Buckeye Brians ready to take on the NFL

By Jon Moffett

Brian Hartline and Brian Robiskie signed autographs for fans at the Eastwood Mall in Niles.

NILES — Brian Hartline and Brian Robiskie have made a career out of catching a football.

Now, the former Ohio State Buckeye wide receivers hope to catch on in the NFL.

Both were selected in last month’s NFL Draft. Robiskie was selected in the second round by the Cleveland Browns. Hartline was the fourth-round pick of the Miami Dolphins.

The rookie receivers participated in an autograph signing at the Eastwood Mall on Saturday. Many fans lined the concourse of the mall to see the former Buckeyes. Many people wore Ohio State jerseys and other apparel and brought replica helmets and photographs for autographs. The two exchanged playful banter and met with the fans, shaking hands and posing for pictures.

Hartline continuously asked “Robo” to sign miniature helmets smaller so his signature could also fit. Robiskie countered, asking Hartline if he actually caught a ball shown in a picture.

Aside from engaging fans, the pair expressed their excitement on taking their game to the next level.

“First and foremost, I was excited to get drafted and to hear my name called,” said Robiskie, “I couldn’t be more excited about it.”

Hartline said just being drafted was a blessing and that “if that’s the worst-case scenario, I’m a pretty lucky guy.”

Both Brians have strong ties to Ohio, having grown up in the state and playing their college ball for the Buckeyes. Hartline is a native of Canton and played football at GlenOak High School. He was with his parents at their cabin in Seneca Lake Park on draft day. He admitted he couldn’t even remember who he had talked to on the phone.

“I remember just listening for the team name,” he said. “But I think it was [Dolphins general manager] Jeff Ireland.”

Robiskie attended Chagrin Falls High School. During his tenure, he worked as a ball boy for the Cleveland Browns during training camp for three years. His father, Terry, is a former coach of the team and the younger Robiskie values what his father has taught him.

“He’s helped me tremendously through the entire process, not just the draft,” he said. “He’s been there to give me advice on what teams are looking for in a player.”

Robiskie’s connections with Cleveland give him extra motivation to perform on the field. He said Cleveland has the most loyal fans in the league and he can’t wait to suit up and walk out the tunnel on Sundays — which he added will be much different than being on the field as a ball boy.

“Just to be in the NFL is a dream come true,” he said. “And to have the opportunity to go back to Cleveland is a tremendous blessing to me.”

Neither Hartline nor Robiskie would get into specific expectations about their rookie seasons, but both said they hope to contribute right away.

“I’ll just step in and do whatever the coaches ask of me,” Robiskie said. “Whether that means playing on special teams, or stepping in as a receiver. I’ll do whatever I can to help my team out and win some football games.”

Hartline said he wants to help the team continue to win and hopes for a “long and successful career” at the pro level.

When asked what the hardest part of leaving Ohio for Florida would be, Hartline joked about missing the weather.

“It’s kind of a bummer, but you have to do what you have to do.”

jmoffett@vindy.com