Chekwa’s Time Has Arrived

With two career interceptions entering the 2009 season, fourth-year junior defensive back Chimdi Chekwa will attempt to maintain the excellence of past OSU cornerbacks. Chekwa will assume the duty of No. 1 cornerback for the Buckeyes, filling a vacancy left by former All-American and 2008 Thorpe Award winner Malcolm Jenkins.

By Mark Silverman

The return of safeties Anderson Russell and Kurt Coleman will benefit Chekwa, at least in the early going. However, when the lights are on September 12 against Southern California, Chekwa must make his presence felt. The Trojans will bring plenty of speed to Columbus and Chekwa has plenty of it.

In the spring, Chekwa ran a 10.69-second 100-meter dash for the OSU track team. Some critics say that Chekwa could be a liability against the run, but the junior gained approximately 15 pounds in the offseason and is now listed at 190.

Chekwa received significant playing time in 2007 and was a full-time starter a year ago. In all, he has appeared in 26 games and started 13.  There is a big difference between a regular starter and the No. 1 cornerback on a traditionally stifling defense, but Chekwa’s playing experience could go a long way. If this group of Buckeyes are to contend for a national championship, which wouldn’t be that surprising considering Big Ten competition is even down from last year, Chekwa could be the x-factor.