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Best to wear No. 13? How about a true freshman who helped lead the Buckeyes to the 2002 National Championship.
Maurice Clarett came to Ohio State as a heralded hero, but left looking more like a villain. In an ESPN the Magazine article, Clarett would say some disparaging things directed at the University which left fans feeling less than friendly.
However, the only season Clarett would suit up in the scarlet and gray was one for the ages. The Buckeyes rode the freshman running back to an undefeated, 14 win season, stunning the college football world by upending the “unbeatable” Miami Hurricanes.
Clarett would make the play of the game when the tide was turning in the Hurricanes direction after a Sean Taylor interception in the third quarter. Clarett chased Taylor down and stripped the ball to give the Buckeyes another chance. If that play doesn’t happen, Miami probably rolls.
Ex-Ohio State RB Maurice Clarett mocks Michigan fans for claiming old victories #GoBucks https://t.co/ULOn8n4IDN pic.twitter.com/u9iPZNB7RT
— Landof10 Ohio State (@Landof10OSU) November 26, 2017
Maurice Clarett had his share of trouble while in Columbus, challenging and losing a battle against the NFL to enter into the Draft early, as well as spending time in prison.
Since then, Clarett has turned his life around, is a motivational speaker and has made amends with Ohio State. Consideration was given to Damon Moore as well as Eli Apple, but Maurice Clarett gets my vote. He may have only been around one season, but what a magical season it was.