Deposed seniors put team first
Long, like Boeckman, exhibited selflessness
Sunday, December 14, 2008 3:40 AM
By
Ken Gordon
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
Though he was seething inside, all Bill Long could do in 1968 was grin and bear it. Long had been Ohio State's starting quarterback for most of 1966 and 1967 but was benched as a senior in 1968 in favor of sophomore Rex Kern.
Adding to his pain was the fact the Buckeyes proceeded to roll through their schedule, go 10-0 and win a national title.
That success prevented Long from ever voicing his frustration.
"It's huge, it puts a kid in a position where he can't really say anything," he said. "What would be my point: That we could've won the national championship better if I was the quarterback?"
Forty years later, a similar situation played out at OSU this season. Senior returning starter and co-captain Todd Boeckman was replaced by freshman Terrelle Pryor. The Buckeyes were 2-1 under Boeckman and are 8-1 under Pryor, with one game remaining.
It was the fourth time in 40 years that a senior returning starting quarterback was replaced by a younger player -- in 1973, sophomore Cornelius Greene took over for co-captain Greg Hare, and in 1978, freshman Art Schlichter played in place of Rod Gerald.
With the exception of 1978, the Buckeyes' record improved with the younger player at the helm, suggesting that it was the correct move. But that doesn't make it any easier on the deposed senior.
Boeckman has been heartily praised by coaches, teammates and fans for not complaining and causing a division on the team.
Long said he, too, was credited with keeping his thoughts to himself.
Cont..
