Redemption Has A Name: Tyler Moeller
22 September 2010
The story has all of the elements that make for good drama: overcoming limitations, success, tragedy, grappling with adversity, vindication, and ultimate triumph. It is the story of a young man from a not-always-Buckeye-friendly town who works his way onto the big OSU stage, only to have the moment crushed in a singular act of malice. Best of all, it is a story of the growth of indomitable determination and progress to the point of excellence, and of the moment when that young man, now more mature for the experience, finds his way back onto the stage and gives a memorable performance. We are currently enjoying the better part of the story in the form of Ohio State "Star" Tyler Moeller.
It was never a certainty that Moeller would have success as a Buckeye, or that he would even be one. As late as early June of 2005, OSU seemed to have little interest in the linebacker/safety prospect from Cincinnati's Colerain High School. At that time, his only offers were from Indiana, Kent, Miami (OH), and a few others. However, he picked up offers from
Virginia Tech, Cincinnati and Kentucky after running a 4.52 40-yard dash at the UC camp, which were followed quickly by an offer from Iowa. In early July, there were signs that Ohio State was starting to seriously consider an offer of their own, and shortly afterward
Tennessee got into the mix. Finally, OSU made an offer on 7/26, and Moeller
accepted on 9/15.
Continued...