[Buckskin86]

Ben Person found that out. He was one of three offensive linemen in the recruiting class of 2004, along with Jon Skinner and Kyle Mitchum. All three redshirted, then played sparingly in 2005. Entering last season, Person looked at the depth chart. He saw Skinner and Mitchum listed as second-teamers. He didn't see his name.

"That's when it really hit home," Person said. "It was kind of a reality check for me."

Like Abdallah, he started working harder, coming out early to practice and staying late, focusing on his technique. This past spring, Person worked as the starting right guard, a spot he still holds.

"I wasn't mad at anybody about it at all," he said of his years in obscurity. "I was kind of upset with myself because I didn't put myself in position to be where I wanted to be."

The Columbus Dispatch : For seldom-used veterans, it's now or never