Ohio State legend shares experience of running into Super Bowl-winning coach at recent Buckeyes practice
Training camp is the time for practice, experiments, and positional battles. Sometimes, top programs get visits from media members and former coaches looking to get a glimpse of the top talents of tomorrow. But at the Ohio State Buckeyes facility, there’s plenty of yesteryear’s talent hanging around, including legendary running back Maurice Clarett. Ohio State […]
Training camp is the time for practice, experiments, and positional battles. Sometimes, top programs get visits from media members and former coaches looking to get a glimpse of the top talents of tomorrow. But at the Ohio State Buckeyes facility, there’s plenty of yesteryear’s talent hanging around, including legendary running back Maurice Clarett.
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day welcomed Clarett back to the program last year, calling him an “asset” to his players. This past week, Clarett was at practice and saw a familiar face who has become a media star. Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Las Vegas Raiders head coach Jon Gruden was in Columbus.
“Went to practice this morning and ran into my dawg @barstoolgruden
… don’t know how old Gruden is but my man was filled with good energy and enthusiasm. That’s what life and sports is all about,” Clarett tweeted.
Despite Clarett’s vocal criticism of Day’s job status after the Buckeyes lost to Michigan for the third straight time in 2023, the parties are mending their fences. Tony Gerdeman of Buckeye Huddle was able to get a good explanation about the move, and Day had very complimentary things to say.
“I have a lot of respect for Maurice and where he’s gone in his life…He’s helped out other program, he’s helped UConn basketball…He brings a toughness, a seriousness, and a credibility with our players that I think gives an edge…I think he’s an asset to our program.”
Clarett had a tremendous, though complicated, football career at the Ohio State University. He arrived in 2002 as one of the most celebrated recruits in college football and quickly made a name for himself as a star player for the Buckeyes.
During his freshman year, he made an immediate impact by rushing for 1,237 yards and scoring 18 touchdowns, which helped lead Ohio State to a national championship victory in the 2003 Fiesta Bowl against Miami. His performance in that game was particularly significant; he rushed for 47 yards and scored a crucial touchdown, playing an essential role in clinching the title.
Clarett’s success stemmed from his unique blend of speed, strength, and vision, establishing him as one of college football’s most exciting running backs. Unfortunately, his tenure at Ohio State was overshadowed by off-field problems, including a suspension for violating NCAA rules.
In 2003, he was found to have committed several infractions, such as accepting improper benefits and lying about them, which led to his suspension from the team and ultimately motivated him to leave college football prematurely.
After declaring for the 2004 NFL Draft, Clarett faced challenges regarding his eligibility, as league rules stipulated that players must be at least three years removed from high school. Following a legal dispute, he was permitted to enter the draft; however, his stock had diminished due to his limited playing time and off-field controversies.
The Denver Broncos selected him in the third round of the 2005 NFL Draft, but his career in the NFL was brief, hindered by legal issues and personal difficulties.
