McMullen the Destroyer
Former OSU backup ready for chance to start in Arena League
By ROMANDO DIXSON
Sports Writer
Accomplished quarterback ï Here's a look at some of the achievements Columbus Destroyers quarterback Scott McMullen has compiled throughout his career: ï Led Granville High School to a perfect 10-0 season in 1998. ï Member of Ohio State's 2002 National Championship Team. ï Started in two games in 2003 for Ohio State, and led a comeback victory against Penn State. ï Signed with the Columbus Destroyers of the Arena Football League, where he'll play for former Ohio State linebacker Chris Spielman.
GRANVILLE -- At Ohio State, many regarded Scott McMullen as the content backup quarterback.
Since McMullen signed Friday with the Columbus Destroyers, that mentality appears to have disappeared.
"I'm definitely going to be looking for the starting job," he said. "This is a business. Hopefully, what I learned from the (Philadelphia) Eagles' experience, I can take and turn this into a better situation.
"These guys are going to be out there trying to support their families. I'm going to be going out there to compete."
The competition certainly will be stiff.
The Destroyers have three other quarterbacks, including last year's starter, Ryan Vena. Still, Destroyers coach Chris Spielman always liked McMullen as a Buckeye and was impressed with the quarterback's invite-only tryout in August.
"Scott McMullen has tremendous size for a quarterback and an extremely quick release, which should make him well-suited for the Arena Football League," Spielman said in a statement.
McMullen, who will wear the No. 16 he sported as all-Ohioan at Granville, isn't very experienced in Arena-style football, but he's looking forward to the opportunity.
"It's kinda like backyard football," McMullen said. "It's a quick game, and hopefully, I can make the adjustment to it. We'll probably start throwing in a couple weeks, maybe three days a week."
For now, McMullen continues to focus on his duties as Granville's quarterback coach. He's worked there since the summer.
"I'm not going to miss (Granville's) practices or anything," he said.
After going undrafted out of college, the Philadelphia Eagles signed McMullen to a free-agent contract, but, because of NFL rules, cut him and signed Jeff Blake while he completed his studies at Ohio State.
The Destroyers also signed former Buckeyes Bobby Olive and Bobby Britton, who played with McMullen.
