, Mark, as always — you are up first …
Next … Mark’s thoughts
Contact/Follow Mark Russell
Best to wear No. 13? How about a true freshman who helped lead the Buckeyes to the 2002 National Championship.
Maurice Clarett came to Ohio State as a heralded hero, but left looking more like a villain. In an ESPN the Magazine article, Clarett would say some disparaging things directed at the University which left fans feeling less than friendly.
However, the only season Clarett would suit up in the scarlet and gray was one for the ages. The Buckeyes rode the freshman running back to an undefeated, 14 win season, stunning the college football world by upending the “unbeatable” Miami Hurricanes.
Clarett would make the play of the game when the tide was turning in the Hurricanes direction after a Sean Taylor interception in the third quarter. Clarett chased Taylor down and stripped the ball to give the Buckeyes another chance. If that play doesn’t happen, Miami probably rolls.
Maurice Clarett had his share of trouble while in Columbus, challenging and losing a battle against the NFL to enter into the Draft early, as well as spending time in prison.
Since then, Clarett has turned his life around, is a motivational speaker and has made amends with Ohio State. Consideration was given to Damon Moore as well as Eli Apple, but Maurice Clarett gets my vote. He may have only been around one season, but what a magical season it was.
Next … Brock’s responds
Contact/Follow Phil Harrison
Okay, okay, I love a good debate like the next guy, but I have to agree with you Mark. It’s a shame Clarett couldn’t figure things out when he was at Ohio State so we could see him for another couple of years. Can you imagine that 2003 team with him toting the rock?
Regardless, Clarett came to Columbus with no assembly required physically. He was ready-made as a freshman and showed what he could do instantly in his first game against Texas Tech. He was an instant freshman sensation for all the reasons Mark pointed out.
What’s even more impressive is that he held the freshman rushing record when he left the school despite having to play through injury and missing a big chunk of time.
But yeah, he’s the best No. 13 to come through the program thus far, and I’m glad he’s worked to turn his life around and make a difference in a lot of people’s lives these days.
Next … Phil’s final word
Contact/Follow Brock Netter
This is easy. It’s Maurice Clarett.
If for nothing else, he’s the best No. 13 for his strip of Sean Taylor in the National Championship.
No other No. 13 will ever (probably) match that play or his production.
Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion.
We have a forum and message board now. Get in on the conversation about Ohio State athletics by joining the Buckeyes Wire Forum.
