Browns ABC’s: In the Absence of Basic Competence, Week 11
December 2, 2015Feeling down about the Browns: While We’re Waiting…
December 3, 2015The hardware is rolling in to Columbus. While Ezekiel Elliott earned himself a week-based award due to his play against the Michigan Wolverines, Ohio State senior offensive lineman Taylor Decker has been named the Rimington-Pace (yes, Orlando Pace) Offensive Lineman of the Year, the Big Ten announced Tuesday night.
While deciding to return to the scarlet and gray (and not declare for the NFL Draft) following his junior season, the senior captain made his stay worthwhile this season, and this honor validates it. When quarterback J.T. Barrett and running back Ezekiel Elliott were most successful on the highlight reels, it was largely due to the fact that the offensive line was playing at their best.
Anchored by 6-foot-8, 315-pound Decker, the offensive line paved the way for a conference leading 2,903 yards on the ground and 35 rushing touchdowns so far in 2015. Led by Decker and the “slobs”, Ezekiel Elliott ran for over 1,600 yards. Decker was the veteran offensive tackle who was the force on an Ohio State offensive line that powered the Buckeyes to average 241.9 rushing yards per game, which was 12th in the country and first in the Big Ten so far in 2015.
While starting 41 consecutive games, the left tackle is 49-4 as a starter at Ohio State and played a key role on the line during the Buckeyes’ 2014 College Football Playoff National Championship. During that 41 game span, the Buckeyes were first in the country among Power 5 schools in yards per carry (6.1) and second in rushing yards per game (273). For his efforts during his four seasons donning scarlet and gray, Decker is projected to be a first round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.
According to The Lantern, this is Ohio State’s first Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year award since 2001, when center LeCharles Bentley took home the award for the Buckeyes. Orlando Pace (who the award was partially named after) was the last Ohio State offensive tackle to win the award, in 1995 and 1996.
With Decker securing the Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year honors, the Buckeyes secured both lineman of the year players, with Joey Bosa taking home the Defensive Player of the Year in the Big Ten Monday night.
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