The Buckeye Battle Cry will be counting down the Top 25 players of the past decade all spring/summer. Every Monday and Thursday, Jim will be announcing a new player. Our #1 player will be presented on Monday, August 30th. Three days later, the 2010 season officially begins. To view the previous entries in our Top 25, click here.
Anthony Gonzalez (2005-2006)
Anthony Gonzales was overshadowed during his time as a Buckeye by fellow wide receivers Ted Ginn Jr. and Santonio Holmes. Ginn and Holmes certainly received a majority of the attention from both defenses and the media during Gonzalez’s two years as a starter for the Buckeyes.
Despite a lack of glamour and fame, Gonzalez excelled in his role as the third receiver (or slot receiver) in the wide open offensive attack led by Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith.
Gonzales was the quintessential slot receiver for the Buckeyes, fearlessly going across the middle again and again. Gonzalez consistently displayed his superb focus, determination, and quickness as he quietly racked up 87 career receptions and 1,286 career reception yards, both good for 19th best in Ohio State history. Gonzalez’s 13 career touchdown receptions are also the 11th most in Ohio State history.
Gonzalez certainly made an impact in the record books, even if it wasn’t overwhelming. His largest impact, however, was his performance on the field and he will certainly be remembered most for the clutch receptions and outstanding athleticism he displayed so frequently throughout his career.
The Indianapolis Colts recognized Gonzalez’s talent when they drafted him in the first round of the 2007 NFL draft. Despite some injury trouble, Gonzalez has proven that he is an NFL caliber receiver on one of the most complicated passing offenses in the NFL. Pretty good for the #3 WR.
I would argue that Gonzalez was the best slot receiver Ohio State has ever had and the standard by which all slot receivers at Ohio State will be judged. At the same time, I would also argue that simply calling Gonzalez a slot receiver would be a disservice to him as a player. He is an outstanding athlete and receiver who was utilized by Ohio State in the slot.
Gonzalez’s NFL career proves that he has the versatility and athleticism to excel where ever he is on the field, and he will be competing to play opposite Reggie Wayne as the #2 receiver for the Colts next season.
For all of his exciting and clutch performances, for his promising NFL career, and for always representing Buckeye Nation so well, Anthony Gonzalez is number 17 on our countdown.
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