Howland's Datish savors Ohio State

The sophomore lineman doesn't mind waiting his turn.
By JOE SCALZO
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
COLUMBUS -- Ohio State sophomore Doug Datish is a 6-foot-5, 295-pound former All-Ohio offensive lineman who spent last season on the scout team.
And you know what? He had fun.
"I had a lot to learn in my first year, just getting used to the speed of the game and learning the plays," Datish, a Howland High graduate, said. "But it's fun. I play with a bunch of great guys.
"And we won the national championship, which was cool."
Depth chart
Datish, who was redshirted last season, will back up senior tackle Shane Olivea this fall and will battle junior tackle Mike Kne for playing time.
He's spent the past year adding muscle and speed while trying to adjust to the college game.
"It's a lot different here," said Datish, whose father, Mike, played on OSU's Rose Bowl team in 1975. "You might be a high school all-star when you come in, but everyone on the team is an all-star.
"I've trimmed down and added some muscle. I'm beginning to understand what's expected."
Coming home
Datish, who was the Division II co-defensive player of the year as a senior, came home often this summer to visit his old high school.
"Guys were congratulating me on the national championship," he said. "They said all good things."
The Tigers have made the playoffs the past two seasons and have two seniors headed to Big Ten schools next fall, Tony Davis (Penn State) and Brandon Alexander (Indiana).
And, according to Datish, the key to Howland's recent success is coach Dick Angle.
"He instilled a weight program -- a real weight program -- when he came," Datish, a pharmaceutical sciences major, said. "And he got quality guys to come out. We've always had talented athletes, but he knows how to use them.
"I think they'll do great things this year."
In line
Barring injury within the program, Datish won't get a chance to start this season. But he doesn't mind waiting his turn.
"I have no regrets about coming here -- this place is awesome," he said. "It's pretty exciting just to walk into the locker room and see your name on the jersey.
"But it doesn't compare to the games."
scalzo@vindy.com