Big C chats it up with Wayne H.S. grad and OSU STUD outside LB Marcus Freeman in a sultry Q&A session about the upcoming National Championship game.

Q: What must the Buckeyes do to win the National Championship this year

A: The biggest thing is we have to be at the top of our game. I fully think last year we were prepared, but on game day we didn't go out there and play the best we could. I felt this year we have been training extremely hard and we have to make sure that on January 7th when we go out there to do the best we can.

Q: How is this team different from last year's team?

A: I think the big thing is you have fewer superstars and less individual talent and more of a team concept. We have a strong defense this year and although we had a pretty good defense last year, a strong defense will help carry a team. You had the Heisman Trophy winner and some other great players last year, but I think the leadership and the team aspect of it makes this team a lot stronger team and close group.

Q: Has this year's team exceeded expectations?

A: I think we've exceeded the outsider's expectations, but I don't think we have exceeded our expectations. Coming into the year not many people were given us a shot even to win the Big Ten. But we as a team sat down before the season started and set our goals. We're at the place where we can reach our goals and that is to become National Champions. We're excited to be able to reach those goals and it's something we felt this whole time we could do.

Q: Did last year's loss in the title game leave a bad taste in the team's mouth?

A: Most definitely! You try not to use that game as a motivation factor but it's a game that for the rest of our lives we'll never forget. That was a huge loss and something you'll remember for a long time. That is something we continue to remember and now that we are in the situation to be there again we have to make sure the outcome is different.

Q: How would you like to contribute to the team's cause?

A: I want to be a playmaker! We always preach doing your part on defense. There's eleven members on defense and you can do nothing but what you have to do as a member of this defense. I just want to be a guy that when it is my chance, make a play, and be a playmaker. Even when I can't make the play I want to be the guy who tries to make a play and create a struggle for opposing offenses.

Q: Are the Buckeyes intimidated by LSU's bank robber speed?

A: You see them on tape and they are better than most teams you face. They're an extremely talented football team and I think more than anything they are physical. Many people talk about the SEC and their speed but this is a physical group that has a lot of playmakers. This is something that we've heard about and we think we have a lot of speed here at Ohio State ourselves. Winning this game is not going to be about who has the most speed. It's going to be about who tackles the best, who executes the game plan the best and overall who plays better that day.

A: I miss that close tight knit community. You know, just being able to walk outside your house and know everyone you see. Being in Huber Heights you get to meet a lot of great people and make a lot of great relationships. I think the biggest thing is losing some of those relationships and losing time with a lot of those people.

Q: What do you like doing when you're not on the field making bone-crushing tackles?

A: The joy of my life is playing with my daughter. Anytime I can I make sure I get her and try to be the best father I can be to her. I spend as much time as I can with her and give her everything that she needs.

Q: Who has been the most influential person in your life?

A: I would definitely have to say my father. As a young kid he disciplined me a lot. As I became a father and grew older I realized the great things he's done for me, my brother and mother. He is someone that I still look up to even now being 22 years old. Seeing the things he does and how hard he works it would be a privilege to me to be half the man that he has been to me and my family.

Q: Have you given any thought to entering the NFL draft?

A: I put in my draft papers a couple of weeks ago and that's just a paper you send to the NFL acknowledging that you're interested in what your grade is and where you're projected. That grade hasn't come back yet but it's definitely something I have been considering. I have not made a decision as of yet on what I am going to do.