Buckeye Bits

Buckeyes at the Combine

Offensive lineman Justin Boren was the first of nine Ohio State players to start through the gauntlet of tests here in Indianapolis at the NFL Combine as he went through the series of medical examinations on Thursday. Wide receiver Dane Sanzenbacher reports today. While the 40 yard dash times and the vertical leaps usually get the most press, the NFL folks say they often put more weight on the psychological testing and the in-person interviews. Former Michigan QB Jim Harbaugh, the new head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, said he is anxious to "look in a player's eyes" and see if they have the fire, the love of football that he wants to be there.

Sanzenbacher wowed by autograph sessions

Since he finished his Ohio State playing career with a victory in the Sugar Bowl, Toledo Central Catholic grad Dane Sanzenbacher has made a number of appearances around the state to sign autographs, pose for pictures, and interact with the fans. The sessions have basically blown him away. Sanzenbacher said he is stunned to see several hundred people lined up at a mall or a sports memorabilia store, all waiting to shake his hand, get a photo with him, or have him sign a jersey or a football. He was hired by a sports promotion company to make the appearances, but they are winding down now since the NFL combine is fast approaching. Sanzenbacher will be in Indy for four days to take part in the odd beauty contest that NFL scouts use to rate draft prospects.