Who's the Greatest Buckeye Defensive End? (Vote for FOUR)

[LordJeffBuck]

Three years ago, we did a series of polls in which the BP community selected the "Greatest Buckeye Ever" team. Since then, many more great players have passed through the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, so it's probably a good time to revisit the polls.

Every week, we will post a poll on "Who's the Greatest Buckeye" at each of the positions. The first poll, quarterback, will open today, and run for a month.

All players selected for the poll will be from the "modern era", which we have more-or-less arbitrarily determined to have begun with the hiring of Woody Hayes in 1951. However, there will be a special poll for the older Buckeye stars, where you will be allowed to choose amongst such greats as Les Horvath, Vic Janowicz, Chic Harley, etc.

Please vote on each poll, if you can. Also, please note that each poll will allow you to vote at least twice, as we would like to compile a first and second team. If you vote for "other", please let us know your selection(s) by setting forth the name(s) in a post.

Polls will be posted as follows:

1. Quarterback
2. Multi-purpose player
3. Tailback
4. Fullback
5. Wide Receiver
6. Tight End
7. Offensive Tackle
8. Offensive Guard
9. Offensive Center
10. Defensive Tackle
11. Defensive End
12. Outside Linebacker
13. Middle Linebacker
14. Safety
15. Cornerback
16. Kicker
17. Punter
18. "Old Timer"
19. Head Coach

So, please vote now for your All-Time Greatest Buckeye Defensive End; please make FOUR selections.

NOTE: Jason Simmons held both the Buckeye career sack record (27.5) and TFL record (56.5), until both were broken by Mike Vrabel (36.0 sacks, 66.0 TFL's).

Link to the 2004 poll

[Taosman]

Wil Smith was a game changer. A unique player used to good effect.
Brudzinski was very good.
Houston I don't know much about.

[Taosman]

2006 Enshrinee Spotlight: Jim Houston
Posted: Jul 20, 2006
Houston won a National Championship at Ohio State in 1957
During his football career, Ohio State end Jim Houston captured a rare triple crown in championships by winning a state title, national collegiate championship and NFL crown all within his home state of Ohio.

It was a natural choice for Houston to become a Buckeye, following his brother Lin to Columbus. Like Jim, Lin was an All-America who played on a National Championship Ohio State team and NFL title squad.

Playing in the one platoon era, Houston averaged 44 minutes a game as a sophomore end in 1957. In just his first season, Houston caught four passes for one score and terrorized opposing offenses from his defensive end position. That year the Buckeyes won the Big Ten title and beat Oregon in the Rose Bowl. Houston?s 18-yard reception in the Rose Bowl set up the winning touchdown and Ohio State won their second National Championship under legendary head coach Woody Hayes.

In 1958, Houston averaged 56 minutes a game, caught four passes for 127 yards and was named first-team All-America. As a senior, he averaged 56 minutes a contest and repeated as a first team All-America and all-conference performer. Houston was Ohio State?s featured receiving option in 1959, as he led the team with 11 catches for 214 yards and three touchdown receptions. While Ohio Sate was primarily a running team, when the team looked to throw Houston delivered in a big way, averaging 24.6 yards per catch on 19 career receptions.

The consummate iron man, Houston averaged over 51 minutes of playing time per game throughout his college career.

Selected by the Cleveland Browns in the first round of the 1960 NFL Draft, Houston played his entire 13-year pro career with the Browns. A standout pro linebacker and defensive end, Houston appeared in four Pro Bowls, was a captain for seven seasons and was a key contributor on the Browns? 1964 NFL Championship Team.

Houston will receive college football?s ultimate honor when he is permanently enshrined into the College Football Hall of Fame on August 12, 2006.
College Football Hall of Fame linky

[BB73]

Houston, DeCree, Vrabel and Smith.

That was harder than I thought it would be - it was tough to leave Brudzinzki off.

[kippy1040]

To be a defensive end as Jim Houston was,You had to see thier style of play and the equipment that protected them. Those were real "Pits" as they were called then between the O/Line and defensive players, Not much pass rushing then as compared to stopping the run was his plan. I guess football in the late 50's was pretty much different but Jim was used both ways for Ohio State then.

[Jaxbuck]

I went Vrabel, Smith, Houston and Brudzinski in that order. Tough one.

[craigblitz]

Jason Simmons - I think is VERY underrated

[lvbuckeye]

man... tough poll.

edit: Alonzo Spellman holds the distinction of being the first Buckeye ever to forgo his senior season in liu of the NFL draft.

[LitlBuck]

Brudzinski, Van DeCree, Smith, and Spellman. Could not vote for Houston because even I did not see him play while he was at Ohio State. Van was small but awfully good. My #1 choice was Brudzinski.