Dave Thurman (11:27 am)
The recent arrest of Alex Boone flew under the radar since it was during the week of National Signing Day, but coupled with his early alcohol-related trouble it presents a pattern that helps explain his inconsistent play the past four years. Needless to say he could have been a great one, and has cost himself a whole lot of money.
Honestly I have never been so glad to see a group of offensive linemen leave as I am this year, since this was an underachieving bunch that kept the Buckeyes from winning a national title, in my opinion. When the head coach has to begin to work with a senior-laden group to teach technique and try and get them fired up you know there are big problems.
As a kid I could remember my mother reading me the story entitled The Little Engine That Could. Well, this was a big line that couldn't:
- Boone could't stay focused and sober
- Rehering couldn't stay away from the buffet
- Person couldn't remember the snap count
- And, Skinner and Mitchum couldn't stay healthy
Many reams of paper have been used to try to explain why Ohio State couldn't win the big game the last three years. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but the truth is that the offensive line let the team down over and over again.
I, for one, am glad to see these guys go, and a new crop make its way onto the scene. I am excited about guys like Marcus Hall, Jack Mewhort, Corey Linsley, and Sam Longo. Of course I am not completely sold on Jim Bollman, but I doubt he's going anywhere.
Here's hoping when 2013 rolls around that we aren't saying the same things about this line that we have concerning the class of '09!