The 10 Greatest Players in Ohio State Soccer History

 A longtime college football powerhouse, Ohio State continues to produce some of the greatest players in the history of the sport. And, the Buckeyes seem to be getting more and more talented as the years add up.

Here are our picks for the greatest players in Ohio State football history. Listed in chronological order.

Chic Harley, Halfback/Safe/Punter/Kicker (1916-'17, '19)

One of the first players to really bring Ohio State football to the fore. Where it stood for more than a century. Harley, who totaled 201 points in 24 career fights, was interrupted by his stint as a pilot during World War I, with the Buckeyes, credited as the school's first consensus American and the one was inducted early into the College Football Hall of Fame. Harley also took the lead in Ohio State's first win over arch rival Michigan in 1919.

Les Horvath, Fullback/Wingback (1941-'42, '44)

First Ohio State football player to win the prestigious Heisman Trophy. Horvath brought home that particular hardware in 1944 when he returned to the Buckeyes after a year out of school while attending the university's Department of Dentistry. That season, Horvath dashed for nearly 700 yards and amassed a versatile 1,200 yards. He was also named the All-American and Big Ten Conference's Most Valuable Player in 1944.

Bill Willis, Attack/Defense Formation (1942-'44)

Beginning three years for the Buckeyes, the Columbus, Ohio native was a two-way standout member and key member of the 1942 national championship team at Ohio State. Although Willis is not one of the greatest talents to work in the trenches (6 foot-2, 210 pounds), he is an intelligent and physically gifted athlete who has played with high engine. Willis was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1971, and the Professional Football Hall of Fame six years later.

Vic Janowicz, Winger/Wingback (1949-'51)

Six years after Les Horvath won the Heisman Trophy at Ohio State, Janowicz was honored with the award. During the 1950 season, Janowicz was the Buckeyes' star ball carrier, dashing 314 yards. He also threw 561 and made 17 touchdowns. Horvath also serves as the safe on the other side of the ball and the Ohio State hitter. It's rare that Janowicz actually leaves the football field.

Howard Cassady, Fullback/Wingback/Wingback (1952-'55)

Old school football fans probably know more about Cassady by his popular nickname – "Hopalong". Cassady is the third Ohio State player to win the Heisman Trophy, earning the honor in 1955. The versatile and multi-talented Cassady made a total of 37 touchdowns in 36 games and was part of the national championship team. Buckeyes' undefeated 1954. A College Football Hall of Famer, Cassady has been retired from school for number 40.

Jim Parker, Attack/Defense Formation (1954-'56)

While Bill Willis made up for his lack of size and overall stature with ruthless endurance, Parker was a giant when placed among his contemporaries. At 6-3, 273 pounds, Parker has long been considered one of the most all-round offensive players in college football history. He helped pave the way for the likes of "Hopalong" Cassady to thrash field after court on the ground and was an integral part of Ohio State's 1954 national championship team.

Jack Tatum, Safety (1968-'70)

Before Tatum enjoyed a successful but scandalous NFL career, he established himself as one of the best defensive linebacks of the college game while at Ohio State. In the late 1960s and early 70s, Tatum adjusted his hard hits as a three-year starter for the Buckeyes. He helped Ohio State win the 1968 national championship, was named an All-American Player twice, and was named college football's National Defensive Player of the Year in 1970.

Archie Griffin, Running Back (1972-'75)

Griffin is not only the greatest player in Ohio State football history, but perhaps unmatched in all of the college games. For starters, he's the only player to have ever won the Heisman Trophy twice -- in 1974 and '75. He is a three-time American champion and the only player to start in four Rose Bowl games. Griffin's career 5,589 yards are still the most in Ohio State history, while his 924 runs are also the school's all-time record. Somewhat surprisingly, Griffin only scored 26 hasty touchdowns – 12 of which came in 1974.

Tom Cousineau, Linebacker (1975-'78)

The beloved cousin was part of three teams that won the Big Ten championship during his tenure at Ohio State. The two-time American champion for the Buckeyes, Cousineau is second all-time in Ohio State history with 569 tackles. His 211 tackles since 1978, the most by an Ohio State player in a season. While his 29 tackles compared to Penn State in the same season that was also the school record for a game.

Cris Carter, Wide Receiver (1984-'86)

Carter has the honor of being the first recipient in the entire state of Ohio to win the All-American title. From the start, Carter made a lasting impression at Ohio State, and hosting him nine times in the Rose Bowl during his freshman season is a record - along with 172 yards. Although Carter's college career with the Buckeyes ended on a sour note when he was ruled ineligible for the senior season after signing with an agent, His 2,725 career has placed him fourth in school history and his 27 touchdowns are fourth.

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