AMONG BLOCKERS, HE SETS THE PACE : OHIO ST. STAR WELCOMES LATEST CHALLENGE.Byline: Gary Washburn Daily News Staff Writer The Pancake Man is near closing time. Orlando Pace Orlando Lamar Pace (born November 4, 1975 in Sandusky, Ohio) is an American football player who currently plays offensive tackle for the St. Louis Rams of the NFL. He was the first overall pick in the 1997 NFL Draft and has been selected to the Pro Bowl seven times. is usually a mild-mannered fellow who happens to flatten opposing defenders on demand. But this has been a trying week for the Ohio State All-American offensive lineman. All a trip to sunny Southern California Southern California, also colloquially known as SoCal, is the southern portion of the U.S. state of California. Centered on the cities of Los Angeles and San Diego, Southern California is home to nearly 24 million people and is the nation's second most populated region, has given Pace is the flu and tons of questions about Arizona State pass-rushing specialist Derrick Rodgers Derrick Rodgers (born 10/14/1971) is a former linebacker that played for the Miami Dolphins and New Orleans Saints of the NFL. Roders played 6 seasons for the Dolphins and 2 for the Saints. He attended Arizona State for college. . Pace thought two Outland Trophies and a Lombardi Trophy The Lombardi Trophy can refer to the following American football awards:
He was irritated. ``You guys are talking like this is going to be Tyson-Holyfield; it's not,'' Pace said. ``I'm a competitor. I'm not intimidated by anyone. I am going to go out there and compete every play.'' Amazingly, the doubts still surround the 6-foot-6, 330-pound man-child, who in three years at Ohio State has established himself as one of college football's greatest linemen. Remember, Ohio State coach John Cooper John Cooper can refer to:
``Pace is the best I've coached, best I've seen,'' Cooper said. ``Corey was a good run-blocker, but Orlando is the best at everything.'' Ten years ago, offensive line was the only football position without a recognizable stat. With Pace's setting the standard, offensive linemen now have pancakes. A pancake is Pace landing on top of a defender, pinning the opponent to the griddle while the ball carrier glides past for big yardage yard·age 1 n. 1. An amount or length measured in yards. 2. Cloth sold by the yard. Noun 1. . It's been commonplace at Ohio State. Last year, it was Heisman Trophy-winner Eddie George
Edward Nathan George, Jr. who benefited; this year, first-year starter Pepe Pearson Pepe Pearson (born December 11, 1975) is a former American football tailback, starting in college for the Ohio State Buckeyes. Playing career A four-year letterwinner at Ohio State, Pearson is the Buckeye’s fifth all-time leading rusher (3,121 yards), trailing only . ``It's got to be the greatest feeling for a running back,'' Pearson said. ``To know that his man is going to be blocked every time is a great relief.'' What makes Pace so potent is his ability to run as well as block. His 330 pounds is not a hindrance because he has the foot speed of many linebackers. His agility derives from years of playing basketball. ``We saw him play in high school and knew then he was an awesome athlete,'' Cooper said. ``But I didn't become happy until he said he was going to Ohio State. Then I started making big plans.'' Pace was a starter by the opener of his freshman season and wound up an All-Big Ten selection that season. Last year, he distanced himself from the nation's linemen by winning the Outland out·land n. 1. A foreign land. 2. outlands The outlying areas of a country; the provinces. out Award as a true sophomore. That was followed by an even stronger junior season. The Buckeyes are 10-1, and only a defensive breakdown in the second half of a loss to Michigan cost Ohio State a shot at a national title and undefeated season. In the defeat, Pace didn't allow a sack, and the Michigan defense blitzed blitzed adj. Slang Drunk or intoxicated. the right side of the Ohio State line - the opposite end of the line from Pace. It was still a bitter defeat. But the assessment of Pace as the most dominating offensive lineman in the nation didn't diminish any. And now he's hearing about Rodgers? ``Until a couple of weeks ago, I hadn't heard of the guy,'' Pace joked. ``I am not in awe of anyone. I've got a job to do and I want to concentrate on making every play I can.'' Pace is annoyed. He just turned 21 last month and already he's been flooded with questions about the NFL draft. He has yet to declare for the professional ranks and says he just wants to be the best Buckeye he can. ``I'm tired of the questions. The season's not even over yet,'' Pace said. ``I promise, if you ask me after the game what I'm going to do I'll tell you flat out.'' Pace is simmering. Now it's just 24 hours before the biggest game in his career and he's mixing the batter. There is no fear. There is no abating of his bitterness. Pace realizes he will once again be judged on his last game. ``I wish we could play this game five minutes from now,'' Pace said. ``I'm ready I'm Ready is the double platinum second release from R&B singer Tevin Campbell. I'm Ready yielded the biggest R&B hit of his career the #1 R&B smash "Can We Talk", and produce 3 more successful hits in "I'm Ready", "Always In My Heart" and "Don't Say Goodbye Girl". . This is the Rose Bowl. How could I not be fired up? But I'm a little sick of all the pregame stuff.'' Whether or not Pace has flipped his last pancake at Ohio State, he'll leave a lasting impression on the much-maligned Cooper. Pace has helped turned Ohio State to a perennial national power, while leading the way for two All-Big Ten rushers. ``He's just an amazing player - and so young,'' Cooper said. ``I don't have to tell him to be a leader. He does it on his own. He's his own man.'' CAPTION(S): 2 Photos Photo: (1--color) Ohio State's Orlando Pace says he's weary of the Rose Bowl buildup. Terri Thuente / Daily News (2) Ohio State's star offensive lineman Orlando Pace (75) stretches during practice on Monday. Associated Press |
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