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Chick Ludwig covers the Cincinnati Bengals. He also writes about his other passions: college football, basketball and golf.Home > Blogs > Chick Ludwig At Large > Archives > 2008 > May > 27 > Entry
Bengals have a tiger in former Buckeye ‘Tank’
MEET THE BENGALS’ “RUDY”
Just as Notre Dame had long-shot legend Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger, Ohio State had one of its own in Tyler “Tank” Whaley.
And now “Tank” is a Cincinnati Bengal — of the non-drafted college free agent variety — ready to bulldoze his way onto the field and into the hearts of Bengals fans, who are going to love this kid.
Ruettiger was the inspiration for the movie, “Rudy,” and Whaley’s story is so inspiring that it has been made into a book that’s due out Sept. 1.
Authored by Columbus Dispatch Buckeyes beat writer Ken Gordon and published by Cardinal Publishers Group of Indianapolis (http://www.cardinalpub.com/), the 150-page paperback details the life and times of Whaley, who grew up in Ironton, walked on at Ohio State, was finally awarded a scholarship and earned every nickel of it with his gritty, gutty, robust play.
MUD, SWEAT & CHEERS
In Ken Gordon’s words:
“It’s a compelling story about a short (5-foot-11) kid from the small, economically-depressed town of Ironton, Ohio, who despite being his team’s best two-way lineman got no Division I college offers.
“He pulled some strings and walked on to Ohio State, enduring indignities like taking a job working maintenance at Ohio Stadium for $7 an hour.
“Eventually, his hard work gets noticed, and he works his way to backup center, where he snaps for Heisman winner Troy Smith. He gets put on scholarship, proposes to his fiancee at the 50-yard line, gets switched to fullback in 2007 and ends up playing well and playing a lot, including a key role as Ohio State wins an old-fashioned “mudder” at Michigan to clinch a Big Ten title.
“He’s on the field for the final kneel-down, and he celebrates the pinnacle of an unlikely career.”
‘AN ABSOLUTE BULLDOG’
Gordon said his work has “a lot of history of Ironton and its tradition of producing tough people and its football heritage (the Ironton Tanks, a semi-pro team in the 1920s, beat several NFL clubs). Also, there’s his family background, overcoming layoffs and health scares, etc.
“This kid is an absolute bulldog,” Gordon said. “I’m telling you, don’t count him out.”
I met Tank at Bengals rookie minicamp and was immediately struck by his on-field intensity and off-the-field demeanor. He’s as personable and approachable as he is coachable.
Tank told me it was a “dream come true” to accomplish his goals at Ohio State and to have an opportunity to play in the NFL.
“I’m just trying to show the coaches that I can pick up the system as fast as possible,” Tank said. “I’m going to be a guy that’s going to come in and work hard and try to pick up the system the best I can, and give it my all on the field.”
RISING FROM THE ASHES
The 5-foot-11, 252-pounder is a leverage machine because of his strength, power and low center of gravity. His goal is to sift through the line of scrimmage and whack linebackers in an effort to open holes for the tailbacks.
“That’s what I loved to do in college and that’s what I want to bring here — knowing my assignments and then getting after it, and just trying to run over somebody.”
Like a Phoenix reborn from ashes, Whaley has risen from college walk-on to a potentially promising NFL backup.
“It just shows I’m going to be willing to do whatever they ask of me,” he said. “I’m used to hard work. That’s what I plan on bringing here. I’ll do as much as I can do, and I’ll go as hard as I possibly can. I’m very excited and just want to make the most of this opportunity.”
Contact Chick Ludwig at cludwig@daytondailynews.com
Permalink | Comments (14) | Post your comment | Categories: Bengals
Comments
By Randy Plessinger
May 27, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this
I’d make a spot for this kid. The Bengals need about 30 Tyler Whaleys. But, you never know what they’re thinking. Actually, I’d like to see them lock Tyler and Chad in a small room. Unlike Chad, Tyler hasn’t had anything handed to him.I look for them to cut him. They’d rather look stylish than play basic smash mouth football.By chad
May 27, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this
I also see the Bengals cutting him. Tyler was a versatile player at OSU and I believe he could do the same for the Bengals. With have experience as a linemen it he could come in handy to fill in, but his size may be a problem. with the heart that Tyler has he may be a very good special teamer.By Jim
May 27, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this
I think this kid could make the team if he shows Coach Lewis he can play special teams too. Marvin likes special team playersBy Jim
May 27, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this
I think this kid could make the team if he shows Coach Lewis he can play special teams too. Marvin likes special team playersBy Ft. Myers Foursome
May 27, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this
Good article Chick but again I’m going to be off topic. The Reds must have read your blog over the weekend, took your advise, and called up Jay Bruce. Good Call.By Bio major
May 28, 2008 2:42 AM | Link to this
all im sayin is that my bulldog sleeps for at least 20 hours a day, and is the nicest animal you could ever meet.By Jeff
May 28, 2008 4:06 AM | Link to this
yea my english bulldog sleeps alot, but when he is up and ready to play he is all heart and don’t give up. all im sayin is that the bengals might need a kid with a heart and a will to make his dream come true.what could it hurt?By Jeff
May 28, 2008 4:07 AM | Link to this
yea my english bulldog sleeps alot, but when he is up and ready to play he is all heart and don’t give up. all im sayin is that the bengals might need a kid with a heart and a will to make his dream come true.what could it hurt?By ryan
May 28, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this
I’d be a great story.. but there’s no room. Kelly and Utecht can play FB and they are teaching Coats.By GFM
May 28, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
i would love to see Whaley and Chad in the same room together. I put my money on Chad. ironton doesn’t sound like a place where the great fighters/boxers come from.By GFM
May 28, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
i would love to see Whaley and Chad in the same room together. I put my money on Chad. ironton doesn’t sound like a place where the great fighters/boxers come from.By Scott
May 29, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this
I’ll take that bet. I’ll go with Whaley. Chad doesnt care about anybody but Chad. Whaley will do whatever he has to do to improve the team. When Tressel moved him from center to fullback he did not complain one bit. That’s the problem with professional athletes now, they wont do whatever it takes to improve the team. I only watch College sports but if they keep Whaley, I’ll be one of the biggest Bengals fans.By Bob540
June 2, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this
If he’s good enough, he’ll make it. If he does make the team, his determination and work ethic are just what the Bengals need. I wish the kid well.By shane
June 6, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this
hey look at warrick dunn hes alittle dude and he helped tampa to asuperbowl and gee wiz is still playing hum