Just like any other major college football program across the nation, Ohio State fans associate certain numbers or jerseys with specific players. For example, if an Ohio State fan mentions the jersey 45, chances are other Ohio State fans will associate the jersey with Archie Griffin. If an Ohio State fan mentions the jersey 27, more than likely other Ohio State fans will associate the jersey with Eddie George.
Sophomore wide receiver DeVier Posey, who earned playing time last season as a true freshman, wears the jersey 8 on offense for Ohio State. Here is where it starts to get dicey. If an Ohio State fan mentions the jersey 8, chances are the other Ohio State fans will think of Stanley Jackson or Steve Bellisari.
Keep in mind, there are other Ohio State players who have done well wearing the jersey 8. Rod Gerald had a distinguished Ohio State career from 1975 through 1978 as a quarterback and wide receiver. Bobby Olive had a solid career for Ohio State from 1987 through 1990 - Olive's last second reception against Iowa in 1990 has earned him a solid rotation on The Big Ten Network's Greatest Games series. Roy Hall wore the jersey recently (2003-2006) and was instrumental in Ohio State's 42-39 victory over Michigan in 2006.
It is not as though either Stanley Jackson or Steve Bellisari did not contribute positively to Ohio State football during their respective careers. Stanley Jackson platooned at quarterback with Joe Germaine in 1996 and 1997, helping Ohio State to win the Big Ten championship and conclude the season ranked # 2 in 1996. Steve Bellisari earned his first varsity letter in 1998 as arguably the most popular player on special teams as one of the best tacklers.
The reason why both Stanley Jackson and Steve Bellisari are remembered with less than fond memories by Ohio State fans? Both players were consistently inconsistent.
Stanley Jackson could have positive moments, then moments like the link provided above all too frequently. Steve Bellisari started out as a special teams stalwart in 1998, had some positive moments in 1999, and then never seemed to develop into the player Ohio State fans expected.
Which leads us to Mr. Posey. With the departures of Brian Robiskie and Brian Hartline, DeVier Posey will have every opportunity this season to emerge as an offensive playmaker for Ohio State. Will DeVier Posey take the route of other "8"s as Rod Gerald, Bobby Olive, and Roy Hall? Or will Posey follow the route of Stanley Jackson or Steve Bellisari?
What does the Magic 8-ball say on this subject? Probably something along the line of "Cannot predict now" or "Ask again later". After the 2009 season, Ohio State fans will probably want to do just that.
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