Yesterday for day 76, I highlighted an offensive tackle that the Colts drafted in the 2022 NFL Draft. Today for day 75, I’ll be highlighting a legendary offensive lineman at both the collegiate and professional level.
Orlando Pace grew up in Sandusky, Ohio and was a two sport athlete that really excelled in football. He was named to the Parade magazine high school football All American team as an offensive lineman and was a US Today All American defensive lineman. Pace would go onto accept a scholarship from Ohio State.
Pace played at Ohio State from 1994 to 1996 and was tremendously accomplished. In 1994, Pace became only the second true freshman in Buckeye history to start on opening day. He played so well that he won Big Ten Freshman of the Year.
In 1995, Pace won even more accolades. He was named Unanimous All American, won the Lombardi Award, and Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year. The following season, he was once again named Unanimous All American, won the Lombardi Award, and was Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year. He added on by winning Big Ten MVP, Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, the Outland Trophy, and UPI Lineman of the Year.
Pace would go onto be drafted first overall in the 1997 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams where he was named to multiple Pro Bowls and All Pro teams. Tomorrow for day 74, I’ll cover an offensive lineman that is dominating for the Buccaneers.