Fifth-year linebacker Cody Simon is this season’s recipient of Ohio State’s Block O Honor, a tradition started in 2020 to honor the legacy of Buckeye legend Bill Willis.
Simon replaced three-year starter Tommy Eichenberg at middle linebacker and the Buckeyes expect a smooth transition.
“He’s the undisputed leader of the group,” linebacker coach James Laurinaitis said recently. “He’s the leader of the defense.”
According to Pro Football Focus, Simon played 374 snaps last year, more than any non-starter. The Jersey City, New Jersey native finished fourth on the team with 57 tackles.
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“This year is really important for me in terms of leadership and taking the next step,” Simon said, “because when people leave that are important in your culture, it creates a void that needs to be filled. The whole offseason has been about leadership and lifting yourself and the other leaders up and moving the guys forward. I think I’ve gotten a lot better at coaching, encouraging, being a better teammate, and it’s made me better as a player, too.”
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Simon graduated in December with a degree in finance and was a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar, an Academic All-Big Ten honoree and an OSU Scholar-Athlete. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in human development and family services.
“I think Cody is a multi-year starter and he’s going to dictate the whole thing,” defensive coordinator Jim Knowles said before training camp. “When you talk to (strength coach) Mick (Marotti), Cody Simon is one of the best that’s come out here in terms of leadership, work ethic and all those things. Cody is going to be great. We love Tommy, but with Cody there’s no drop off in performance.”
Jonathon Cooper was the first Buckeye to receive the Block O award. Thayer Munford, Kamryn Babb and Xavier Johnson are the other honorees.
Willis was an All-American who helped Ohio State win the 1942 national championship. He and Marion Motley broke the color barrier in professional football with the Cleveland Browns in the All-America Football Conference in 1946. He and Motley are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
