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Haskell Garrett opts out of Rose Bowl, turns attention to NFL Draft prep

Austin-Wardby:Austin Ward•12/27/21•

AWardSports

Haskell Garrett by Birm -- Lettermen Row
Ohio State defensive tackle Haskell Garrett will not play in the Rose Bowl. (Birm/Lettermen Row)

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Ohio State is going to get a glimpse at the future of its rush defense: Haskell Garrett is opting out of the Rose Bowl.

Already an All-American when he elected to return to the Buckeyes for one more season, Garrett spent most of the year battling through injuries while largely still validating his status as one of the best interior defensive linemen in the country.

He also was an unquestioned leader and clear juice-giver for his teammates. And after Garrett publicly confirmed his plans to sit out of the trip to Pasadena. Ohio State will now have to find a way to replace his leadership along with his run-stuffing ability in a tricky matchup against Utah on New Year’s Day. The decision was confirmed by Ohio State to Lettermen Row on Monday.

“He creates energy,” defensive end and fellow captain Zach Harrison said. “When Haskell made that play, I just felt it. The defensive energy just kind of took off. We’re celebrating on the field, having a good time. And that’s when I feel like we’re the best. We’re playing, having fun, celebrating, making plays — that’s what defense is about.

Haskell Garrett-Ohio State-Buckeyes-Ohio State football
Ohio State defensive tackle Haskell Garrett was a key leader for the Buckeyes. (Birm/Lettermen Row)

“Defense is about energy. And that’s what Haskell Garrett does a good job of bringing.”

Now the senior is preparing to deliver that to a team at the next level, closing the door on his decorated career at Ohio State without making a final postseason appearance.

Even while dealing with an undisclosed leg injury for most of his final campaign, Garrett was still the most disruptive force the Buckeyes had up front. He led the Buckeyes with 5.5 sacks, and his co-leading total of seven tackles for loss accounted for 33 yards of field-changing impact.

Nothing that Haskell Garrett gave to Ohio State will be easy to replace. But that process is officially going to start this month ahead of the Rose Bowl.

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