COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Columbus Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame held its 2008 Scholar-Athlete Banquet Monday at the Buckeye Hall of Fame Café. The foundation honored collegiate and high school scholar-athletes from central Ohio, including Tyler Whaley from the 2007 Ohio State football team.

A native of Ironton, Ohio, Whaley was one of seven collegiate players recognized Monday. The fifth-year lineman-turned-fullback was the 2007 Bo Rein Award winner as Ohio State’s most inspirational player. Whaley is scheduled to graduate in March with a degree in health sciences. He currently owns a 3.16 grade-point average.

Dwight “Ike” Kelley (1963-65), a two-time Ohio State All-American linebacker, received the 2008 Ohio Gold Award. A co-captain in 1965, Kelley was the first Buckeye linebacker to gain consensus All-American status, setting the table for a storied Ohio State tradition at the position.

Kelley, who was introduced by fellow 1965 co-captain and longtime friend, Greg Lashutka (1963-65), played seven seasons in the National Football League with the Philadelphia Eagles (1966-72).

Former Buckeye Antonio Smith (2002-06), a walk-on who completed his career as an All-Big Ten defensive back in 2006, was one of the feature speakers at the banquet. After graduating in 2007 with a degree in mechanical engineering, the 2006 Bo Rein winner spent last season with the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts.

2008 NFF Central Ohio College Scholar-Athletes

Josh Cowgill, Kenyon, Molecular Biology
Zach Dennis, Ohio Wesleyan, Sports Management
Nathan Hillerich, Ohio Dominican, Education
Zac McKenzie, Capital, Business/Finance
Justin Ross, Otterbein, Business Admin./Economics
Tyler Whaley, Ohio State, Health Sciences
Jason Wright, Denison, Biochemistry