DaytonDailyNews.com

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Part of Kurt Coleman's preparation for the Fiesta Bowl includes the waterfall treatment pool at the Willow Stream spa at the Fairmont Princess, Ohio State's team hotel.

"It's a daily event," Coleman, a Northmont High School graduate, said with a chuckle at media day Friday, Jan. 2.

Coleman, like quarterback Todd Boeckman (St. Henry), will turn to more strenuous pursuits when his Buckeyes meet Texas on Monday in the Fiesta Bowl.

It will be senior Boeckman's last game, and it could be junior Coleman's last, too.

After submitting his NFL paperwork, Coleman was told he likely would be selected on the second day if he chose to enter the draft. Maybe in the fourth round, he has heard. It is enticing.

"It was good news. It definitely helped me narrow down my decision," said Coleman, a two-year starter at strong safety who has a team-high four interceptions and is third on the team with 67 tackles.

"It is always good to hear that you are liked, and that they see you as someone they can use in the league (NFL)," Coleman said. "At the combine, you can always increase your size, but you can never replace your fourth year in college."

Coleman comes from a family of nine.

"There are a lot of mouths to feed, but ultimately it just comes down to what feels right," he said. "I am still iffy-iffy. I would love to stay another year and play for Ohio State, but I have to do what's best for my family. I think ending this season up correctly with a big bang would be a big determining factor."

Boeckman will end his bittersweet career Monday, and coach Jim Tressel already has said both quarterbacks will play.

The Buckeyes have practiced a package in which Boeckman and Terrelle Pryor are on the field at the same time, but Boeckman was not about to tip the particulars, other than to say he probably will not be used as a wide receiver. (Chris "Beanie" Wells has said he does not expect to handle a direct snap, either.)

"We'll just have to wait and see. Your guess is as good as mine," Boeckman said. "I don't think you're going to see me out there running routes. It wouldn't be too pretty."

After leading the Buckeyes to the BCS title game against Louisiana State while passing for 2,379 yards and 25 touchdowns last year, Boeckman lost his job three games into this season, but he handled the same stale questions Friday with dignity and grace.

"It's been a tough year for me personally, but you are excited for your team and want to see them do well," Boeckman said. "I still am the captain of this football team. I'm a team leader. And I'm also one play away. You always want to go out there and do the right things in the film room and on the field and be that leader. You never know what could happen any given play.

"It definitely was hard. If any of you guys were to lose your job, I think it would be hard on you, too. You keep fighting, keep moving on."