Friday, September 23, 2011
By BILL RABINOWITZ
The Columbus Dispatch
columbus
John Simon knows Ohio State fans are in a funk this week, wondering whether Saturday’s disheartening loss to Miami portends doom for the rest of the season.
In a way, that’s just how Simon wants it.
“It was a big loss for us,” the junior defensive lineman said. “It brings on a lot of adversity, but these are the weeks you look forward to. Who’s going to fight back? Who’s going to be excited to get back out there? I can promise you we’re all itching to get out there.”
Heading into a game on Saturday against Colorado, Simon has arguably been Ohio State’s top defensive player. He hit Miami quarterback Jacory Harris’ hand to cause one of Ohio State’s interceptions. His tenacity and strength have drawn double-teams, allowing others to make plays.
With senior Nathan Williams out after knee surgery, Simon saw time at the “Leo” position, a defensive end spot that also involves occasionally dropping back into pass coverage.
“John has done a great job so far,” coach Luke Fickell said. “We’ve moved him around, asked him to do a lot of different things because of some of the situations we’re in.
“The thing about John is he’s a guy you know is going to be there working every single day. He’s going to get better at everything he does. He’s a great example to everybody on the team. That’s what we want to make sure we continue.”
Co-defensive coordinator Paul Haynes compared Simon with former Buckeyes All-America linebacker A.J. Hawk as a leader.
“He’s not a vocal-type guy, but everybody knows he’s our leader because of his actions,” Haynes said. “That’s the way A.J. was. Everybody knew he was going to give 110 percent and was all in. He didn’t say a lot and he didn’t have to say a lot.”
Simon’s leadership is crucial on a defense that lost seven starters. Linebacker Andrew Sweat and nickel back Tyler Moeller are the only senior starters. Leadership on the unit was a question mark before the season, and it remains one.
“We need to develop some,” Fickell said. “We need to see guys step up. That’s what we’re hoping to see. ”
Simon has earned respect among his teammates for his nonstop effort. Defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins described Simon as an “Energizer bunny.”
“He never gets tired and goes hard every play,” he said. “Just seeing that makes me want to go hard every play just like him.”
Fullback Zach Boren is Simon’s roommate. He said he loves competing against Simon in practice.
“It’s definitely fun,” Boren said. “He’s a hard guy to block, I’ll tell you that. He’s a great competitor and a great defensive lineman, one of the best in the country. There’ll be plays when he’s all the way on the other side of the field and he’s gotten cut [blocked], gotten up, got hit again and run all the way across the field to make the tackle.”