Coleman has unfinished business in Columbus
April 6, 2009
Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg
If Ohio State had finished off the final 30 seconds of the Fiesta Bowl and knocked off Texas, Kurt Coleman might be preparing for the NFL draft right now.
Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
Kurt Coleman expects to take on a larger leadership role this season.
The Buckeyes safety "tossed and turned" over his stay-or-go decision before opting to remain in Columbus for his senior season. Earning his degree this fall played an important role, but Coleman also didn't want to go out a loser.
"I really wanted to leave as a winner," he said. "Last season kind of left it a little open-ended. I haven't won a bowl game yet, and I feel like this team can really make a big impact in the national football scene. This year can be our year to win it all."
College football enthusiasts have heard that line before and might be hesitant to board the Buckeye Bandwagon in 2009. Not only has Ohio State dropped three consecutive BCS bowl games, but it loses a sizable senior class filled with All-Big Ten performers.
The Buckeyes will be much younger this fall, particularly on offense, but they might be more explosive and hungrier. Only the fifth-year seniors have experienced a postseason win, and not many of them occupy top spots on the spring depth chart.
"It's so much motivation," Coleman said. "I see it in the weight room, I see it in everybody's daily routine. I can see it in their eyes that they really want to get out there and get better every day. That burns in our mind."
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