ABJ
Friendship found for lineman rivals
OSU's Barton, Downing come from Federal League
By Zach Silka
Beacon Journal sportswriter
COLUMBUS - Although they are nearly inseparable in college and form the rock-solid right side of Ohio State's offensive line, Kirk Barton and T.J. Downing weren't exactly the best of friends in high school.
In fact, the pair were fierce rivals in the Federal League, with Barton a standout defensive lineman at Perry High School and Downing a dominating offensive tackle at GlenOak.
Neither have forgotten a second of their battles.
When prompted, the former rivals even pick up the trash talk right where they left off.
``I just knew him from those angry faces he was making because I was locking him up so bad,'' said Downing, a fifth-year senior guard.
``I don't think I let him a yard off the line of scrimmage the entire game we played Perry.''
``He outweighed me by like 40 pounds in high school, so I had to slap his head a few times to try to knock him senseless so I could get by him,'' countered Barton, a junior tackle, not skipping a beat. ``He was so good, but I always tell him I ended his career with a shutout at Fawcett Stadium at his home field.''
Now that they're both wearing the same uniform and getting ready to open the season Saturday against Northern Illinois (3:30 p.m., WEWS, Channel 5), Barton and Downing have translated their animosity into chemistry. They have also become good friends and roommates at Ohio State.
A year older, Downing hosted Barton on his recruiting visit to Ohio State, and it was then the pair realized their similarities outweighed their differences.
``We played in the Federal League, obviously one of the toughest conferences in Northeast Ohio. We know what it means to be a tough offensive lineman,'' Downing said.
``I've always said to him that we have to take pride in what we're doing for Stark County because... it's pretty special.''
Both have become fixtures on the line for the Buckeyes the past two seasons. Downing started every game last season and logged at least 30 minutes in each start. Barton had his streak of 13 consecutive starts interrupted last year with a knee injury against Penn State but returned for the final four games of the season.
Ohio State offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Jim Bollman has watched their friendship grow over the years and said they have helped each other immensely.
``The longer they've been here together, the closer they've gotten,'' Bollman said. ``Certainly that adds to the production, but they both take a lot of pride in their job. They both improve continually, and we're counting on them to do that this year.''
Downing is the more outspoken of the two. Even Barton marvels at some of the things he says to opposing players. Downing also finds the public eye more, as he graces the cover of Sports Illustrated's college football preview issue with teammates Troy Smith and Doug Datish.
But Barton might have a higher career potential. He is already classified as an All-America team candidate as a junior tackle because of his quickness and tremendous pass-blocking ability, according to Bollman.
Together they complement the other's strengths and weaknesses to form a successful partnership on the Buckeyes' offensive line.
``We've just grown to know each other's tendencies and what to expect from each other, so it's good being around him,'' Downing said. ``He makes me a better player, and I make him a better player.''
The only foreseeable disappointment to the season for the pair is that it will be their last year together.
``I want to send him out of here on a great note,'' Barton said. ``You want to make the most of it. You don't want to take any games for granted.
``It's been a great friendship and a great ride.''
Friendship found for lineman rivals
OSU's Barton, Downing come from Federal League
By Zach Silka
Beacon Journal sportswriter
COLUMBUS - Although they are nearly inseparable in college and form the rock-solid right side of Ohio State's offensive line, Kirk Barton and T.J. Downing weren't exactly the best of friends in high school.
In fact, the pair were fierce rivals in the Federal League, with Barton a standout defensive lineman at Perry High School and Downing a dominating offensive tackle at GlenOak.
Neither have forgotten a second of their battles.
When prompted, the former rivals even pick up the trash talk right where they left off.
``I just knew him from those angry faces he was making because I was locking him up so bad,'' said Downing, a fifth-year senior guard.
``I don't think I let him a yard off the line of scrimmage the entire game we played Perry.''
``He outweighed me by like 40 pounds in high school, so I had to slap his head a few times to try to knock him senseless so I could get by him,'' countered Barton, a junior tackle, not skipping a beat. ``He was so good, but I always tell him I ended his career with a shutout at Fawcett Stadium at his home field.''
Now that they're both wearing the same uniform and getting ready to open the season Saturday against Northern Illinois (3:30 p.m., WEWS, Channel 5), Barton and Downing have translated their animosity into chemistry. They have also become good friends and roommates at Ohio State.
A year older, Downing hosted Barton on his recruiting visit to Ohio State, and it was then the pair realized their similarities outweighed their differences.
``We played in the Federal League, obviously one of the toughest conferences in Northeast Ohio. We know what it means to be a tough offensive lineman,'' Downing said.
``I've always said to him that we have to take pride in what we're doing for Stark County because... it's pretty special.''
Both have become fixtures on the line for the Buckeyes the past two seasons. Downing started every game last season and logged at least 30 minutes in each start. Barton had his streak of 13 consecutive starts interrupted last year with a knee injury against Penn State but returned for the final four games of the season.
Ohio State offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Jim Bollman has watched their friendship grow over the years and said they have helped each other immensely.
``The longer they've been here together, the closer they've gotten,'' Bollman said. ``Certainly that adds to the production, but they both take a lot of pride in their job. They both improve continually, and we're counting on them to do that this year.''
Downing is the more outspoken of the two. Even Barton marvels at some of the things he says to opposing players. Downing also finds the public eye more, as he graces the cover of Sports Illustrated's college football preview issue with teammates Troy Smith and Doug Datish.
But Barton might have a higher career potential. He is already classified as an All-America team candidate as a junior tackle because of his quickness and tremendous pass-blocking ability, according to Bollman.
Together they complement the other's strengths and weaknesses to form a successful partnership on the Buckeyes' offensive line.
``We've just grown to know each other's tendencies and what to expect from each other, so it's good being around him,'' Downing said. ``He makes me a better player, and I make him a better player.''
The only foreseeable disappointment to the season for the pair is that it will be their last year together.
``I want to send him out of here on a great note,'' Barton said. ``You want to make the most of it. You don't want to take any games for granted.
``It's been a great friendship and a great ride.''
