Huber Heights native and Ohio State outside linebacker Marcus Freeman is looking to make a lasting impression when he suits up for the very last time as a Buckeye against the Texas Longhorns in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl on Monday, Jan. 5.

It has been a long journey for the fifth-year linebacker who would like nothing better than to close out his collegiate career on a high note. Freeman is focused on the task at hand and ready to do his part to continue on the legacy of talented linebackers to have graced the playing field at Ohio State.

During a phone interview with Freeman over the Christmas holiday, he talked about emotions running high in his final game with the Buckeyes.

"There will be many emotions," Freeman said. "The first one to come to mind is how excited you are to play in a game of this magnitude and it being the last one. On the other hand, you're a little emotional and sad because it has been a great five years in Columbus. To go out on the field knowing that this is your last game, it's like a chapter of your life coming to an end."

Overcoming injuries

Freeman said he will cherish every moment of his college football experience but is ready to move on after the game. He credits Head Coach Jim Tressel for preparing him and other seniors for life after OSU.

The 2008 season could be deemed as bittersweet for Freeman who has battled the injury bug all season long. A recent ankle/foot injury has affected his ability to perform at the high-level he is accustomed to.

Still, the coaching staff couldn't keep the linebacker off the field. Freeman played in all 12 games and fought through the injury, sacrificing his body for the sake of winning ball games. An ailing Freeman was better than anything the coaches could have inserted in the lineup from the Buckeye bench.

Freeman is second on the team in tackles with 76 stops and in sacks with 3.5. His numbers have improved in each season he's played with the exception of '08.

Ready for next level

With the team idled for more than a month it has allowed time for the injured ankle/foot to heal and Freeman is getting close to being 100 percent.

"I'm feeling good and excited to get out there and perform the way I know how," he said. "Our expectation is to win this ball game."

After the bowl game a new chapter in Freeman's life is expected to begin. He will almost immediately begin preparation for the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., and help his cause for a life in the NFL.

"I'm excited to move on to the next level," Freeman said. "Wherever my future takes me, I'm going to give 100 percent as I do with everything in my life."

There could be a lot in store for the player's future.

Last week, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes released three finalists for the sixth annual Bobby Bowden Award. The first finalist is Freeman, a four year letterman with a 3.35 GPA who is currently working on a graduate degree in education.

The award recognizes the Division 1-A football player who epitomizes the student-athlete who conducts himself as a faith model in the community, in the classroom and on the field. Nominees must have a 3.0 GPA or better and must also have the backing of his school's athletic director and head football coach.

Freeman's future is so bright both on and off the field that he will need to wear shades.

But before he rides off into the sunset in Arizona, Freeman and the Buckeyes have some unfinished business to settle with the Longhorns in the desert.