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OSU's Homan shoulders all the playing time he can get
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October 9, 2008 - 11:37PM
Jim Naveau
COLUMBUS - When it comes to talking about being a team player, Ohio State linebacker Ross Homan has to rank on the 99th percentile or higher.
Even though he is substituted for in many passing situations, the Coldwater High School graduate doesn't complain.
"Whatever is best for the team, whatever the coaches call, I'm 100 percent behind it," Homan said earlier this week. "That's not a big deal with me. Win or lose is all that matters to me."
But when Homan can control his playing time, he will take all he can get. At Wisconsin last Saturday night, the 6-foot, 1-inch, 230-pound sophomore felt his right shoulder go numb early in the game after a collision with the Badgers running back P.J. Hill, but kept playing.
"I kept quiet about it," Homan said. "When adrenaline takes over, you don't really feel anything anyway. I sort of got dinged up but I'm fine now."
Homan has had 10 tackles each of the last two weeks in wins over Wisconsin and Minnesota. He ranks second behind James Laurinaitis with 39 tackles, even though he leaves the field when OSU is in its "nickel" defense with five defensive backs in the lineup.
Homan is grateful for any time on the field after missing the last 10 games of the 2007 season because of a toe injury.
At first it was called turf toe, but later on it was identified as a torn tendon in his foot.
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