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lovin_bobby42
Senior
^don't even get me started. i started to get emotional during the northwestern game, thinking about next season... 
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AirForceBuck
No mercy
^don't even get me started. i started to get emotional during the northwestern game, thinking about next season...
I agree, the loss will hurt not only because his exceptional talent, but the good nature of him ws just a great gift. He was a polite guy in every interview and really didnt carry the stereotypical LB personality of being brash and mean. I would honestly say he was a leader and it showed on every big play. He didnt sack a QB, or stuff a runningback, get up make gestures and scream. He took care of buisness, then huddled up his fellow teammates.
Watching him and Carpenter together is what I will miss mostly. I talked about Hawk being more low key, but Bobby, lol, man could he get the crowd into the game. His style reminded me of Matt Willhelm's. Constantly waiving for the crowd's noise, running to his teammates and high fiving them or evening talking a little smack to the offense.
And you always knew where to find the two when the offense was out on the field. Side by side, near the front of the lines, congratulating our players on big catches and runs. They were emotional leaders - but, Im sure we will have another suprising youngster step up the way AJ did in 2003's big dance against Miami and garner love from us all.
Congrats on a great year to the Senior LB Corps. and good luck.
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Link
2/21
Bet on Baylee
Events to raise money for little-known disease
By TONYA SHIPLEY
City Editor
A.J. Hawk poses for a picture with 5-year-old Baylee Thompson of Crooksville during a January autograph session at Colony Square Mall. Hawk and the other senior members of the Ohio State Buckeyes signed a football for the "Bet on Baylee" fundraising event to be held Saturday. At a Glance
What:
Bet on Baylee Casino Night
When: Doors open at 5 p.m. Saturday, with the live auction at 6 p.m.
Where: Roseville Community Center
Cost: $25 for the Casino Night experience, $10 for those attending for the auction, $50 to enter the Texas Hold 'em tournament.
CROOKSVILLE - Jody Thompson is excited by the strides her daughter Baylee is making.
But at the same time she knows the window is closing for Baylee to develop skills such as talking.
The 5-year-old Crooksville girl has a mitochondrial disease, which has affected her development. Since her parents, Jody and Gary, learned their youngest daughter had it, they have been working to bring recognition to the disease and raise funds for research.
Three years ago, the Bet on Baylee night was born.
Bet on Baylee Casino Night, a night of games, a Texas Hold 'em tournament, an auction of sports-related memorabilia and a silent auction, will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday, at the Roseville Community Center. The event will raise money for the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation to help find a cure.
"Baylee's doing great. She can pull herself up and can even stand without help for a few moments," Jody said. "She climbs up and down everything and she grabs everything in sight."
These are major strides for Baylee, who since birth did not have the simple movements or muscle tone of other children. Knowing something was not right, Jody and Gary looked for answers from doctors who were not able to diagnose her at first.
Finally, at 9 months of age, the doctors diagnosed her.
Mitochondrial disease refers to a number of diseases caused by malfunctioning mitochondria, which are located in the body's cells and produce a majority of the body's energy. It can occur in one in every 4,000 births. There is no cure.
Symptoms can include muscle weakness, lack of motor control, liver disease, cardiac diseases, gastro-intestinal disorders and a weak immune system.
Jody has made it her mission to spread awareness about the disease and work toward a cure, which is why she has been an active fund raiser for the UMDF.
Last year, the Bet on Baylee night raised $8,500 for UMDF.
This year, Jody is banking on an even bigger night based on the amount and types of items she has collected for the auction. One item in particular -an autographed football signed by the Ohio State football seniors - has a special meaning.
Through a friend, Jody sent a football along with a letter and a picture of Baylee to Coach Jim Tressel.
"He has always been wonderful about sending us something," Jody said.
Still she wasn't expecting the result. She said Tressel took the football to the senior banquet, where he read the letter and showed the picture of Baylee.
"From what I understand the seniors all lined up and one by one signed the football," Jody said.
When she learned many of the seniors were coming to the Colony Square Mall in January following the Fiesta Bowl win, Jody took Baylee to see them -in particular A.J. Hawk.
Jody said one of the ways to spread awareness about the disease is to get a national celebrity spokesperson to support the UMDF cause. Jody is hoping Hawk will be that spokesperson.
Since seeing him in person, she has sent Hawk a letter and a green UMDF plastic bracelet. She said while searching the Internet she saw a picture of Hawk where she could clearly see the bracelet.
Even if Hawk doesn't want to be the one, Jody said she won't give up on trying to find someone to support the cause.
So far she has found a lot of support locally.
Those attending Bet on Baylee night will have the opportunity to place bids on items such as the OSU senior autographed football, a Rusty Wallace autographed pit crew shirt and diecast car, an autographed football signed by Tressel, an autographed football helmet signed by University of Cincinnati coach Mark Dantonio, a Troy Palamalu autographed hat, a Tony Dorsett autographed Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction Card and hockey pucks signed by Sergei Federov and Jody Shelley of the Columbus Blue Jackets.
There are numerous other sports-related autographed items and non-sport items, eclipsing the amount items in last year's auction.
In addition, the UMDF bracelets will be on sale for $5, along with Bet on Baylee Casino Night shot glasses for $5 and T-shirts for $15.
Kara Strittmatter, UMDF communications director, said a major part of their budget comes from fundraisers. Last year, the foundation was able to give out $1 million in grants to researchers who are making strides in the area of mitochondrial research.
"There's a lot of excitement out there for what they are finding," she said.
Strittmatter said this research is funded by these local events such as Jody's. The more local attention the disease gets, she said, sooner or later it will get national attention.
[email protected]
450-6767
2/21
Bet on Baylee
Events to raise money for little-known disease
By TONYA SHIPLEY
City Editor
NICOLE L. CVETNIC/Times Recorder
A.J. Hawk poses for a picture with 5-year-old Baylee Thompson of Crooksville during a January autograph session at Colony Square Mall. Hawk and the other senior members of the Ohio State Buckeyes signed a football for the "Bet on Baylee" fundraising event to be held Saturday. At a Glance
What:
Bet on Baylee Casino Night
When: Doors open at 5 p.m. Saturday, with the live auction at 6 p.m.
Where: Roseville Community Center
Cost: $25 for the Casino Night experience, $10 for those attending for the auction, $50 to enter the Texas Hold 'em tournament.
CROOKSVILLE - Jody Thompson is excited by the strides her daughter Baylee is making.
But at the same time she knows the window is closing for Baylee to develop skills such as talking.
The 5-year-old Crooksville girl has a mitochondrial disease, which has affected her development. Since her parents, Jody and Gary, learned their youngest daughter had it, they have been working to bring recognition to the disease and raise funds for research.
Three years ago, the Bet on Baylee night was born.
Bet on Baylee Casino Night, a night of games, a Texas Hold 'em tournament, an auction of sports-related memorabilia and a silent auction, will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday, at the Roseville Community Center. The event will raise money for the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation to help find a cure.
"Baylee's doing great. She can pull herself up and can even stand without help for a few moments," Jody said. "She climbs up and down everything and she grabs everything in sight."
These are major strides for Baylee, who since birth did not have the simple movements or muscle tone of other children. Knowing something was not right, Jody and Gary looked for answers from doctors who were not able to diagnose her at first.
Finally, at 9 months of age, the doctors diagnosed her.
Mitochondrial disease refers to a number of diseases caused by malfunctioning mitochondria, which are located in the body's cells and produce a majority of the body's energy. It can occur in one in every 4,000 births. There is no cure.
Symptoms can include muscle weakness, lack of motor control, liver disease, cardiac diseases, gastro-intestinal disorders and a weak immune system.
Jody has made it her mission to spread awareness about the disease and work toward a cure, which is why she has been an active fund raiser for the UMDF.
Last year, the Bet on Baylee night raised $8,500 for UMDF.
This year, Jody is banking on an even bigger night based on the amount and types of items she has collected for the auction. One item in particular -an autographed football signed by the Ohio State football seniors - has a special meaning.
Through a friend, Jody sent a football along with a letter and a picture of Baylee to Coach Jim Tressel.
"He has always been wonderful about sending us something," Jody said.
Still she wasn't expecting the result. She said Tressel took the football to the senior banquet, where he read the letter and showed the picture of Baylee.
"From what I understand the seniors all lined up and one by one signed the football," Jody said.
When she learned many of the seniors were coming to the Colony Square Mall in January following the Fiesta Bowl win, Jody took Baylee to see them -in particular A.J. Hawk.
Jody said one of the ways to spread awareness about the disease is to get a national celebrity spokesperson to support the UMDF cause. Jody is hoping Hawk will be that spokesperson.
Since seeing him in person, she has sent Hawk a letter and a green UMDF plastic bracelet. She said while searching the Internet she saw a picture of Hawk where she could clearly see the bracelet.
Even if Hawk doesn't want to be the one, Jody said she won't give up on trying to find someone to support the cause.
So far she has found a lot of support locally.
Those attending Bet on Baylee night will have the opportunity to place bids on items such as the OSU senior autographed football, a Rusty Wallace autographed pit crew shirt and diecast car, an autographed football signed by Tressel, an autographed football helmet signed by University of Cincinnati coach Mark Dantonio, a Troy Palamalu autographed hat, a Tony Dorsett autographed Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction Card and hockey pucks signed by Sergei Federov and Jody Shelley of the Columbus Blue Jackets.
There are numerous other sports-related autographed items and non-sport items, eclipsing the amount items in last year's auction.
In addition, the UMDF bracelets will be on sale for $5, along with Bet on Baylee Casino Night shot glasses for $5 and T-shirts for $15.
Kara Strittmatter, UMDF communications director, said a major part of their budget comes from fundraisers. Last year, the foundation was able to give out $1 million in grants to researchers who are making strides in the area of mitochondrial research.
"There's a lot of excitement out there for what they are finding," she said.
Strittmatter said this research is funded by these local events such as Jody's. The more local attention the disease gets, she said, sooner or later it will get national attention.
[email protected]
450-6767
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0
diehardbuckeye
All-American
They just showed him popping up 225 with ease. I just wish The NFL Network showed Lott the whole time he is the best.
Last edited:
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0
DDN
2/27
Interview with OSU's A.J. Hawk from NFL Combine
By Chick Ludwig
Dayton Daily News
Here's is a transcript of the media's interview with Ohio State linebacker A. J. Hawk at the NFL Combine on Sunday.
Ohio State linebacker
6-foot-1, 248 pounds
Registered 24 reps at 225 pounds in the bench press
Q. It seems like Ohio State loses it's whole defense.
A. They'll be fine without us. Coach Jim Heacock did a great job. A lot of young talent, just doesn't have much experience.
Q. Are you going to work out here?
A. Of course. I'm coming here to do everything. I'm going to compete and do every drill I can. If people have
questions they can come watch Tuesday when I'm running.
Q. Will you play inside or outside linebacker?
A. I think most teams would want me at the inside in a 3-4, from what I've heard. I've done both of them at Ohio State, played the outside or inside position. Either one I'd feel comfortable with. It's not set in stone which one I would play.
Q. You're projected to go to Green Bay with the 5th overall pick.
A. I haven't really given it too much thought. You hear so many different things. I try not to pay attention to too much of it. Based on what I do here, we'll have a lot better ideA. I can play anywhere, any team that wants me I'll gladly go. Especially a team like Green Bay with the tradition they have, the fans they have, it would be unbelievable.
Q. Could you talk about the Ohio State tradition at linebacker.
A. At Ohio State there's so much tradition, especially in the linebacker spot, it's an honor to play there. I had a great four years there, I had great coaches. The best thing about being there, the older guys would come back and let us know how they did things and how to handle yourself on and off the field. I have a lot of respect for them. I grew up hearing about them from my dad and other people. I couldn't ask for a better four years at Ohio State.
Q. Who are the players who come back?
A. Chris Spielman is always around he has a radio show in Columbus, does some TV stuff. Randy Gradishar was an honorary captain for a game my junior year. Mike Vrabel is always back working out with us. Andy Katzenmoyer. The list goes on. There's a bunch of guys. Pepper Johnson is coaching in the league now. There's so many great players that have been at Ohio State who have helped me out.
Q. Have you talked with Spielman lately?
A. I haven't talked to him in a while but he still cares about Ohio State a lot. In Columbus he's the guy, everyone loves him. We've watched film on him, saw what he could do, have a lot of respect for what he did. He comes back and tries to help any way he can.
Q. What's Spielman's advice to you?
A. He has a lot of good advice. He keeps you grounded and lets you know that regardless of what happens in Columbus, don't ever get too upset about what someone says to you or don't get too excited because it's so up and down. If you have a bad game and someone's cutting you down don't get down on yourself. If you have a great game don't listen to them. Don't let your head get big because of it. He's done a great job of that. Everyone knows what he's done, especially around Ohio, and what he's done in the NFL. I have the utmost respect for guys like that.
Q. Were you anxious to get here?
A. Of course I was anxious to get here. Once your bowl game is over this is what you work for, to come here. That's why I want to come here and compete. I don't want to delay it any longer and wait until my pro day to do everything. I'm ready to get back to doing some football-type things instead of working on mainly these drills. I'm excited. They gave us a little speech earlier saying ?You've been working on the pro agility and the 40, but the weekend after the draft you're going to have to be able to play football. You're going to have to cover wideouts and do things. You can't lose yourself in all these drills. You have to still remember how to play football.
Q. In 15 years, will people hold you in same regard as Spielman?
A. I don't know, that's tough to say. No, probably not. He's done so much for the state. Out of high school he was the guy. Just to be mentioned in the same breath as him would be a great honor. We'll see 10 or 15 years down the road. That's what I'd like to come in and see what I can do in the NFL and try to make an impact.
Q. You won the Lombardi Award. Do you have a chip on your shoulder about not receiving more awards?
A. No. That stuff's over now. If I'd have won every award, it doesn't mean anything to these coaches, to these players in the league. It was never really an issue. I was trying to get ready for my bowl game.
Q. Your teammates thought you deserved the Butkus Award.
A. Obviously my teammates will support me and they've done that. Sure, you enjoy the respect you get from your peers. At the same time, it's just an award, it's an individual award. It doesn't mean much.
Q. Is the linebacker position more valued now?
A. I hope so. It's a position where a lot of times they say they don't want to draft people too high because they think ?How much impact can a linebacker have?' Guys like Shawne Merriman and Lofa Tatupu had huge years. I think the linebacker position, with all the defenses they're playing and with the offenses you have to face, one week you're facing a spread offense and the next week a team is trying to pound the ball on you, you have to be able to do a little bit of everything. That's the tough thing about playing college football and it's even magnified more in the NFL.
Q. Why do people pull the LB position down in value?
A. It's understandable. Obviously we're not big defensive ends who are going to get 15 to 18 sacks a year. We're not going to be a running back who's going to rush for 1,500 yards. It's a spot where there's three or four of them on the field, I guess you can justify not taking guys too high. All I want's a chance, regardless of where I'm taken.
Q. Donte Whitner said you hogged all the tackles.
A. I was trying to get to the ball. I've told all these coaches here, ?We had two of the most physical safeties in the country playing behind me.' I knew if I didn't make the tackle they were probably going to hit me on their way to make the tackle. So I had to get there first before them.
Q. You were not highly touted coming out of H.S. What drove you the last 4 years?
A. It's part of anyone's personality. You come in and try not to listen to what was going on around me recruiting wise. There's so much stuff going on coming from high school to college with the Internet sites, I never got caught up in it, never really worried about it. I wanted to try to make an impact early. Get on special teams and play a little bit and learn from the older guys. That's what I did. I got lucky, came into a great situation and got to start for three years.
Q. How good is the LB class?
A. I'm very impressed with how strong they are already. The only thing we've tested is bench. These guys are strong, they look good and I think they're going to run really well on Tuesday. I'm impressed. You watch ?em play on TV, but you get to talk to them here and see how they are as a person. That's what I really enjoy.
Q. You have a nose for the ball. What makes you have that knack?
A. I play with 10 other guys who are really good, I've done that for four years at Ohio State. That's one of the biggest things. Since high school I've had great coaches. They put me in position to make plays and I try not to disappoint them. I try to rely on instincts. I feel I can do that well at times. Try to go hard every play and try to go get in on every tackle.
Q. Who do you model your career after style wise?
A. I wouldn't say I modeled my career after because he's so much better than me but I kind of admire Zach Thomas' play. I have a lot of respect for what he's done. I've watched a lot of film on him the last couple years. He makes so many plays that so many guys can't make. I'm really impressed with what he's done in the league so far. People talk about him being too small or whatever, I don't believe any of that. It doesn't matter how tall he is, it's what he does. He's making plays all over the field. I have a lot of respect for his game.
Q. Will the big games you played in during college help you in the NFL?
A. Yeah, it helps just because Ohio State is such a big university. You get 105,000 every week to the games. People care about Ohio State nationally. We've been in pressure situations, we've played in a lot of tight games. Hopefully that will help me going into the NFL.
2/27
Interview with OSU's A.J. Hawk from NFL Combine
By Chick Ludwig
Dayton Daily News
Here's is a transcript of the media's interview with Ohio State linebacker A. J. Hawk at the NFL Combine on Sunday.
Ohio State linebacker
6-foot-1, 248 pounds
Registered 24 reps at 225 pounds in the bench press
Q. It seems like Ohio State loses it's whole defense.
A. They'll be fine without us. Coach Jim Heacock did a great job. A lot of young talent, just doesn't have much experience.
Q. Are you going to work out here?
A. Of course. I'm coming here to do everything. I'm going to compete and do every drill I can. If people have
questions they can come watch Tuesday when I'm running.
Q. Will you play inside or outside linebacker?
A. I think most teams would want me at the inside in a 3-4, from what I've heard. I've done both of them at Ohio State, played the outside or inside position. Either one I'd feel comfortable with. It's not set in stone which one I would play.
Q. You're projected to go to Green Bay with the 5th overall pick.
A. I haven't really given it too much thought. You hear so many different things. I try not to pay attention to too much of it. Based on what I do here, we'll have a lot better ideA. I can play anywhere, any team that wants me I'll gladly go. Especially a team like Green Bay with the tradition they have, the fans they have, it would be unbelievable.
Q. Could you talk about the Ohio State tradition at linebacker.
A. At Ohio State there's so much tradition, especially in the linebacker spot, it's an honor to play there. I had a great four years there, I had great coaches. The best thing about being there, the older guys would come back and let us know how they did things and how to handle yourself on and off the field. I have a lot of respect for them. I grew up hearing about them from my dad and other people. I couldn't ask for a better four years at Ohio State.
Q. Who are the players who come back?
A. Chris Spielman is always around he has a radio show in Columbus, does some TV stuff. Randy Gradishar was an honorary captain for a game my junior year. Mike Vrabel is always back working out with us. Andy Katzenmoyer. The list goes on. There's a bunch of guys. Pepper Johnson is coaching in the league now. There's so many great players that have been at Ohio State who have helped me out.
Q. Have you talked with Spielman lately?
A. I haven't talked to him in a while but he still cares about Ohio State a lot. In Columbus he's the guy, everyone loves him. We've watched film on him, saw what he could do, have a lot of respect for what he did. He comes back and tries to help any way he can.
Q. What's Spielman's advice to you?
A. He has a lot of good advice. He keeps you grounded and lets you know that regardless of what happens in Columbus, don't ever get too upset about what someone says to you or don't get too excited because it's so up and down. If you have a bad game and someone's cutting you down don't get down on yourself. If you have a great game don't listen to them. Don't let your head get big because of it. He's done a great job of that. Everyone knows what he's done, especially around Ohio, and what he's done in the NFL. I have the utmost respect for guys like that.
Q. Were you anxious to get here?
A. Of course I was anxious to get here. Once your bowl game is over this is what you work for, to come here. That's why I want to come here and compete. I don't want to delay it any longer and wait until my pro day to do everything. I'm ready to get back to doing some football-type things instead of working on mainly these drills. I'm excited. They gave us a little speech earlier saying ?You've been working on the pro agility and the 40, but the weekend after the draft you're going to have to be able to play football. You're going to have to cover wideouts and do things. You can't lose yourself in all these drills. You have to still remember how to play football.
Q. In 15 years, will people hold you in same regard as Spielman?
A. I don't know, that's tough to say. No, probably not. He's done so much for the state. Out of high school he was the guy. Just to be mentioned in the same breath as him would be a great honor. We'll see 10 or 15 years down the road. That's what I'd like to come in and see what I can do in the NFL and try to make an impact.
Q. You won the Lombardi Award. Do you have a chip on your shoulder about not receiving more awards?
A. No. That stuff's over now. If I'd have won every award, it doesn't mean anything to these coaches, to these players in the league. It was never really an issue. I was trying to get ready for my bowl game.
Q. Your teammates thought you deserved the Butkus Award.
A. Obviously my teammates will support me and they've done that. Sure, you enjoy the respect you get from your peers. At the same time, it's just an award, it's an individual award. It doesn't mean much.
Q. Is the linebacker position more valued now?
A. I hope so. It's a position where a lot of times they say they don't want to draft people too high because they think ?How much impact can a linebacker have?' Guys like Shawne Merriman and Lofa Tatupu had huge years. I think the linebacker position, with all the defenses they're playing and with the offenses you have to face, one week you're facing a spread offense and the next week a team is trying to pound the ball on you, you have to be able to do a little bit of everything. That's the tough thing about playing college football and it's even magnified more in the NFL.
Q. Why do people pull the LB position down in value?
A. It's understandable. Obviously we're not big defensive ends who are going to get 15 to 18 sacks a year. We're not going to be a running back who's going to rush for 1,500 yards. It's a spot where there's three or four of them on the field, I guess you can justify not taking guys too high. All I want's a chance, regardless of where I'm taken.
Q. Donte Whitner said you hogged all the tackles.
A. I was trying to get to the ball. I've told all these coaches here, ?We had two of the most physical safeties in the country playing behind me.' I knew if I didn't make the tackle they were probably going to hit me on their way to make the tackle. So I had to get there first before them.
Q. You were not highly touted coming out of H.S. What drove you the last 4 years?
A. It's part of anyone's personality. You come in and try not to listen to what was going on around me recruiting wise. There's so much stuff going on coming from high school to college with the Internet sites, I never got caught up in it, never really worried about it. I wanted to try to make an impact early. Get on special teams and play a little bit and learn from the older guys. That's what I did. I got lucky, came into a great situation and got to start for three years.
Q. How good is the LB class?
A. I'm very impressed with how strong they are already. The only thing we've tested is bench. These guys are strong, they look good and I think they're going to run really well on Tuesday. I'm impressed. You watch ?em play on TV, but you get to talk to them here and see how they are as a person. That's what I really enjoy.
Q. You have a nose for the ball. What makes you have that knack?
A. I play with 10 other guys who are really good, I've done that for four years at Ohio State. That's one of the biggest things. Since high school I've had great coaches. They put me in position to make plays and I try not to disappoint them. I try to rely on instincts. I feel I can do that well at times. Try to go hard every play and try to go get in on every tackle.
Q. Who do you model your career after style wise?
A. I wouldn't say I modeled my career after because he's so much better than me but I kind of admire Zach Thomas' play. I have a lot of respect for what he's done. I've watched a lot of film on him the last couple years. He makes so many plays that so many guys can't make. I'm really impressed with what he's done in the league so far. People talk about him being too small or whatever, I don't believe any of that. It doesn't matter how tall he is, it's what he does. He's making plays all over the field. I have a lot of respect for his game.
Q. Will the big games you played in during college help you in the NFL?
A. Yeah, it helps just because Ohio State is such a big university. You get 105,000 every week to the games. People care about Ohio State nationally. We've been in pressure situations, we've played in a lot of tight games. Hopefully that will help me going into the NFL.
Upvote
0
DDN
2/27
OSU's Hawk near top of 2006 NFL draft class
By Chick Ludwig
Dayton Daily News
INDIANAPOLIS | Ohio State fans can flap their wings again. Linebacker A.J. Hawk is ready to soar into the NFL.
The 6-foot-1, 248 pounder said Sunday he's "going to compete and do every drill" at the NFL combine. Where will Hawk land? He will be doing the "Lambeau Leap" if the Green Bay Packers make him the fifth overall draft pick on April 29.
"Based on what I do here, we'll have a lot better idea," Hawk said. "Any team that wants me, I'll gladly go. Especially a team like Green Bay with the tradition they have, the fans they have. It would be unbelievable."
You name it, Hawk can play it. He's comfortable at inside or outside linebacker — the "Mike" (middle) or the "Will" (weakside).
"Most teams would want me at the inside in a 3-4 (scheme) from what I've heard," he said. "I've done both at Ohio State. It's not set in stone which one I would play."
What is set in stone is that Hawk runs like a deer and hits like a rock.
"I try to rely on instincts," he said. "I feel I can do that well at times. I try to go hard every play and try to go get in on every tackle."
Buckeyes safeties Nate Salley and Donte Whitner like to tease Hawk, saying he "hogged" all the tackles. A.J. didn't hog 'em. He hawked 'em.
"I was trying to get to the ball," Hawk said. "I've told all these coaches here, 'We had two of the most physical safeties in the country playing behind me.' I knew if I didn't make the tackle, they were probably going to hit me on their way to make the tackle. So I had to get there first."
Is there an impact linebacker in the 2006 draft class?
"There's one guy," Browns coach Romeo Crennel said. "He's right down the street in Columbus. The initials are A.J."
Contact Chick Ludwig at 225-2253
2/27
OSU's Hawk near top of 2006 NFL draft class
By Chick Ludwig
Dayton Daily News
INDIANAPOLIS | Ohio State fans can flap their wings again. Linebacker A.J. Hawk is ready to soar into the NFL.
The 6-foot-1, 248 pounder said Sunday he's "going to compete and do every drill" at the NFL combine. Where will Hawk land? He will be doing the "Lambeau Leap" if the Green Bay Packers make him the fifth overall draft pick on April 29.
"Based on what I do here, we'll have a lot better idea," Hawk said. "Any team that wants me, I'll gladly go. Especially a team like Green Bay with the tradition they have, the fans they have. It would be unbelievable."
You name it, Hawk can play it. He's comfortable at inside or outside linebacker — the "Mike" (middle) or the "Will" (weakside).
"Most teams would want me at the inside in a 3-4 (scheme) from what I've heard," he said. "I've done both at Ohio State. It's not set in stone which one I would play."
What is set in stone is that Hawk runs like a deer and hits like a rock.
"I try to rely on instincts," he said. "I feel I can do that well at times. I try to go hard every play and try to go get in on every tackle."
Buckeyes safeties Nate Salley and Donte Whitner like to tease Hawk, saying he "hogged" all the tackles. A.J. didn't hog 'em. He hawked 'em.
"I was trying to get to the ball," Hawk said. "I've told all these coaches here, 'We had two of the most physical safeties in the country playing behind me.' I knew if I didn't make the tackle, they were probably going to hit me on their way to make the tackle. So I had to get there first."
Is there an impact linebacker in the 2006 draft class?
"There's one guy," Browns coach Romeo Crennel said. "He's right down the street in Columbus. The initials are A.J."
Contact Chick Ludwig at 225-2253
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2/27
Small-town boy dreams of big city
Monday, February 27, 2006Mary Kay Cabot
Plain Dealer Reporter
Indianapolis- The Browns know they probably won't get a Hawk in the draft, but they could land a Hawkeye.
While top-ranked OSU linebacker A.J. Hawk is expected to go in the top 5, the Browns could get the next best thing - Iowa linebacker Chad Greenway, widely regarded as the second-best linebacker avail- able.
Several mock drafts, including ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. and Scouts Inc., predict the Browns will select Greenway with the No. 12 pick.
"He's a super kid," said Browns General Manager Phil Savage Sunday. "He was a real leader at Iowa and [coach] Kirk Ferentz liked him a lot. I think both Greenway and his teammate Abdul Hodge will be starters in the NFL."
The Browns were not among the 20 or so teams that interviewed Greenway at the NFL Combine, but Savage said nothing should be read into that. He said the Browns did not interview No. 1 pick Braylon Edwards or third-round pick Charlie Frye at the Combine last year.
Besides, the Browns have the inside track on Greenway from Ferentz, one of Savage's best friends from their days together in Cleveland.
Ferentz has had nothing but rave reviews for Greenway ever since he plucked him off a farm in tiny Mount Vernon, S.D., population 400.
"He's an unbridled colt, full of energy and enthusiasm," Ferentz said in a press conference last season.
"He's a great player," said Hodge on Sunday at the Combine. "He's athletic. He's very versatile. He can make plays all over the field, in the run game or the pass game."
Greenway (6-2½, 242) has been compared to Chicago Bears five-time Pro Bowler Brian Urlacher because of his sub-4.6 speed and high motor on the field. In 2005, Greenway tied for fourth in the nation with 156 tackles, including 95 solo. He also had two sacks.
"I like to think I play similarly to the way Brian Urlacher plays," Greenway said. "I'm obviously not to his level at this point, but I got a lot of his film this summer. I wanted to learn from the best and he's one of the best of the best."
Greenway described his strengths as his athleticism and his size. "I can really play any linebacker position even though I did play the weak side in college," he said. "But I have the ability to play the strong side and mike and also play the 3-4, something I plan to show this weekend."
He said he didn't have a lot of opportunities to rush the passer because the Hawkeyes didn't blitz much. "But I think I have the ability to do that and when I did get that opportunity in college, I was pretty successful," he said. "I think I'd be a great fit, especially as an outside rusher, but I also have the physical capability of being an inside rusher, too. I definitely could help a team and strengthen their blitz package."
Greenway entertained the media Sunday with his description of small-town farm life in South Dakota. He came from a graduating class of 29 at Mount Vernon High and had to combine with another school to field a football team. Still, they played in a 9-on-9 program, where the offense utilized two backs, a flanker and two tight ends as tackles. The defense featured a 4-2 front with two corners and a safety.
Greenway played quarterback and free safety - and also returned kicks and punts. Iowa became the only Division I school to offer him a scholarship and when Ferentz sized up his then 205-pound frame, he switched him to linebacker.
"I was open to anything," Greenway said. "But I never played 11-on-11 football until I got to Iowa."
He was a quick study and could be the second linebacker off the board behind Hawk. "I think the Browns need linebackers," he said.
Extra points:
Savage said the Browns have extended the contract of one of their players, but declined to say which one until they file the paperwork with the NFL office today. They've been trying to extend L.J. Shelton, Orpheus Roye and Reuben Droughns. . . . Savage said he interviewed offensive tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson and running backs DeAngelo Williams and Laurence Maroney. . . . Texas quarterback Vince Young was rumored to have scored a 6 out of 50 on the Wonderlic Intelligence Test, but Combine officials are investigating the scoring of the tests in his group. If Young did score a 6, his stock in the draft will likely drop, and he could be available to the Browns at No. 12.
To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:
[email protected], 216-999-6136
2/27
Small-town boy dreams of big city
Monday, February 27, 2006Mary Kay Cabot
Plain Dealer Reporter
Indianapolis- The Browns know they probably won't get a Hawk in the draft, but they could land a Hawkeye.
While top-ranked OSU linebacker A.J. Hawk is expected to go in the top 5, the Browns could get the next best thing - Iowa linebacker Chad Greenway, widely regarded as the second-best linebacker avail- able.
Several mock drafts, including ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. and Scouts Inc., predict the Browns will select Greenway with the No. 12 pick.
"He's a super kid," said Browns General Manager Phil Savage Sunday. "He was a real leader at Iowa and [coach] Kirk Ferentz liked him a lot. I think both Greenway and his teammate Abdul Hodge will be starters in the NFL."
The Browns were not among the 20 or so teams that interviewed Greenway at the NFL Combine, but Savage said nothing should be read into that. He said the Browns did not interview No. 1 pick Braylon Edwards or third-round pick Charlie Frye at the Combine last year.
Besides, the Browns have the inside track on Greenway from Ferentz, one of Savage's best friends from their days together in Cleveland.
Ferentz has had nothing but rave reviews for Greenway ever since he plucked him off a farm in tiny Mount Vernon, S.D., population 400.
"He's an unbridled colt, full of energy and enthusiasm," Ferentz said in a press conference last season.
"He's a great player," said Hodge on Sunday at the Combine. "He's athletic. He's very versatile. He can make plays all over the field, in the run game or the pass game."
Greenway (6-2½, 242) has been compared to Chicago Bears five-time Pro Bowler Brian Urlacher because of his sub-4.6 speed and high motor on the field. In 2005, Greenway tied for fourth in the nation with 156 tackles, including 95 solo. He also had two sacks.
"I like to think I play similarly to the way Brian Urlacher plays," Greenway said. "I'm obviously not to his level at this point, but I got a lot of his film this summer. I wanted to learn from the best and he's one of the best of the best."
Greenway described his strengths as his athleticism and his size. "I can really play any linebacker position even though I did play the weak side in college," he said. "But I have the ability to play the strong side and mike and also play the 3-4, something I plan to show this weekend."
He said he didn't have a lot of opportunities to rush the passer because the Hawkeyes didn't blitz much. "But I think I have the ability to do that and when I did get that opportunity in college, I was pretty successful," he said. "I think I'd be a great fit, especially as an outside rusher, but I also have the physical capability of being an inside rusher, too. I definitely could help a team and strengthen their blitz package."
Greenway entertained the media Sunday with his description of small-town farm life in South Dakota. He came from a graduating class of 29 at Mount Vernon High and had to combine with another school to field a football team. Still, they played in a 9-on-9 program, where the offense utilized two backs, a flanker and two tight ends as tackles. The defense featured a 4-2 front with two corners and a safety.
Greenway played quarterback and free safety - and also returned kicks and punts. Iowa became the only Division I school to offer him a scholarship and when Ferentz sized up his then 205-pound frame, he switched him to linebacker.
"I was open to anything," Greenway said. "But I never played 11-on-11 football until I got to Iowa."
He was a quick study and could be the second linebacker off the board behind Hawk. "I think the Browns need linebackers," he said.
Extra points:
Savage said the Browns have extended the contract of one of their players, but declined to say which one until they file the paperwork with the NFL office today. They've been trying to extend L.J. Shelton, Orpheus Roye and Reuben Droughns. . . . Savage said he interviewed offensive tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson and running backs DeAngelo Williams and Laurence Maroney. . . . Texas quarterback Vince Young was rumored to have scored a 6 out of 50 on the Wonderlic Intelligence Test, but Combine officials are investigating the scoring of the tests in his group. If Young did score a 6, his stock in the draft will likely drop, and he could be available to the Browns at No. 12.
To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:
[email protected], 216-999-6136
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Deety
Head Coach
Heard a great interview with the local media on the way home. A.J. was his usual self-effacing self, saying he didn't really know why he's being considered a top five pick and crediting Ohio State for putting him in the position to grow and to shine, which is what is great about tOSU. He said BC and AS and the others were such fantastic teammates he couldn't help but succeed. He also said he doesn't see how people could be mentioning him as possibly the greatest LB to come out of Ohio State when there have been so many who have done so well.
When asked if he would like to call Lambeau Field home, he said it would be an incredible honor, and that he likes a team with great tradition, because he had that at tOSU and it's very important to him. I estimate the words Ohio, State, honor, and tradition to have been used roughly eight billion times each during the interview.
A.J. is looking forward to showing what he can do tomorrow - said he is ready for some competition. They said, "It's been a while since you hit anyone, hasn't it?" and he replied, "It's been a loooooooooong time," and started to laugh in the middle of the sentence. He talked about how much he loves really physical play on the field, and said the offseason would drive him crazy if he and his brothers didn't think of ways to compete.
Good luck tomorrow, A.J.!
When asked if he would like to call Lambeau Field home, he said it would be an incredible honor, and that he likes a team with great tradition, because he had that at tOSU and it's very important to him. I estimate the words Ohio, State, honor, and tradition to have been used roughly eight billion times each during the interview.
A.J. is looking forward to showing what he can do tomorrow - said he is ready for some competition. They said, "It's been a while since you hit anyone, hasn't it?" and he replied, "It's been a loooooooooong time," and started to laugh in the middle of the sentence. He talked about how much he loves really physical play on the field, and said the offseason would drive him crazy if he and his brothers didn't think of ways to compete.
Good luck tomorrow, A.J.!
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