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OSU’s Jones, Boren not on same path
By BRIAN DZENIS
NILES
Before they head their separate ways, Ohio State’s Cardale Jones and Jacoby Boren get one more chance to bask in college football glory.
The quarterback and center combo met up for the first time since January’s Fiesta Bowl at Everything Buckeyes in the Eastwood Mall on Saturday. The two were there to sign autographs.
Within in minutes of the two sitting down, fans who paid for their signature asked them about their ride to the 2014 season national championship. To the fans, that national championship was the stuff of fantasy.
The former Buckeyes say it’s not.
“Nothing was magical about it. It was a lot of hard work, sweat, blood and tears in my four years,” Jones said. “Winning that national championship was definitely the best part overall. That season had so much adversity that we were dealing with from the beginning to the end of the season.”
Boren said, “We all had fun, but football is not easy. It’s a rough sport, it’s not all glitz and glamour, but we had a fun time doing it and we had a great run too.”
Boren knows how rough the sport can be. While Jones has declared for the NFL draft, Boren has decided he won’t be like his older brother Justin and chase a professional career. Instead, the ex-center will be helping out with his family’s snow removal and landscaping company in Columbus.
After four years of battling ankle, shoulder and leg injuries, Boren decided it was best for his long-term health not to go pro.
“I guess I’ve had a rough four years health wise, so I’ve decided to just move on,” Boren said. “I’m thankful for everything Ohio State has given me in the last four years.”
Jones said he’ll be heading out to San Diego to train with George Whitfield for the NFL draft. Whitfield is a Massillon Washington graduate and a former Youngstown State football player.
Whitfield was recruited by then-head coach Jim Tressel, but after hardly seeing any playing time in his first season, he transferred to Tiffin University.
Whitfield is now known as a quarterback guru who has trained the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Ben Rothlisberger, the Carolina Panthers’ Cam Newton and the Cleveland Browns’ Johnny Manziel.
At the signing, one of the first comments directed toward Jones by fans were pleas to save the Browns.
“I don’t think about it. I don’t need to get into it just yet,” Jones said about his NFL chances.
The pair ended their college days knowing they’ll never lack for someone willing to buy them a beer in any bar in Ohio. They both enjoyed the adulation from Buckeye nation.
“I like to show my appreciation for everything they’ve done for us and all the support they’ve given us throughout our careers,” Boren said. “The following we have from Buckeye nation is crazy. There’s not that many teams around the country that have that sort of backing around them.”