All-Time Ohio State Football Nickname Team
Perhaps it’s having a player on the roster with my last name (I had it first) that’s gotten me into football names recently. Not to mention that same young man, Tuf Borland, has a first name sent down from the football gods (or his parents, Jeny and Kyle) specifically for a linebacker. Not everyone was blessed with a moniker like that.
Others had to earn their names through actions, skill sets, or physical appearance. While their God-given names remained the same, many Buckeye players acquired/earned nicknames over the years. Some of these would go on to become so common to a diehard fan base that they often replaced their true name.
I’ve done my best to gather your input and compile a starting lineup of Ohio State football nicknames.
Here is your all-time Ohio State Nickname Team:
Quarterback – “12 Gauge”
This was an easy one for me. Other options existed, such as XBrax or XBrax 360, but those paled in comparison to 12 Gauge. Cardale Jones not only wore number 12, but has the strongest arm of any recent quarterback. To whomever first gave Jones the nickname, I salute you, sir or ma’am. You didn’t reach or overthink it. You just took what was there, slapped a label on it, and gave this national champion QB the nickname he deserved.
Running Back – “Beanie”
Teased for being skinny at a young age, Chris Wells was given the nickname “Beanie” for resembling a beanpole. Now, I don’t know if you’ve seen a beanpole, but the name no longer applies to Wells’ physique. The 6’2″, 230 pound running back had one of the most powerful stiff arms that I’ve seen at Ohio State and looked like a freight train when he broke loose (as he often did). Although he literally outgrew the description, he still carries the nickname to this day.
Running Back – “El Guapo”
The Handsome One. That’s the literal translation for “El Guapo,” so any guy would be happy to have it. At some point in his Buckeye career, an OSU writer referred to Carlos Hyde as “El Guapo,” and he loved it. To this day, he owns it on his social media accounts (wouldn’t you?). Hyde was/is a bruising runner and Urban Meyer’s first ever 1,000-yard running back. As a Cleveland Brown now, Hyde joins a crowded 2018 backfield (one could say there are a
plethoraof rushing options), but I hope El Guapo brings his signature flex to the endzone many times!
The Handsome One
Wide Receiver/H-Back – “Philly”
Not unlike “Chic,” this is how most of the Buckeye fan base knew and spoke of wide receiver, Corey Brown. Having two Corey Browns from Pennsylvania on the roster in 2010, Jim Tressel opted to tell them apart by assigning them their closest big city as a nickname. Hence, Philly Brown came to be. Brown carried the moniker for several years, but recently decided to leave it behind him and continue on as Corey, once again.
Wide Receiver – “White Lightning”
You can likely guess the reasoning behind Doug Donley’s nickname. He was a high school standout in football, basketball and track, and was the fastest guy on Woody Hayes’ team as a freshman in 1977. Yes, Donley is a white guy. Fast + Caucasian = White Lightning. He said that his lack of size (6′, 175 lbs) and fear of getting crushed by defenders was a big motivator in running as fast as he did. To this day, White Lightning is still tied for second (about 3.5 inches shy of Cedric Anderson) in yards per catch in Buckeye history at 21.2.
Wide Receiver – “Bam”
Brandon Childress signed with Ohio State in 2001 as a defensive back before switching to offense. Though he had less than 400 yards receiving in his Buckeye career, Bam was a thrill to watch. He had an exciting burst with the ball, which led to a brief NFL career, despite his minimal impact on the college game. Minimal, that is, outside of the annual Spring Game, where Bam was a Buckeye legend.
Offensive Line – “The Slobs”
Offensive linemen need more love on an individual basis. As it goes, they’re more often viewed as a unit than as individuals. Sure, Orlando “Pancake” Pace could standout on his own here. But, for this article, I’ll be throwing The Slobs in with other offensive line greats, like The Electric Company and The Hogs. Coined by former Buckeye and “King Slob,” Andrew Norwell, the nickname has been in play for OSU offensive lines since 2013. It’s been phased out a bit in recent seasons, opting against the stereotypical “fat, lazy” lineman image.
Entire article (with defense):
https://theozone.net/2018/07/all-time-ohio-state-nickname-team/
Two more good ones back when I was in school:
Ted Provost, aka "Teddy The Tree" or just "Tree"
John Brockington, aka "Wild Horse"
