In an OHIO STATE of mind
'Amongst each other, we talk about our school. We brag about our school.'
By BUCKY GLEASON
News Sports Reporter
11/5/2006
Donte Whitner had the dream again last week. He can never remember exact details, but each time he's back with his teammates at Ohio Stadium, the famed Horseshoe, and patrolling the Ohio State secondary. There's no opponent or score or anything, just that feeling that comes with winning.
And then he wakes up.
Whitner has lost more games with the Buffalo Bills (2-5) this year than he did in any season on any level in his career. He's been soothed by a six-year contract that includes some $13.5 million in guaranteed money, but part of the pure joy of playing has been extracted from the rookie strong safety.
"You have a lot of fun in college," Whitner said. "On this level, you tend to get away from having fun because it's so much business, business, business. We have to win. I do think about that sometimes. It's a lot more fun when you win."
It should be little surprise that he returned to Columbus during the bye week and reacquainted himself with his ex-teammates and a winning atmosphere. As he stood on the sidelines and watched top-ranked Ohio State blow out Minnesota, 44-0, he couldn't help but envision himself still playing for the Buckeyes.
"It was a reminder of what I want to get back to," Whitner said, "and what we need to get here."
What the Bills really need are a few more Buckeyes. Ohio State had been a football factory for decades and in recent years has served as the unofficial feeder program of the Buffalo defense. Whitner and rookie cornerback Ashton Youboty gave the Bills four ex-Buckeyes on defense, including three in the secondary.
"The Buffalo organization likes hard-working,tough, blue-collar guys," Ohio State coach Jim Tressel said by telephone. "We've been fortunate over the years to have our kids be attractive to the mentality that Buffalo has."
Whitner and Youboty had one year of eligibility remaining when they jumped to the NFL. Imagine how good Ohio State's defense, still among the best in the country, would be if the two rookies stuck around. No matter what happens this year, at least they can take comfort in the Buckeyes.
It's the same way for cornerback Nate Clements, who was selected 21st overall in the 2001 draft, and defensive tackle Tim Anderson, chosen in the third round in 2004. The Buckeyes had five players selected in the first round alone last season. All told, the program has produced 39 players who are on NFL rosters.
"Amongst each other, we talk about our school," Clements said. "We brag about our school. We talk about it. We're around each other so much, so we're talking about it during the course of the day."
It prompts the question: Could the Buckeyes beat the Bills or any other NFL team?
"Naah," Anderson said. "But I'll bet you there are some people that could make a pretty legitimate argument."
Clements has been the Bills' most productive ex-Buckeye. He was a three-year starter at Ohio State and learned plenty from Antoine Winfield, another former first-round pick who spent five seasons with the Bills before signing with Minnesota. Clements is making $7.2 million this season and could make much more if he hits the open market, as expected, after the season.
Anderson started the final 12 games last season and the first four this season before sharing duties with rookie Kyle Williams. In college, Anderson started for three seasons and won a national championship in the 2003 Fiesta Bowl, the game in which Miami running back Willis McGahee blew out his knee.
Whitner has started the last six games at strong safety and has been superb under difficult circumstances. He intercepted a pass from New England quarterback Tom Brady in the opener and was third on the team with 49 tackles going into today's game against the Green Bay Packers.
Youboty is waiting for his opportunity. He was absent for more than three weeks after his mother died in August. He started his final two seasons at Ohio State and was considered one of the country's better cover men.
"Every week, the guys from big-time schools want [Ohio State] to lose so we can lose bragging rights," Youboty said. "These guys keep winning. They're learning pretty fast. A lot of guys have pride in their alma mater, but we're on top right now."
And that's not good for running back Anthony Thomas.
See, Thomas is the lone player on the roster from Michigan, which was ranked second in the country behind its archrival. The two teams are expected to keep the top two spots before a showdown in two weeks. Many believe the winner of the Nov. 18 matchup will win the national championship.
The trash talking has been kept to a minimum, but that's expected to change. Clements is certain to run his mouth during the week leading into the game. Anderson suggested maybe the loser wear the archrival's jersey. Youboty was thinking about what he could cook up. Whitner could only dream.
"Whatever school you came from, it's all good," Whitner said. "We might be talking a little junk, but it's all in fun."
Lately, that's what has been missing.
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