By Steve Patterson
Going into the National Championship game, the Buckeyes were working hard and were excited to be headed to the biggest game of the year. “The team's excitement was something I've never experienced before.” Offensive lineman Evan Blankenship told us about the team prior to the game. “We all had our jobs to do and we all were working hard on and off the field, but in the back of our minds we all knew what was at stake and we knew what we had to do to win this game.”
We know what happened during the game as Ohio State got off to a great start but struggled for three quarters finally falling to Louisiana State 24-38 in New Orleans. “The highlight of the game was just being able to run out onto the field, fireworks shooting, the band playing, the fans screaming. It was a surreal experience. If you mean the actual game play, I'd have to say the entire 1st quarter. With Beanie's run and the field goal back to back I thought the game was ours. Everything after that I don't really enjoy remembering.” Blankenship explained to us.
Blankenship does not gloss over the loss, pointing to the game as the cause of the team having an unsuccessful season. “No I do not feel this year was successful. Winning the National Championship would have made it successful. Yes, the Big Ten Championship is nice and everything, but we still didn't accomplish everything we were working so hard for all year long.”
He personally spent the season on the scout team as a true freshman and will have four more years at Ohio State. “I have practiced mostly at offensive guard. I went through the whole year as a guard on scout team which was an adjustment from playing tackle in high school. I have done little things with tackle since I've been here but nothing too big. The guard position is where I hope to play but if they need me to play something else like tackle or center I wouldn't mind. Wherever they need me to play, I'll play. Whatever gets me on the field faster, I'll do it as hard as I can.”
Blankenship was the only offensive lineman in the 2007 recruiting class and should be able to be a part of an offensive line that includes 2006 recruits Andy Miller, Connor Smith, and Bryant Browning, with the possibility of several 2008 recruits cracking the two deep early. Blankenship feels the competition for spots will be a fight. “The level of competition here at Ohio State is also something I've never experienced before. In high school I never really had a problem with competing against another player for a position. Here, you're fighting to keep your spot and you're fighting to earn a spot. Everyone wants to get on that field it's just a matter of how hard you're willing to work to actually get on the field.”
Special Teams was a way for 2 of the 3 2006 recruits to get on the field this past season and Blankenship sees special teams as a good way to see the field early. “Yes I can see special teams helping me out next year. I won't be running down the field or anything so hopefully field goal and extra points will help me out some. Connor Smith and Bryant Browning both saw action on the field goal this year so hopefully I'll be able to see the field just as they did on special teams. But, like I said before, it all comes down to how hard one is willing to work to get on the field, inside the Shoe.”