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I know this will probably be an unpopular opinion and with all due respect to J.T. Barrett, my choice for best ever to wear No. 16 in Ohio State history is Circle K… Craig Krenzel.
Barrett undoubtedly has the better career stats, but it just seems to me that Krenzel came up with the big plays when the Buckeyes needed him the most over and over again.
Everyone remembers “Holy Buckeye” against Purdue, but how about Krenzel’s performance a week later against Illinois in an overtime win? A 50-yard strike to Michael Jenkins. A Houdini like escape to secure a first down. Krenzel made plays like these every week when it mattered the most.
(2002) Craig Krenzel escapes the rush and runs for an incredible third down conversion against Illinois. pic.twitter.com/5CBrAc3o2y
— Buckeye Moments (@BuckeyeMoments) October 18, 2017
Craig Krenzel wasn’t flashy and certainly there were more talented players, but I don’t know if I remember a player doing more with less and making the most of his opportunities. Add in a national championship in 2002, again where he did the right things at the right times, and I’m giving Craig Krenzel the nod as best ever to wear No. 16 at Ohio State.