Buckeyes star LB Tommy Eichenberg named semifinalist for Butkus Award
COLUMBUS — Tommy Eichenberg has carved out a role as the leader of the Ohio State defense from his spot at middle linebacker.
He is putting together an All-Big Ten season and could become an All-American if he keeps playing well.
And it’s award season, too. Eichenberg is in line to compete for a major defensive award if he keeps playing this well. Eichenberg was named a semifinalist this week for the Butkus Award, given annually to the nation’s top linebacker.
Two Ohio State linebackers have won the award since it began in 1985. Andy Katzenmoyer won it in 1997 and James Laurinaitis won it in 2007. Laurinaitis is now helping coach linebackers for the Buckeyes.
Eichenberg has 75 total tackles this season after having 120 last year. He has 2.5 tackles for loss, one sack and a forced fumble on the year on top of leading Ohio State in total tackles.
But what he does most for the Buckeyes defense may not be seen. He is the leader of the defense.
“We’re using him more to be a quarterback on the field,” Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles said last month. “He’s become that guy that can see things that I see, think like me, and he can make changes and adjustments on the field. So I don’t know. Maybe we’re using him more for his mind and less for his aggression, but they’re still both involved. But he’s become really a true quarterback of the defense.”
And his peers on the Buckeyes incredible defense have listened to their defensive quarterback.
“The whole defense follows and listens to what Tommy has to say, listens to his checks,” star Ohio State safety Lathan Ransom said. “And, man, we believe in what he does. So, yeah, it’s nice to have to have a quarterback back there. Giving us calls, giving us checks and helping us know what to expect.”
Tommy Eichenberg has earned the trust of his teammates as the quarterback of the defense. He is earning recognition as one of the top linebackers in all of college football.
Now he’s a semifinalist for the Butkus Award. If he keeps playing well, he might even win that prestigious award and become the third Ohio State star to do so.
Are you subscribed yet?
Are you ready to get all your latest Ohio State news in one place? Become a member of Lettermen Row today. With your Lettermen Row/On3+ membership, you’ll not only have access to everything that’s happening with the Buckeyes, but you’ll also be able to peruse other fan sites within the network to hear just how rivals are feeling about Ohio State, as well. Make sure to follow along on X, Instagram and on Youtube for all the latest Buckeyes news you need to know.
