Friday, April 23, 2004
As many as 15 Buckeyes could be selected, which would shatter Miami's mark.
COLUMBUS (AP) -- Ohio State edged Miami in the 2003 Fiesta Bowl to win the national championship. Now the Buckeyes hope to slip past the Hurricanes again.
As many as 15 Ohio State players have a shot at being taken in this weekend's NFL draft. Two years ago Miami had 11 players taken, the most ever for one university.
"They may break the record for the most players taken in a seven-round draft," said NFL draft analyst Gil Brandt. "Ohio State has a chance."
The highest rated players include defensive lineman Will Smith, cornerback Chris Gamble and tight end Ben Hartsock.
Other Buckeyes who could hear their names called this weekend include safety Will Allen, defensive linemen Tim Anderson and Darrion Scott, offensive linemen Bryce Bishop, Adrien Clarke, Shane Olivea and Alex Stepanovich, wide receivers Michael Jenkins and Drew Carter, quarterbacks Craig Krenzel and Scott McMullen, linebacker Robert Reynolds and punter B.J. Sander.
"They're very, very good," Ohio State coach Jim Tressel said. "It's going to be a record-setting year for us. I'm excited for them. They've worked hard to get ready for that. I wish the best for them."
No surprise
Krenzel said he's not at all surprised that the draft could end up being painted scarlet and gray.
"That just says a lot about the guys we've had the last two years," he said. "In last year's senior class, there were some very special players. This year that was true again, maybe more so. We've had a lot of talent the last couple of years."
Over the last two seasons, Ohio State went 25-2, won the Fiesta Bowl twice and finished No. 1 and No. 4.
"Hopefully I'll get somebody to record the draft so I can see how those guys come out," said sophomore wide receiver Santonio Holmes, who will be playing in Ohio State's spring scrimmage when the draft kicks off on Saturday. "It makes me feel real good because I played with those guys. I know what their capabilities are. I'm proud of those guys."
Top talent
Smith, a fearsome pass rusher who had 10.5 sacks and 20 tackles for negative yardage last season, is considered one of the premier defensive front men available. Gamble spent two seasons as a starting cornerback along with spot duty at wide receiver and is considered an intriguing choice on defense. Hartsock had a career year with 33 catches and was one of the Buckeyes' top blockers.
Jenkins said there is no reason to worry about the draft because there are so many variables.
"You just wait around because you can end up anywhere, from Miami to Seattle," said Jenkins, who led the Buckeyes with 55 catches for 834 yards last season. "You have to kind of wait to see where your life goes."
Jenkins has been hurt because there are so many tall and talented receivers available.
"It's unfortunate that Mike Jenkins was conceived a year too early or late," Brandt said with a laugh. "There are a lot of good receivers, and he's one of them."
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