Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature currently requires accessing the site using the built-in Safari browser.
Ohio State spotlight: DT Johnathan Hankins
Saturday September 3, 2011
By Tim May
The Columbus Dispatch
One has to figure that if Johnathan ?Big Hank? Hankins didn?t like his nickname, he?s big enough to have done something about it by now.
?Yeah, I?ve had that since I was 6 years old,? the 6-foot-4, 330-pound Ohio State defensive tackle said. ?So I think it?s pretty good.?
And if things go as the Ohio State defenders think it will for Hankins, starting his sophomore season today against Akron, the nickname will be apropos. Nickel back Tyler Moeller left no mystery what they expect from Big Hank.
?Big things,? Moeller said, smiling but not joking. ?He?s a big guy and I expect big things from him.
?He moves well, and he?s a big body. Those are two things that make you pretty unstoppable.?
Cont..
Could Buckeyes Redefine the Term 'Big Back'?
By Tony Gerdeman
If you can't run the ball in the Big Ten, you can't win. It's the key to controlling both the clock and the flow of the game. Opponents can be demoralized by a running game that they can't stop.
The Buckeyes had that running game in the first half last week against Miami, but lost it when Jordan Hall had to leave with cramps. Carlos Hyde did as well as he could, but the Buckeyes were certainly lacking something special at running back.
...
It's time for the Buckeyes to find a workhorse, and work him to the bone. It is time for some new blood in the Ohio State backfield.
When I say "new blood", I am of course referring to 6-3 335-pound Johnathan "Big Hank" Hankins.
At 6-3, 335 pounds, Johnathan Hankins claims to be an elisive and agile runner.
Photo by Jim Davidson
Don't believe it? Just ask him.
"Big guys like me, some people expect us not to move as quick and do as much," Hankins told disbelieving reporters. "But myself, I feel like I'm elusive and agile."
At that size, you wouldn't think elusiveness and agility would play much of a role, but that's what makes Hankins such an intriguing prospect. Not only does he have the brute force of a dump truck, but he also has the fleet moves of a smaller dump truck.
"When I was little," he said, "I actually played running back."
"I was never really this big until I got to be like twelve or fifteen. When I was like six until I was like fourteen, I always played running back, tight end and linebacker. I guess I grew a little bit too much."
Cont'd ...
sepia5;1999207; said:He made a play yesterday early on where he disengaged from his blocker and ran about 10 yards down the field to catch a Colorado player from behind and make a shoelace tackle. Incredible for a guy his size.
Magua;1999217; said:The screen play to the left side? I rewound and made my brother and buddy watch it three times pointing out how quickly he recognized screen and busted his ass to make the tackle.