Dec. 31--A black walking boot enveloped Tommy Schutt's right foot Wednesday. What wasn't visible to the naked eye was the sling supporting his heart.
Schutt was shut down and feeling a little down about being out for the Fiesta Bowl after breaking said foot during practice last week.
It almost seems like a fitting end to a college career that, thanks partly to injuries, didn't live up to the expectations attached to Schutt when he arrived in Columbus, Ohio, from Glenbard West High School as the country's ninth-ranked defensive tackle.
A college career Schutt initially thought would play out at Penn State, where he was committed before the Jerry Sandusky scandal unraveled, leaving Schutt without a school very late in the recruiting process.
"He started real slow," Ohio State coach Urban Meyer said of Schutt's career. "He really picked it up near the end. Maybe he did not have the stellar career that a lot of people thought, but he's very impactful on our team."
The 6-foot-3, 290-pounder missed two games earlier this season after breaking his wrist and trying to play through it. He missed six games during his sophomore season after breaking his left foot.
"Tough break," Schutt said.
Literally.
"It's frustrating not being able to be out there with your guys," he said. "But I'll be as supportive as I can, whether that be play calls, adjustments on the field."
Meyer said he aches for Schutt, and all players who lose steam thanks to injuries.
"It breaks your heart," Meyer said. "It's the worst part of the job. Nothing's even really a close second."
The ink on Schutt's career is dry as far as Ohio State's record books are concerned: 39 games, 42 tackles (25 of which came this season), three sacks (2 1/2 this year) and a lot of frustration.
Schutt said he wouldn't change much about his four years as a Buckeye, one of which includes last season's national championship, the first in the College Football Playoff era.
Not much, except, of course, his well-being.
"I'd love to stay healthy, play better at times," he said.
Schutt's next step with his broken foot is healing. After that, life after Ohio State football player begins.
pskrbina@tribpub.com
