Katzenmoyer Lives Up to His No. 45

Quarterback Stanley Jackson knew linebacker Andy Katzenmoyer was no ordinary freshman, long before Ohio State’s first game.

“I didn’t think any player could come in out of high school and play middle linebacker here in the Big Ten at Ohio State,” Jackson said. “I think it is a testament as to how good Andy is and how good he will be.

“He’s stepped up and made the plays. I think the Big Ten needs to look out for him in the years to come.”

Katzenmoyer, the first freshman linebacker to start every game for the Buckeyes, finished the season with 77 tackles--50 of them solo--three interceptions, four passes broken up, and three forced fumbles.

“He convinced me early on in fall camp,” Jackson said. “We’re out there going against our defense daily and here you have a young freshman wearing No. 45, flying around out there making tackles and making big hits.”

There was a controversy of sorts when Katzenmoyer became the first Buckeye to wear No. 45 since two-time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin wore it in the ‘70s.

Said Katzenmoyer, “Of course, it’s important to wear that number. If they retired every number that was great, they’d be in the 100s.”

*

Several players are suffering from flu, among them offensive tackle Orlando Pace and offensive guard LeShun Daniels.