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StumbleuponRinger has no regrets about choosing Spartans
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
As a senior at Chaminade-Julienne, Javon Ringer was so sure Ohio State was where he wanted to play college football that he treated other schools like telemarketers.
He'd let recruiting letters pile up in coach Jim Place's office. And when big-time coaches tried to contact him by phone, he'd make himself unavailable.
"I told him one time, '(Southern Cal coach) Pete Carroll wants to talk to you at 2 o'clock,' " Place recalled. "And he said, 'Coach, recruiting is like women. I only date one woman at a time, and I only look at one school at a time.' And he didn't look at anyone else."
Academic issues, though, kept OSU from being able to offer the running back a scholarship. Coach Jim Tressel fought for Ringer — even going to school President Karen Holbrook on the player's behalf, according to Place — but was turned down.
The deeply religious Ringer viewed the setback as God's will and turned to Place for advice on what to do next.
"He said, 'Coach, God is acting through you. You tell me where to go,' " said Place, who suggested Michigan State because other C-J athletes were enrolled there.
"Michigan State happened to have an off week, and (former C-J football player) Brandon McKinney came home," Place added. "Javon said, 'That's the sign I need.' "
Ringer has turned into a terror for the 17th-ranked Spartans, who host the No. 12 Buckeyes on Saturday, Oct. 18. The 5-foot-9, 202-pound senior leads the nation with 1,112 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns while averaging a mind-boggling 35.3 carries per game.
Although he appreciates the work, Ringer sometimes wonders if the Spartans would be better off with more balance.
"I'm never going to tell them not to give me the ball," he said. "I'm really thankful coach (Mark Dantonio) trusts me with the ball in my hands. Really, the only time I think, 'This is getting ridiculous' is when everybody is down in the box (around the line of scrimmage). We can't be one-dimensional."
Ringer admits the final meeting with his home-state school will bring out "a lot of emotion." But he doesn't spend much time pondering how he might have looked in scarlet and gray.
"My freshman year, I thought about it a little bit, but it's not something I'm dwelling on," he said. "I'm on a good team. We're really successful. And I feel like I'm here for a reason. I've met some amazing people here, and I'm happy with my decision."
Who: No. 12 Ohio State (6-1, 3-0)
at No. 20 Michigan State (6-1, 3-0)
When: 3:30 p.m. Saturday
TV: ABC (WKEF Ch. 22)
Radio: WING-AM (1410)
Comments
By Tim
October 17, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this
Tired of the same old story about Ringer. Excuse me while a I wipe away a tear. He is a great back but has no supporting cast. I agree with the Detroit Free Press “OSU just has too many athletes for Michigan State.” Ringer may run for 125-150, but will lose the game.
OSU 31 MSU 17
By Dave
October 17, 2008 3:44 AM | Link to this
Javon is great yes.
However, its pretty well known if OSU stacks the box OSU will hold him to 100 or less.
Thus, the real question is whether Hoyer and MSU’s other players can take advantage of OSU focusing on Ringer.
Being used as a decoy is still a valuable use for MSU.
BTW - MSU fans respect OSU, especially since we both hate UM.
Here’s hoping for a great game Saturday.
By buck nation
October 16, 2008 11:11 PM | Link to this
Every post on this wall is ridiculous. Let’s be serious for a second. Ringer is a great running back on a bad team. The buckeyes have talent at every position- msu has it at one. Can anyone even name another player on the team other than ringer and the qb? Predicting Ringer’s yardage is also ridiculous- if the bucks go up early that essentially takes him out of the game… The ringer story is old, and the athletes osu has are far superior to msu…
By markmercieca
October 16, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this
This should be a good one. Spartans welcome Buckeye fans and appreciate you making the trek. And thanks for giving us Javon he is a great kid. Beat the crap out of SC-um.
By NATE
October 16, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this
Bucks have NO chance they are over rated this season and the luck they have had will end on saturday.Javon goes over 125 with 2 touchdowns.the bucks can stack the box all they want and leave the play action pass wide open just like the last three teams the spartans have played and the outcome will be the same.31-24 spartans win
By AYFKM
October 16, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this
The nice thing about all of this is that it means nothing. Whats done is done - no matter what the reason.
By Brian
October 16, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this
WOW THIS IS AMAZING - This is the same recycled story… the only part that is missing is Javon injured his knee and it wasn’t worth OSU’s time to pursue him given the injury. I believe the grades thing is fabricated and now used as an excuse. Javon will have a great game, is a great athlete and a better person. The Spartan nation should be thankful to have him. Just think Editor - If he wins the Heisman you can run the same story again!!!
By paulywood
October 16, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this
Javon was a full qualifier at MSU. He retook the SAT in the spring and also went to summer school. OSU just didn’t want to wait for him. MSU did (and could) because he was the highest rated running back they had a shot at. The Big Ten does have a minimum standard. Javon COULD have gone to OSU, they just weren’t willing to wait after the knee injury his senior year. OSU’s loss is MSU’s gain. State in a squeeker, 27-21. MSU w/ 2 int’s. GO STATE
By BIG MSU FAN
October 16, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
All of you OSU fans crack me up. This game isn’t going to be about Javon Ringer (who by the way is having a great season). It’s about whether or not MSU can stop the Ohio St. rushing attack, and whether or not Brian Hoyer (MSU’s QB) can play within the system without making many mistakes. Terrelle Pryor has a lot of tools, and I think he should stick to running the ball if the Buckeyes hope to win this game. If he tried to throw it, he will be in major trouble as the MSU secondary will be ready!
By Sparty1
October 16, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this
MSU begins their miraculous Big Ten Championship with a 28-27 win in East Lansing. Ringer goes for 178 yards and two TDs.
Sorry Buckeyes, but it’s sParty-time!
By douglas
October 15, 2008 11:46 PM | Link to this
Javon, your story is so inspiring! I can’t believe Ohio State turned their back on you. I guess Jim Tressel was right and saw the character that you have. It saddens me as a Buckeye fan, that you we’re turned away from the school you really loved. I hope the Buckeye administration will think twice next time around. Buckeye Nation wishes you all the best in your future!!!
By randy
October 15, 2008 7:11 PM | Link to this
I am glad javon is doing good, how is the academics? how did he qualify for michican st? but not for Ohio state? kinda like wayne and their open enrollment policy ha ha! I figured the big ten would have a universal minimum standard for all. I guess unless you are an athletic person I guess you just lower the bar just a little.
By ZACK
October 15, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this
EVEN IF JAVON WAS ON THE TEAM WHERE WOULD HE BE. WOULD HE BE SPLITTING TIME WITH WELLS. I DONT THINK SO.WITH THE SPARTANS HE CARRYS 35 TIMES A GAME BUT WITH SAINE, HERRON, AND WELLS IN THE BACKFIELD HE WOULDN’T GET 15 TIMES UNLESS WELLS WAS HURT. BUT IF HE WAS IN THE LINEUP WELLS MOST LIKELY WOULD OF BEEN MORE HEALTHY!!!
By Purvis R. Coley
October 15, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this
The Buckeyes have come off of two very physical games, many injuries. Beanie is still 50% at best. Bam is hurt, Lawrence Wilson gone for the year (sad). Maybe the O-line never was that good, Beanie makes his own blocks. I hope the Bucks wake up this weekend…I have a great feeling that we will win big…Penn St as well and capture the Big 10 once again! GO BUCKS!!!!
By Darell
October 15, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
I am from Ohio,read Dayton Daily news everyday online, Love “The Ohio State Buckeyes”. When in Dayton we were neighbors with the Ringers, are kids went to C-J together. Javon will run for over 150 yds. on Saturday, but the Bucks win!! I live in Texas now, still love “them Buckeyes”!!!
By Michael
October 15, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this
I think Ringer will go for 190 as the Spartans pull the upset 24-17
By Marquista
October 15, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this
I’ll be glad when Javon graduates so I won’t have to read this exact same story every year. We all get it… he wanted to come to Ohio State, but he couldn’t. I understood it two years ago when you ran the story. I got it last year when you ran the story… and I get it this year.
I got over Javon Ringer not playing for Ohio State. Javon Ringer got over it. I wish the Dayton Daily News would get over it! (By the way… Buckeyes roll 28-9… Ringer gets 68 yards on the ground.)
By Forrest
October 15, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this
I think he will have a good game 100-150 yards on the ground. I think as a team the Spartans will lose. Ohio State has had some sub-par games up to this point, but rose to the occasion against Wisconsin, and I see them repeating in that fashion for this game.
By Forrest
October 15, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this
I think he will have a good game 100-150 yards on the ground. I think as a team the Spartans will lose. Ohio State has had some sub-par games up to this point, but rose to the occasion against Wisconsin, and I see them repeating in that fashion for this game.