Who had the biggest impact on 2002 season

[scooter1369]

I hate to pinpoint one player on the team as the catalyst that vaulted them to the title. The senior leadership, the coaching, the talent on the field, and the desire to prove week after week that they could win every game had so much to with it.

This was a team in every sense of the word. They spent time at Hartsock's family farm together in the off season building team trust and relationships that few teams ever experience. Coach Tressel coaches as if the kids are his own flesh and blood. Tough love when needed and he demands that they put forth 100% in everything. He trusts the older guys to lead and to set examples on and off the field.

On the field defensively, Darrion Scott, Will Smith, Kenny Peterson, and Tim Anderson set the tone of every game. They made it clear that you will not run on them and if you pass, it may take some time to set it up, but we will hit you. Hard. And happy feet will become the norm.

Matt Wilhelm, Robert Reynolds and Cie Grant were phenomonal players who played like men possessed. They hit like freight trains and played very smart football. Freddie Pagac rarely squandered an opportunity to shine. And the play of two freshman in mop up duty showed signs of a bright future at linebacker for 04 and 05. Hawk and Carp have not disappointed since.

Dustin Fox and Chris Gamble once he came on played exactly how Dantonio drew it up. The soft zones, sure tackling, and taking advantage of opportunites. They did exactly what was expected of them

Mike Doss and Donnie Nickey, were both great players made better by the play of the 9 guys in front of them. As a safety, knowing that you don't have to do everyone else's job makes your job easier. Play the run, play center field, go man to man when needed knowing that the other 9 nine guys are taking care of their business. All of a sudden, that last line of defense doesn't have to worry so much, they can be aggressive. And aggressive they were.

When every cog and gear turns to perfection you can't claim any one part is more important than the next. A well oiled machine operates flawlessly.

You want me to pick one person from 2002?

Can't do it.

[Bucklion]

I voted for CK for his leadership and clutch plays down the stretch of every game we needed him in, which was basically all of them lest Kent State. Still, I have to shake my head and chuckle as I think "I wonder what these poll results would have looked like in Feb. after the title game?" Based on what I remember, my guess is the numbers would be somewhat different across the board, though maybe not for the specific people who have responded to this thread. Just something to ponder.

[schwab]

I have to agree with scooter, who can you pick that meant any more to the team than the next guy? can't do it. having said that, i picked #35 matt wilhelm. i love doss, krenzel, gamble, jenkins, nickey, smith, scott, anderson, i think we had a rb #13, just kidding, plus a whole host of other studs. i just had a really good time watching wilhelm play. while he may not have been highly thought of or recruited beforehand, the guy brought the wood every play plus the intensity that outmatched the other team's will to win. i fall in love with defensive players who get to where they are due to hardwork, intensity, and the will to get it done, before i do talent. if i'm not mistaken he was injured during his career and overcame that as well. nevermind the "you're not gonna run on us" pose or what have you he did against miami. he bled the scarlet and gray.