BOARDMAN Griffin not envious of Clarett

The two-time Heisman Trophy winner may see his records surpassed by the sensational freshman running back.
By BRIAN RICHESSON
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
BOARDMAN -- Archie Griffin had to expect the steady flow of questions about a popular topic within the Ohio State football program.
Minutes after arriving Tuesday at Antone's Banquet Centre for the Easter Seals of Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana Counties Dinner, Griffin was queried about freshman sensation Maurice Clarett.
"No, no, no," said Griffin, the two-time Heisman Trophy winner at Ohio State, when asked if he tires of answering questions about Clarett, a running back from Youngstown.
"I'm glad we've got him," said Griffin, Ohio State's career rushing leader with 5,589 yards from 1972-75. "I'm glad we don't have to play against him."
One to watch
Since stepping foot on Ohio State's campus, Clarett, a Warren Harding High graduate, has captured the attention of coach Jim Tressel and the Buckeye faithful.
A true freshman, Clarett has rushed for 575 yards and nine touchdowns in four games -- knee surgery kept him out of one game -- to help carry Ohio State (5-0) to a No. 5 national ranking.
"This year we want to improve on what we did a year ago [a 7-5 record and a win over Michigan]," said Griffin, associate athletics director at Ohio State. "So far, that's happening."
Clarett, whose Buckeyes play Saturday night at Northwestern, has been the catalyst. With his breakaway speed and bruising power, the 6-foot, 230-pound running back has given opposing defenses fits.
"What really impresses me about him is his strength. He's so strong. He can't be stopped," Griffin said. "The other thing that impresses me is his patience. He'll flow for a while, and then when he sees that opening, he'll get to it."
Griffin's backing
Clarett must be feeling fortunate. Not only has he impressed on the field, he has received the backing of people such as Griffin.
In Ohio State's 25-7 win over Washington State on Sept. 14, Clarett, despite an injured knee, rushed for 230 yards and two touchdowns. He was 9 yards short of Griffin's single-game record for a freshman, set in 1972.
As Clarett moved closer toward the record, Griffin was rooting him on, hoping Tressel would allow Clarett the opportunity.
"He was so close at that time, I thought it would be the right thing to do," said Griffin, unaware that Clarett had hurt his knee in the first quarter.
Griffin remembers the advice then-coach Woody Hayes gave him after he ran for the 239, in only his second game, against North Carolina in '72.
"You may never have another game like that," Hayes told him.
"I had one," Griffin said Tuesday, "but you never know if that'll happen again. Maurice will have that and more, but you never know."
With the nation buzzing about Clarett's ability -- even with Heisman Trophy talk -- one might wonder how a freshman can handle the expectations from fans and media.
Not to worry, Griffin says. Clarett should be fine, as long as he focuses his attention away from talk shows and newspaper articles.
"I don't think that other stuff bothers him," Griffin said. "He wants to make sure he gives the best performance he can give."
On the agenda
In addition to the installation of officers and board of trustees, two awards were given at Tuesday's dinner, which drew 143 guests.
Frances Schwebel-Solomon won The Anthony Vivo Community Service Award, and John MacIntosh won The Frances Schwebel-Solomon Spirit and Life Award.
richesson@vindy.com