We’ve been identifying some of the best of the best in Ohio State football over the last few weeks, and will continue to have some pieces throughout the next few days as we ramp up for the beginning of the season.
We’ve looked at each position group in our G.O.A.T. series, and now it’s time to put together an All-Historical Team for Ohio State football. Here’s the premise — if you were picking the best player at each position on the field in Buckeye history — who would you pick?
We posed that to our writers here on Buckeyes Wire and took the highest vote-getter of each. In some cases, it was an open and shut case, and in others a tie had to be broken (what can I say, it’s the benefit of being the publisher here).
So, here it goes, the All-Time Historical Offensive Ohio State Team.
Quarterback
Troy Smith (2003-2006)
There was consideration for Dwayne Haskins here, but the Heisman winning Smith got the nod.
Running Back
Archie Griffin (1972-1975)
This was a slam dunk, unanimous choice here. We only went with one running back, since that’s where the game is today. Had we went with a two-back set, Eddie George would have gotten the next spot. But, the only two-time Heisman winner is the clear choice.
Offensive Line
Orlando Pace (1994-1996)
Korey Stringer (1992-1994)
Nick Mangold (2002-2005)
John Hicks (1970-1973)
Jim Parker (1954-1956)
This is a group that was a very deep one. You’ve got All-Americans across the board. You’ve got a couple from the Woody Hayes era, a couple from the John Cooper years, and one that played for Jim Tressel. Bill Willis also got consideration and could have very easily made the team.
Tight End
John Frank (1980-1983)
This is probably the thinnest position group in Ohio State history with Frank being the clear cut winner here despite votes for both Rickey Dudley and Ben Hartsock. Frank is the statistical leader in the OSU record books and had the best NFL career.
Wide-receiver
Cris Carter (1984-1986)
Terry Glenn (1993-1995)
David Boston (1996-1998)
When looking at the wide-receiving group in program history, these three really stand out. In fact, despite extremely talented guys like Joey Galloway also playing for the program, this was a three-man unanimous vote.
Stay with us. In a couple of days we look at the All Ohio State Historical Defensive Team.
