DaytonDailyNews.com

COLUMBUS — There are different things that stand out to Ohio State football players about their final seasons.

"My favorite thing about my senior year so far is when we enter the stadium and before kickoff they play 'The Sopranos' theme song," OSU offensive tackle Kirk Barton said. "Whoever did that should get a medal. That's like the greatest innovation we've had."

The 15 seniors appearing for the final time in Ohio Stadium today have seen the Buckeyes go from defensive specialists to offensive tracksters. Whether starters or scout-teamers, the group has helped OSU win 20 consecutive Big Ten games, a conference record.

But those departing the program won't leave it bare. Far from it. Just two players listed as starters on the OSU offensive and defensive depth charts are seniors — Barton and linebacker Larry Grant. Fans don't yet know if any other players will leave Ohio State for the NFL after this season, but the two-deep roster looks like it will be plenty full next season.

"They have great classes behind us," senior captain Dionte Johnson said. "Those guys have really stepped up and taken leadership roles, but they also respect the seniors, and no one's trying to outshine the next person. But there will be some very good players left here next year."

That includes specialists such as quarterback Todd Boeckman, receivers Brian Robiskie and Brian Hartline and running back Chris Wells, plus 10 starters from arguably the country's top defense.

Of course, other players have left early, which is part of the reason there aren't more star seniors. Ted Ginn Jr., Anthony Gonzalez and Antonio Pittman would be among the group honored during Senior Day today if they hadn't departed for the NFL.

"We just know the guys that did leave early had underclassmen behind them who were ready to play," Grant said. "We weren't surprised, we weren't angry, because we knew we had other players who are ready to play."

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-7389 or knagel@DaytonDailyNews.com