jimotis4heisman
Banned
based on the fact anyone who attended is considered an alum by the alumni assoc.tibor75 said:
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calibuck
Too soon old, too late smart
An alum means just that - graduated from the institution (in this case OSU). However, these threads do not limit only to the 'alums', they include the played for, but 1) dropped out; 2) flunked out; 3) transferred.
Wouldn't be able to talk about Jack Nicklaus (w/61), Michael Redd, Jimmy Jackson, or any of the footballers who left early. We don't do that, we speak of all those who proudly wore the Scarlet and Gray on the gaming fields.
EJ played for, matriculated, but did not graduate. Ergo, he is not an alum in the truest sense, but in these threads, he is. I didn't read the rest of the threads, but I hope he got drafted, or at the very least signed as a free agent. His time in Buckeyeland could only help him. Heck, Buffalo shoulda taken a shot, they are enamored with Buckeye CB's........
go Bucks - to all of 'em who have worn the scarlet and gray!
Wouldn't be able to talk about Jack Nicklaus (w/61), Michael Redd, Jimmy Jackson, or any of the footballers who left early. We don't do that, we speak of all those who proudly wore the Scarlet and Gray on the gaming fields.
EJ played for, matriculated, but did not graduate. Ergo, he is not an alum in the truest sense, but in these threads, he is. I didn't read the rest of the threads, but I hope he got drafted, or at the very least signed as a free agent. His time in Buckeyeland could only help him. Heck, Buffalo shoulda taken a shot, they are enamored with Buckeye CB's........
go Bucks - to all of 'em who have worn the scarlet and gray!
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5/2
Marsh, Underwood picked up as free agents following conclusion of draft
BY JERRY BOGGS
SPORTS EDITOR
No one dreams as big as kids. But often, as the kids grow into adults, those dreams are replaced by more modest goals.
For a pair of former Pikeville College standouts those childhood dreams became a reality.
Antwan Marsh and E.J. Underwood both earned a chance to pursue their childhood dreams of playing in the National Football League.
Marsh signed a free-agent contract with the Indianapolis Colts late Sunday after the conclusion of the annual NFL Draft. Underwood was invited to an upcoming mini-camp by the New York Giants. A representative of the Giants said the team doesn't sign free agents until they report to the mini-camp.
Both players starred for the Bears this past season, helping lead the team to its first-ever berth in the NAIA playoffs.
Marsh was a three-year starter at Pikeville who rarely left the field. A safety by name, he also played receiver and returned kicks in his time at Pikeville. He was named Mid-South Conference Defensive Player of the Year as a junior, and when the league split into divisions last year, he received the same honor in the East Division.
In his only season at Pikeville College, Underwood was the MSC East's first-team kick return specialist.
“I'm happy for them and proud of them to get that opportunity,” said former Pikeville College coach Jerry Mynatt. “They're both class kids. They're both respectful kids and they both really understand the opportunity they have.”
Waiting Game
Marsh was predicted by many to be one of the 255 players selected during the two-day, seven-round draft. Although he wasn't drafted, it didn't take long for his NFL career to begin.
“It was real frustrating watching the whole process go through,” said Marsh by telephone Monday, “I was kinda relieved after I got that phone call (Sunday).
“The Colts came up with the best offer. They called me 30 minutes before the draft was over. They didn't have any more picks left. They said if they had any more, I would have been their pick.”
Despite not taking Marsh in the draft, the Colts made it clear to the 6-foot-3, 225-pound defender that they wanted him in the organization.
“Coach (Tony) Dungy and Bill Polian, their president, both called me and said they wanted to show me how much they wanted me in Indianapolis.”
Marsh's Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based agent, Brett Tessler, said the Colts were just one of a number of teams calling about Marsh.
“After the draft, as expected, there were a ton of teams interested in him,” said Tessler. “The Colts have him the highest signing bonus of any free agent this year. At the end of the day, he really enjoyed his pre-draft visit with the Colts when they brought him up a couple of weeks ago. He has admired Tony Dungy and the job he's done.”
Tessler said Marsh should have a great opportunity to find a home with the Colts.
“He will be able to compete for a kick-returning job and as backup safety,” said Tessler. “It's a perfect situation for him to be able to contribute on special teams and work on developing into the safety we believe he will become.”
The Colts were within a game of the Super Bowl last year and will be one of the preseason favorites to capture the title next season.
“I'm happy that I'm playing with a super-bowl caliber team,” said Marsh. “I'm playing with Peyton Manning, considered one of the greatest quarterbacks to play the game.”
Underwood had to wait until Monday to find out his fate.
“I'm really excited. It's been a dream since I was playing pee-wee football,” Underwood said Monday just hours after reaching an agreement with the Giants.
Underwood also monitored the latter rounds of the draft, hoping to see his name. Again, he didn't have to wait long to hear from teams once the draft wrapped up.
“They called me as soon as the draft was over,” he said of the Giants. “They said they were going to take me in the seventh round, but went with somebody else. I can't get mad about that.
“Coach told me I really, really like you. He knows about my situation going to Ohio State and he said he wanted me to have an opportunity to play with the Giants.”
A Long Road
Both Marsh and Underwood's journey to the NFL was fraught with difficulties and unexpected developments. But both players were just excited their road led to this point.
“I just talked to E.J. an hour ago,” Marsh said Monday. “We touched base on a lot of things.
“I'm pretty happy for him, knowing what he came from. He was at Ohio State. He didn't know where he was going to end up. He came to Pikeville and ended up getting his chance with the Giants.
“I'm more happy for E.J. than I am for myself.”
Underwood was a highly-touted defensive back out of Hamilton, Ohio, signing with Ohio State in 2002. He played in all 13 games as a true freshman, but missed much of 2003 after cutting his hand on a shard of broken glass. He played in 11 games in 2004, amassing 29 tackles, but failed to assume the star role in the Buckeye secondary many expected.
Amid off-field problems, Underwood transferred to Pikeville College for his senior season.
“I've been up and down and back up again,” Underwood said. “Everything has been a learning experience for me. Everything happened for a reason. I'm just real excited about taking the challenge of making a place with the New York Giants.”
Marsh's road was much less publicized than Underwood's, but no less rocky.
An all-star at Anson County, N.C. High School, Marsh was looking to attend North Carolina State University, but failed to qualify academically as a freshman. Instead Marsh went to Copiah-Lincoln College in Wesson, Miss., but left after one year.
Marsh spent 2002 looking after his new-born son and working at a chicken farm near his home in Wadesboro, N.C.
When his former high school assistant coach John Creagor was tabbed by Mynatt to be an assistant at Pikeville College, he brought Marsh with him.
“I'm extremely happy,” said Mynatt. “I always wanted the best for both of those guys. We just wanted to see them have an opportunity to continue to go forward in life. Hopefully, they can get what they want.”
Mynatt said he thinks the tough road both players have traveled help them to value the opportunity to play in the NFL more and could help them in the quest for a roster spot.
“It really does have an effect, a lot more than you think,” said Mynatt of the players' history. “They really appreciate this opportunity. I don't know how many times they told me that. I think they feel really good about Pikeville and playing for that team.”
Not There Yet
Over 200 players are taken each year in the NFL Draft and hundreds more sign free-agent contracts. Add in the number of veterans returning to each team and realize that, of those players, only 53 players are allowed on a team's active roster and it's clear that signing a contract with an NFL team is a long way from playing in the league.
“Historically, the percentages are not with you. It's an uphill battle,” said Jeff Chilcoat, Underwood's agent. “But I really believe that doesn't factor in for E.J. I think he has a significant chance because of his God-given abilities.
“And, from what I've heard, the same can be said for (Marsh).”
Both players drew the eyes of NFL scouts with their unique combination of size (Underwood is listed at 6-foot-1, 185 pounds) and speed.
Blake Beddingfield, a scout with the Tennessee Titans, helped Marsh get a spot in the Las Vegas All-American Classic all-star game to show his wares to scouts.
“He looked like a guy that would show up at Florida State or Florida. Really built and put together and could run and all that stuff," Beddingfield told the Tennessean last month. " Š Not a lot of (NFL teams) are going to go to Pikeville. They don't send their guys to small schools in the middle of nowhere. Guys like that just get overlooked by a lot of teams."
Regardless of whether or not they make it to active rosters in the NFL, Mynatt is still happy that both get a chance to continue their playing careers.
“I feel pretty good (about their chances),” he said. “I know both of them will play professional football. What that means, I don't know yet. There's always a question coming from a smaller level. They have great God-given athletic talent. They will have every opportunity to make the roster.
“It's a great opportunity for these guys to do what they love and get paid for it.”
Living the Dream
Despite the long odds of suiting up for an NFL game, both Marsh and Underwood are living out their childhood dreams as they prepare for rookie camps and mini-camps this summer.
“I leave Thursday for minicamp Friday, Saturday and Sunday,” said Marsh about the Colts' rookie camp. “I'll be home for two weeks and then go back for the rest of the summer before season starts. I'm just ready to play.”
Tessler said Marsh signed a three-year contract, but refused to give any details about the terms of the deal.
“This is a dream come true, to come from where I came from and have this opportunity,” said Marsh. “To come from Wadesboro to Pikeville and still sign to play in the NFL just shows if you stick with what you love, there's no telling how far you can go.”
Chilcoat said Underwood will sign as early as Tuesday and will be ready for minicamp beginning May 12.
“I'm just real excited about this chance and give the honor to God for giving me the opportunity to play for the Giants,” Underwood said. “I look forward to being a part of their organization and helping them compete for championships in the future.”
Both players were confident about their chances of taking their dreams even farther.
“I'm just going to go there and play football,” said Marsh. “Do what I do best, fly around and hit people. I'm not looking to go in and take anybody's position. I'm going to learn the playbook, learn the system and just progress.”
Underwood said be believed his experience with Ohio State would give him a leg up against the competition.
“I know I'm going to have a good shot,” he said. “I played at Ohio State against some real good competition. I know I have the ability to make the team and I'm looking forward to getting in there.
“I'm really excited. Give the honor to God to give the opportunity to the both of us.”
5/2
Marsh, Underwood picked up as free agents following conclusion of draft
BY JERRY BOGGS
SPORTS EDITOR
No one dreams as big as kids. But often, as the kids grow into adults, those dreams are replaced by more modest goals.
For a pair of former Pikeville College standouts those childhood dreams became a reality.
Antwan Marsh and E.J. Underwood both earned a chance to pursue their childhood dreams of playing in the National Football League.
Marsh signed a free-agent contract with the Indianapolis Colts late Sunday after the conclusion of the annual NFL Draft. Underwood was invited to an upcoming mini-camp by the New York Giants. A representative of the Giants said the team doesn't sign free agents until they report to the mini-camp.
Both players starred for the Bears this past season, helping lead the team to its first-ever berth in the NAIA playoffs.
Marsh was a three-year starter at Pikeville who rarely left the field. A safety by name, he also played receiver and returned kicks in his time at Pikeville. He was named Mid-South Conference Defensive Player of the Year as a junior, and when the league split into divisions last year, he received the same honor in the East Division.
In his only season at Pikeville College, Underwood was the MSC East's first-team kick return specialist.
“I'm happy for them and proud of them to get that opportunity,” said former Pikeville College coach Jerry Mynatt. “They're both class kids. They're both respectful kids and they both really understand the opportunity they have.”
Waiting Game
Marsh was predicted by many to be one of the 255 players selected during the two-day, seven-round draft. Although he wasn't drafted, it didn't take long for his NFL career to begin.
“It was real frustrating watching the whole process go through,” said Marsh by telephone Monday, “I was kinda relieved after I got that phone call (Sunday).
“The Colts came up with the best offer. They called me 30 minutes before the draft was over. They didn't have any more picks left. They said if they had any more, I would have been their pick.”
Despite not taking Marsh in the draft, the Colts made it clear to the 6-foot-3, 225-pound defender that they wanted him in the organization.
“Coach (Tony) Dungy and Bill Polian, their president, both called me and said they wanted to show me how much they wanted me in Indianapolis.”
Marsh's Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based agent, Brett Tessler, said the Colts were just one of a number of teams calling about Marsh.
“After the draft, as expected, there were a ton of teams interested in him,” said Tessler. “The Colts have him the highest signing bonus of any free agent this year. At the end of the day, he really enjoyed his pre-draft visit with the Colts when they brought him up a couple of weeks ago. He has admired Tony Dungy and the job he's done.”
Tessler said Marsh should have a great opportunity to find a home with the Colts.
“He will be able to compete for a kick-returning job and as backup safety,” said Tessler. “It's a perfect situation for him to be able to contribute on special teams and work on developing into the safety we believe he will become.”
The Colts were within a game of the Super Bowl last year and will be one of the preseason favorites to capture the title next season.
“I'm happy that I'm playing with a super-bowl caliber team,” said Marsh. “I'm playing with Peyton Manning, considered one of the greatest quarterbacks to play the game.”
Underwood had to wait until Monday to find out his fate.
“I'm really excited. It's been a dream since I was playing pee-wee football,” Underwood said Monday just hours after reaching an agreement with the Giants.
Underwood also monitored the latter rounds of the draft, hoping to see his name. Again, he didn't have to wait long to hear from teams once the draft wrapped up.
“They called me as soon as the draft was over,” he said of the Giants. “They said they were going to take me in the seventh round, but went with somebody else. I can't get mad about that.
“Coach told me I really, really like you. He knows about my situation going to Ohio State and he said he wanted me to have an opportunity to play with the Giants.”
A Long Road
Both Marsh and Underwood's journey to the NFL was fraught with difficulties and unexpected developments. But both players were just excited their road led to this point.
“I just talked to E.J. an hour ago,” Marsh said Monday. “We touched base on a lot of things.
“I'm pretty happy for him, knowing what he came from. He was at Ohio State. He didn't know where he was going to end up. He came to Pikeville and ended up getting his chance with the Giants.
“I'm more happy for E.J. than I am for myself.”
Underwood was a highly-touted defensive back out of Hamilton, Ohio, signing with Ohio State in 2002. He played in all 13 games as a true freshman, but missed much of 2003 after cutting his hand on a shard of broken glass. He played in 11 games in 2004, amassing 29 tackles, but failed to assume the star role in the Buckeye secondary many expected.
Amid off-field problems, Underwood transferred to Pikeville College for his senior season.
“I've been up and down and back up again,” Underwood said. “Everything has been a learning experience for me. Everything happened for a reason. I'm just real excited about taking the challenge of making a place with the New York Giants.”
Marsh's road was much less publicized than Underwood's, but no less rocky.
An all-star at Anson County, N.C. High School, Marsh was looking to attend North Carolina State University, but failed to qualify academically as a freshman. Instead Marsh went to Copiah-Lincoln College in Wesson, Miss., but left after one year.
Marsh spent 2002 looking after his new-born son and working at a chicken farm near his home in Wadesboro, N.C.
When his former high school assistant coach John Creagor was tabbed by Mynatt to be an assistant at Pikeville College, he brought Marsh with him.
“I'm extremely happy,” said Mynatt. “I always wanted the best for both of those guys. We just wanted to see them have an opportunity to continue to go forward in life. Hopefully, they can get what they want.”
Mynatt said he thinks the tough road both players have traveled help them to value the opportunity to play in the NFL more and could help them in the quest for a roster spot.
“It really does have an effect, a lot more than you think,” said Mynatt of the players' history. “They really appreciate this opportunity. I don't know how many times they told me that. I think they feel really good about Pikeville and playing for that team.”
Not There Yet
Over 200 players are taken each year in the NFL Draft and hundreds more sign free-agent contracts. Add in the number of veterans returning to each team and realize that, of those players, only 53 players are allowed on a team's active roster and it's clear that signing a contract with an NFL team is a long way from playing in the league.
“Historically, the percentages are not with you. It's an uphill battle,” said Jeff Chilcoat, Underwood's agent. “But I really believe that doesn't factor in for E.J. I think he has a significant chance because of his God-given abilities.
“And, from what I've heard, the same can be said for (Marsh).”
Both players drew the eyes of NFL scouts with their unique combination of size (Underwood is listed at 6-foot-1, 185 pounds) and speed.
Blake Beddingfield, a scout with the Tennessee Titans, helped Marsh get a spot in the Las Vegas All-American Classic all-star game to show his wares to scouts.
“He looked like a guy that would show up at Florida State or Florida. Really built and put together and could run and all that stuff," Beddingfield told the Tennessean last month. " Š Not a lot of (NFL teams) are going to go to Pikeville. They don't send their guys to small schools in the middle of nowhere. Guys like that just get overlooked by a lot of teams."
Regardless of whether or not they make it to active rosters in the NFL, Mynatt is still happy that both get a chance to continue their playing careers.
“I feel pretty good (about their chances),” he said. “I know both of them will play professional football. What that means, I don't know yet. There's always a question coming from a smaller level. They have great God-given athletic talent. They will have every opportunity to make the roster.
“It's a great opportunity for these guys to do what they love and get paid for it.”
Living the Dream
Despite the long odds of suiting up for an NFL game, both Marsh and Underwood are living out their childhood dreams as they prepare for rookie camps and mini-camps this summer.
“I leave Thursday for minicamp Friday, Saturday and Sunday,” said Marsh about the Colts' rookie camp. “I'll be home for two weeks and then go back for the rest of the summer before season starts. I'm just ready to play.”
Tessler said Marsh signed a three-year contract, but refused to give any details about the terms of the deal.
“This is a dream come true, to come from where I came from and have this opportunity,” said Marsh. “To come from Wadesboro to Pikeville and still sign to play in the NFL just shows if you stick with what you love, there's no telling how far you can go.”
Chilcoat said Underwood will sign as early as Tuesday and will be ready for minicamp beginning May 12.
“I'm just real excited about this chance and give the honor to God for giving me the opportunity to play for the Giants,” Underwood said. “I look forward to being a part of their organization and helping them compete for championships in the future.”
Both players were confident about their chances of taking their dreams even farther.
“I'm just going to go there and play football,” said Marsh. “Do what I do best, fly around and hit people. I'm not looking to go in and take anybody's position. I'm going to learn the playbook, learn the system and just progress.”
Underwood said be believed his experience with Ohio State would give him a leg up against the competition.
“I know I'm going to have a good shot,” he said. “I played at Ohio State against some real good competition. I know I have the ability to make the team and I'm looking forward to getting in there.
“I'm really excited. Give the honor to God to give the opportunity to the both of us.”
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Jimotis is right. The Ohio State Alumni Association definition of an alumni would include him. I hope he is successful.
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I'd say E.J. played pretty good last night. He had two tackles in the game, and showed a great deal of speed on the field. If he keeps it up he should have a very favorable chance of making the roster.
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OSUBasketballJunkie
Never Forget 31-0
It was never a question of him having talent while he was at tOSU, lets hope he has his mind in a good place and he can let his talent take over.
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rolemodel247
Senior
damn, he already made it into the dime, mite have something special brewing here
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Underwood making a mark; Marsh out of Indy
BY JERRY BOGGS
SPORTS EDITOR
Former Pikeville College standout E.J. Underwood made his first impression in the NFL on Friday as a member of the New York Giants.
Underwood didn't play in the first half of the Giants' preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens, but started the second half and got into the action immediately.
Underwood stopped Baltimore kickoff returner Cory Ross after a 17-yard return on the opening kickoff of the second half.
On the Ravens' first play from scrimmage, Kyle Boller swung a pass out to receiver Demetrius Williams. Underwood was credited with the tackle after he pushed Williams out of bounds.
Following a Mike Anderson run, Boller again passed to Williams and again Underwood was there to make the stop.
Underwood began his collegiate career at Ohio State before transferring to Pikeville College where he helped lead the Bears to the postseason for the first time.
He and Pikeville teammate Antwan Marsh were signed as free agents shortly after the NFL draft in April.
Underwood is listed third at left cornerback on the Giants' depth chart, behind starter Corey Webster and R.W. McQuarters.
While Underwood was making his NFL debut, Marsh was not having such success.
The NAIA All-American was signed by the Indianapolis Colts and was reportedly playing well in training camp, but decided earlier this month to leave the team.
The Colts initially reported that Marsh missed practice with a knee injury, but then placed him on the Reserve/Left Squad List, a designation for players who chose to leave the team.
Marsh's Florida-based agent Brett Tessler confirmed that Marsh opted to leave the league.
“He just decided it wasn't for him,” Tessler said.
When asked if he knew whether Marsh was pursuing football in another league, Tessler said he no longer represented Marsh.
“From a practical standout it's hard to represent someone who doesn't want to play,” he said.
Mike Chappell reported in the August 4 edition of the Indianapolis Star that Marsh was one of 15 defensive players that didn't participate in a training camp workout or were forced to leave drills early due to injuries. According to the report, Marsh did not participate in drills due to a knee injury.
On August 5, it was reported that the team placed Marsh on the Reserve/Left Squad list. The following day it was reported that he had been cut.
Marsh was signed by the Colts as a free agent on May 5 and Tessler said at the time he was given the highest signing bonus of any free agent.
Marsh was an all-star at Anson County High School in North Carolina. He attended Copiah-Lincoln College in Wesson, Miss. for one year before transferring to Pikeville with then defensive coordinator John Creagor.
Underwood making a mark; Marsh out of Indy
BY JERRY BOGGS
SPORTS EDITOR
Former Pikeville College standout E.J. Underwood made his first impression in the NFL on Friday as a member of the New York Giants.
Underwood didn't play in the first half of the Giants' preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens, but started the second half and got into the action immediately.
Underwood stopped Baltimore kickoff returner Cory Ross after a 17-yard return on the opening kickoff of the second half.
On the Ravens' first play from scrimmage, Kyle Boller swung a pass out to receiver Demetrius Williams. Underwood was credited with the tackle after he pushed Williams out of bounds.
Following a Mike Anderson run, Boller again passed to Williams and again Underwood was there to make the stop.
Underwood began his collegiate career at Ohio State before transferring to Pikeville College where he helped lead the Bears to the postseason for the first time.
He and Pikeville teammate Antwan Marsh were signed as free agents shortly after the NFL draft in April.
Underwood is listed third at left cornerback on the Giants' depth chart, behind starter Corey Webster and R.W. McQuarters.
While Underwood was making his NFL debut, Marsh was not having such success.
The NAIA All-American was signed by the Indianapolis Colts and was reportedly playing well in training camp, but decided earlier this month to leave the team.
The Colts initially reported that Marsh missed practice with a knee injury, but then placed him on the Reserve/Left Squad List, a designation for players who chose to leave the team.
Marsh's Florida-based agent Brett Tessler confirmed that Marsh opted to leave the league.
“He just decided it wasn't for him,” Tessler said.
When asked if he knew whether Marsh was pursuing football in another league, Tessler said he no longer represented Marsh.
“From a practical standout it's hard to represent someone who doesn't want to play,” he said.
Mike Chappell reported in the August 4 edition of the Indianapolis Star that Marsh was one of 15 defensive players that didn't participate in a training camp workout or were forced to leave drills early due to injuries. According to the report, Marsh did not participate in drills due to a knee injury.
On August 5, it was reported that the team placed Marsh on the Reserve/Left Squad list. The following day it was reported that he had been cut.
Marsh was signed by the Colts as a free agent on May 5 and Tessler said at the time he was given the highest signing bonus of any free agent.
Marsh was an all-star at Anson County High School in North Carolina. He attended Copiah-Lincoln College in Wesson, Miss. for one year before transferring to Pikeville with then defensive coordinator John Creagor.
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