In years past, I have written about how certain Ohio State jersey numbers are always associated with specific players. For example, I can vividly recall back in 1996 the minor brouhaha that erupted when prized recruit Andy Katzenmoyer requested, and was granted, the jersey number 45 – anyone with even a small understanding of Ohio State lore knew that the jersey number 45 was, and would always remain, the great Archie Griffin.
Katzenmoyer played well for Ohio State from 1996-1998, and did not tarnish the legacy of Griffin with his on-field performance. Ohio State officially retired Archie Griffin’s jersey on October 30, 1999, ensuring no other player would ever don the treasured jersey number 45.
Throughout my Ohio State fandom until now, I have always associated the jersey number 15 with former Buckeye quarterback Mike Tomczak. Tomczak was the quarterback from Ohio State from 1982-1984, led Ohio State to a Big Ten championship in 1984 and The Rose Bowl in 1985, and had a lengthy NFL career from 1985-2000.
As I wrote up above, “until now”. Henceforth, and probably forever more, the Ohio State jersey number will always be associated with Ezekiel Elliott in my mind. Elliott’s contributions on the field, wearing jersey number 15 for Ohio State, will be difficult for someone to supplant in future seasons.
In 2013, as a true freshman, Elliott made his mark on the coaching staff, fans, and the opposition, with his willingness to participate on special teams coverage…
Who will ever forget this triumphant run that sealed Ohio State’s victory over Alabama in The 2015 Sugar Bowl?
Or how about Elliott’s performance against Oregon in The 2016 National Championship?
Elliott’s performance versus That Team Up North in 2015?
Or his Fiesta Bowl record-tying performance versus Notre Dame?
Perhaps this final video montage will help you understand why the jersey number 15 will always be “Eze” for me, possibly forever….
