This is the second time in 121 years that the Buckeyes have named six full-time captains.
In a nod to a deep senior class, Ohio State today announced six captains for the football team, all of them seniors: offensive lineman Bryant Browning, running back Brandon Saine, receiver Dane Sanzenbacher, defensive lineman Cameron Heyward, linebacker Brian Rolle and linebacker Ross Homan.
This is the first time since 1990 that the Buckeyes have had more than four captains and just the second time in 121 years that they have named six - the other season was in 1982.
Bryant Browning"I’m very happy. I really felt honored when it was announced," Browning, a Cleveland native and Glenville High grad, said in a statement released by Ohio State. "I have tried to be a leader throughout my career. I hope this shows that my teammates appreciate what I have done. Now I am hoping to be one of the leaders of a great team, a championship team."
Junior quarterback Terrelle Pryor, viewed as captain candidate by some, was not named, but that should come as no surprise. OSU coach Jim Tressel said a month ago he thought there were so many seniors on this team, reaching into the junior class wouldn't be necessary.
The six that were chosen in a vote by teammates represent a wide range of personalities and backgrounds. Homan and Browning are fifth-year seniors, while the other four are in their fourth seasons. Heyward is from Georgia and Rolle from Florida while the other four are from Ohio.
Brian RolleRolle is the most gregarious of the bunch, on and off the field, while Heyward has made an obvious effort to increase his vocal leadership this season and has done so naturally. Browning is consistently upbeat and known as one of the funniest players on the team, while Sanzenbacher has always seemed mature and self-confident, even as a younger player. Homan and Saine come across as more leaders by example who will make their greatest impact with the hits they deliver to opponents.