Spitler steps into starting role at Ohio State

David Smith Austin Spitler, Buckeyes LB

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By Tom Archdeacon, Staff Writer 1:23 AM Saturday, August 15, 2009

COLUMBUS — Kurt Coleman, the senior safety and Northmont High School product, was doing a live TV interview in the south end zone.

Zach Domicone, the freshman defensive back from Beavercreek High, was near the 30-yard line, posing for pictures with his arm around his girlfriend as his diamondlike earrings sparkled in the last rays of the day’s sun.

Not far away, Jake Ballard, the Springboro tight end, stood with three generations of his family. To his left, a fellow Ohio State football player was introducing his parents to his coaches.

And then there was the bemused Austin Spitler, whose mom had just read him the riot act.

This was the scene at OSU’s annual Media and Photo Night — which drew 550 family members and 175 media types — Thursday, Aug. 13, at Ohio Stadium.

Spitler, the fifth-year senior linebacker from Bellbrook, finally was in the spotlight — after a redshirt season and three as a backup he’s going into two-a-days as a starter — and that’s why Mom was on his case.

She didn’t like what the bright lights were picking up — specifically his new beard.

“It’s just a (preseason) camp look and being lazy, but everybody’s giving me crap about it,” he laughed. “My mom was really mad that I didn’t get lined up for picture day. But what you gonna do? You can’t make ’em happy all the time.”

He shrugged and admitted the new look might soon be gone: “Coach Tressel wants things trimmed up.”

So what you see isn’t always what you get.

One of OSU’s strongest players, he laughingly admitted: “Some guys call me ‘hillbilly strong.’ I guess it’s because there aren’t many farm and country boys on the team — though that’s not saying I am either ... My parents live in (Bellbrook) now.

“But I have baled hay. And everybody thinks I’m country ’cause I like country music and drive a big truck (silver Dodge Ram).

“I’d say there are maybe just five guys on the team who truly are heartfelt about country music. But my mom worked for a country station, so I was brought up on it.”

He especially likes Brooks & Dunn and their song “Believe.”

And since becoming a Buckeye in 2005, he’s had to believe. The past few years he played in the shadows of All-American linebacker James Laurinaitis and it wasn’t always easy.

“It’s been frustrating — especially sophomore season knowing this guy in front of me was playing just unbelievable football and it wasn’t looking too great for me.

“But (Laurinaitis) helped me pull through it, so did some other guys and the coaches. And it ultimately comes down to what’s best for you and the best place for me was right here.

“That’s when I decided to work as hard as I possibly could and if it didn’t work out in the end, well, I’d know I gave it my all and showed them my very best.”

And that’s where Mom took exception.

To her, he still needed a razor and some shaving cream for that.

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