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Ex-Buckeye Jim Cordle predicts a bright future
By Joe Scalzo
YOUNGSTOWN
With the NFL lockout dragging on, former Ohio State lineman Jim Cordle has had plenty of chances to return to Columbus over the past few months.
He’s encouraged by what he’s seen.
“At first everybody was a little uneasy — it wasn’t normal around there — but now it’s back to normal,” said Cordle, a New York Giants center who served as a guest instructor at Ursuline’s annual youth camp. “Guys are doing their summer workouts, coach [Luke] Fickell is speaking to campers. ...
“He’s in charge now and guys are excited. He’s a guy fans can get excited about. He’s different than Tress. He’s not a senator by any means.”
That said, Cordle believes the “Tattoogate” scandal has only temporarily tarnished Jim Tressel’s legacy.
“I hated to see him go,” said Cordle. “But he’ll be fine. He’s a great man. His legacy will live on.
“He made a mistake that cost him his job but the things he accomplished there and the standards he set put Ohio State at new levels.”
Ohio State’s top 2012 recruit, Lakewood St. Edward lineman Kyle Kalis, decommitted from the Buckeyes on Monday in favor of Michigan, something that might become more common in the months ahead. But Cordle believes that’s just a temporary trend.
“Hopefully we won’t have any bowl bans or scholarship losses because that will hurt recruiting,” he said. “I think if we can avoid sanctions and if we’re good [this fall] and Michigan’s bad, those guys are going to come back.
“They might lose a couple guys this year but it’s still Ohio State. They’re still going to get recruits. I think they’ll keep that Big Ten championship standard.”
Cordle, who is originally from Augusta, Ga., spent last season on the Giants’ practice squad. After five years’ worth of spring practices, followed by draft preparation in 2010, this is his first real offseason in years.
“I’m helping out here and I worked the Ohio State camps and it’s just great to be around the game,” he said. “I definitely miss that. I’ve haven’t played or practiced since January and it’s weird being out of it so long.”
Cordle, who is engaged to a Canfield High graduate, is getting married this Saturday, so while he’s been looking forward to a lockout resolution, he’s not exactly disappointed that he won’t resume practice this week.
“It looks like we’re safe,” he said, smiling. “If something does get done this week, hopefully next week we’ll be back in action and on track.”