Top Ten Greatest Buckeye Offensive Linemen

By David Thurman

June 3, 2010

In our ongoing series it is time to consider the "big uglies" who protect the quarterback and make the running game go. Remember, with each position, we are rating the players based on their college performance, not what they accomplished in the NFL.

10. Jeff Uhlenhake - A four-year starter he moved from guard to center and became an All-American.

9. Rob Murphy - This physical guard was a two-time All-American, but decided to forego his senior season, declaring early for the NFL, which was probably a mistake.

8. Chris Ward - Another two-time All-American, this tackle was praised by Woody for his excellent work ethic.

7. Warren Amling - I doubt anyone reading this actually saw Warren play, but those who did might say we are ranking him too low. He was an All-American as both a guard and a tackle, and actually finished seventh in the Heisman voting in 1945.

6. LeCharles Bentley - As good of a center as I've ever seen play, Bentley has gone on to excell on Sundays as well.

5. Jim Lachey - As great as he was in college, Lachey seemed to only improve once he made it to the NFL. He was big, physical, and fundamentally sound.

4. Korey Stringer - This mammoth tackle worked his way into the starting lineup as a true freshmen and made it look easy. His success continued in the NFL until his untimely death.

3. Jim Parker - Although he played both ways in the 50s, Parker is best remembered as an amazing offensive guard who went on to post a magnificent career with the Baltimore Colts.

2. John Hicks - This road grader opened holes for Archie Griffin and wound up winning the Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award, and was actually the runner-up for the Heisman in 1973.

1. Orlando Pace - With a combination of size, strength, and speed, Pace defines the term "super freak," and started from day one of his freshmen season. I am 6'2", 190 lbs, but when I stood next to him I felt like a grasshopper. Not only did he make the term "pancake" popular, Pace won the Outland once and the Lombardi twice, as well as finishing fourth in the voting for the Heisman.

Weekend event raises over $100K to save Cal State Bakersfield wrestling, other sports

2x NCAA heavyweight champ STEPHEN NEAL (blue shirt) at Cal State Bakersfield fundraiser

By Mark Palmer

May 18, 2010

In February, California State University, Bakersfield announced the elimination of four intercollegiate sports, including men's wrestling. Saturday night, those sports put on a fundraising event that generated between $110,000 and $120,000, according to event sponsor estimates published in the Bakersfield Californian.

More than 400 attended the event at the Jam Events Center, which was organized to raise some of the money needed to save the four CSUB sports that have been earmarked for elimination by university President Horace Mitchell: wrestling, men's and women's golf and women's tennis.

On Saturday, fundraiser event organizations reported that a live auction generated $76,900. Another $3,354 was raised from a raffle and $13,683 from a silent auction.

According to new wrestling coach Mike Mendoza, about $1 million has been raised to date. Earlier this year, CSUB president Mitchell had said the endangered sports could be kept if $1.4 million could be raised to support the four programs for two years. At the time, a deadline of May 21 was set for a final decision.

Among the items up for auction were two all-inclusive trips to New England Patriots games home games (sold for $12,000 each), and a game-worn jersey for $5,000, donated by current Pat -- and CSUB alum -- Stephen Neal, who won two NCAA heavyweight titles as a Roadrunner wrestler in 1998 and 1999. (Neal won one of those championships by defeating current UFC heavyweight champ Brock Lesnar, back when he was a University of Minnesota wrestler.)

Jets' Matt Kroul creating some buzz on defense

From Rich Cimini's "Slauson provides inspiration"

May 15, 2010

Some Sunday morning notes to enjoy with your coffee and bagels:

A Real Sleeper. An unheralded player creating some buzz on defense is first-year DT Matt Kroul (6-3, 280), who spent last season on the practice squad. Coordinator Mike Pettine praised Kroul, all but handing him a roster spot. Said Pettine: "He's a viable part of what we're doing this year." Kroul will get a great opportunity in training camp because the coaches plan to limit Kris Jenkins' reps. Jenkins is coming off major knee surgery.