Doug Datish: At a glance

Sunday, August 27, 2006 Personal: Datish graduated last winter with a bachelor's degree in history — he had a 3.5 grade point average — and is now working on his master's degree. He said he's considering law school and a career in politics or national security. Datish, who played tackle last season, sat out spring practice while recovering from off-season shoulder surgery and will play center this season for the Buckeyes. Favorite book: "That's tough," he said. "I read a lot of books. I've got to think of something that's not too military. I guess one of my favorite books is one of the first books I read: 'Where the Red Fern Grows.' " Did he cry? "I don't remember," he said. "I might have. It's a really sad book." Three albums in his CD player right now: "Pulse" by Pink Floyd; "George Strait's Greatest Hits"; and a CD by his girlfriend, country music singer Karli Whetstone. Whetstone, who graduated from Howland with Datish, headlined the "Party in the Park" in downtown Youngstown on Friday. They've been dating for five years. Last meal on Earth: "A 20-ounce Filet Mignon from the Chophouse in Chicago," he said. "With a lobster tail and a sweet potato." Biggest inspiration: "My grandmother, Barbara Prokup," he said. "She's the sweetest person in the world. It takes a lot to never say one negative thing about anybody, but that's how she is. Whenever things get down, I think of her and she inspires me." Favorite thing to do when he's back home: "Probably just hang out with my grandparents," he said. "I don't get to see them a lot." Joe Scalzo