Buckeyes linebacker Cody Simon earns 'Block O' jersey honor
COLUMBUS — Ohio State is ready to name its fifth-ever recipient of the newest annual tradition: senior linebacker Cody Simon is the Block O jersey honoree.
Simon, a fifth-year senior, is one of the biggest leaders on the roster thanks to his work ethic, locker room presence and on-field production.
When asked who was the most well-rounded linebacker on the roster last week, position coach James Laurinaitis didn’t hesitate to reveal Simon’s name.
“It’s Cody. Cody Simon’s the guy you could put at MIKE, at WILL, at SAM,” Laurinaitis said. “You can move him all around. He’s the unquestioned leader of the group. He’s the leader of the defense. He gets everybody lined up. Very technical, has really good footwork, really clean footwork, which allows him to change direction and get off blocks and tackle well.”
But Simon is so much more than just a good football player who will immensely help this defense in the upcoming campaign. He has worked tirelessly on his leadership throughout his career.
“This year was really big for me leadership-wise and taking that next step,” Simon said. “Because when you have guys who are big in your culture who leave, that means there’s a void that needs to be filled. And this whole offseason has been been about leadership and trying to lift yourself and the other leaders up, as well as bringing the guys [along] below.
“So I think I’ve gotten a lot better at coaching, encouraging and at being a better teammate, and it’s gotten me better as a player as well.”
When Simon thinks about being that “undisputed leader,” as Laurinaitis described him, he focuses on being his best every day.
“The guys in the room have to look to someone to see an example,” Simon said, “and I need to be able to lead them vocally, physically and emotionally. That’s what I try to be every day. It’s a tough role, but I love playing football, I love doing it. I love this place, so it’s a great job to have.”
For those reasons, he’s the fifth recipient of the Buckeyes’ Block O jersey honor. And he’ll lead an incredible defense this season.
About the Block O tradition at Ohio State
The NCAA approved zero on jersey numbers in April of 2020, and Ohio State decided to make it a privilege to wear the jersey. Buckeyes director of football operations Quinn Tempel drew the comparisons in the zero in the font used for the program’s jerseys to the famed Ohio State Block O logo, making it a fit for an annual tradition.
“It really should come from the offseason program and who has put years into the program and who has been through some adversity, who has worked through some things, who has fought through things and really lived our culture,” Ohio State coach Ryan Day told Lettermen Row two years ago about the tradition. “With everything that’s gone on this year and the great tradition that Ohio State has, how can we now create something that can be new? We thought naming the award after Bill Willis would be a great decision because it’s great way we can honor him. So, then you ask who it should be?”
Former Buckeyes defensive end Jonathon Cooper was the first answer to that question. Former offensive lineman Thayer Munford followed it up three years ago year and represented the number as a captain. Two years ago, it was wide receiver Kamryn Babb‘s turn as the Block O recipient. And last year, wide receiver Xavier Johnson had the honor of wearing it.
