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Buckeyes See QB As Position Of Strength With Boeckman

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By JOEY JOHNSTON The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 5, 2008

NEW ORLEANS - Coming into this season, junior quarterback Todd Boeckman had attempted 10 passes for the Ohio State Buckeyes. And he was replacing Troy Smith, the Heisman Trophy winner.

Boeckman was a major question mark everywhere - except in Ohio State's locker room.

"Todd is not Troy," Buckeyes coach Jim Tressel said. "Todd is Todd."

And that has been enough.

"We knew he was going to do it," Ohio State linebacker Marcus Freeman said. "We saw what he had. We can rely on Todd."

Boeckman, a 6-foot-5, 235-pounder, has completed 64.5 percent of his passes for 2,171 yards, 23 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. No doubt, he has benefited from the work of running back Chris "Beanie" Wells (1,463 rushing yards, 14 touchdowns) and a rugged offensive line.

But the Buckeyes (11-1) believe quarterback is a position of strength heading into Monday night's BCS Championship Game against the LSU Tigers (11-2).

"This isn't like Trent Dilfer with the Ravens," Ohio State offensive tackle Kirk Barton said. "Todd isn't some caretaker. He's a playmaker."

Boeckman, who features limited mobility and a rocket-launching arm, did not finish the season on a high note. He tossed three interceptions in a 28-21 loss against Illinois, then passed for just 50 yards in brutal weather at Michigan.

"You look at more than the numbers," Ohio State offensive coordinator Jim Bollman said. "You can say Todd has a lot of good players around him. But sooner or later, a quarterback has to make plays. He has to make great throws. He has to make great decisions.

"Todd has done that."

Boeckman is known as a man of few words. His actions speak. Just ask Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Heacock, whose daughter, Shannon, is dating Boeckman.

"I was the last to know," Heacock said with a laugh. "He didn't say anything to me. But Todd is a solid guy. I don't have to say anything to him. I have confidence in that young man."

Heacock isn't alone.

Reporter Joey Johnston can be reached at (813) 259-7353 or jjohnston@tampatrib.com.

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