The least glamorous position in football is the offensive line. They aren’t worshiped like QBs, nor do they rack up stats like receivers. Hell, they barely get credit for the gaping alleyway the running back just strolled through. But believe it or not, these guys actually do get drafted, and some of the go on to sign insane contracts. Ohio State’s center Michael Brewster plans to be one of them.
Brewster’s career as a Buckeye is nothing short of decorated. A four-year starter, his 49 consecutive starts is the 2nd longest streak at Ohio State and is one game shy of tying the all-time school record of 50. His accolades include selections to the 2010 All-American and first-team in the all-Big Ten Conference. He also received the 2011 Jim Parker Award (along with teammate Mike Adams) for being the team’s ‘most outstanding’ offensive lineman. In 2010, he was the only junior to be a finalist for the Rimington Trophy – an award presented to the best offensive center in college football.
With the NFL combine underway in Cleveland, Brewster is doing all he can to stay in tip-top shape. In a recent interview, he told ProPlayerInsiders that he was training by “doing a mix of workouts that include Pilates, massages, and dieting.”
He also added that he has “spent some time preparing for the interview process and think that’s an important part of the process and helps the teams get a sense of who you are.”
As an athlete, staying healthy can make or break your career, especially at the college level and when you are just starting out in the pros (i.e. oft-injured Portland Trail Blazer Greg Oden).
“I think it’s important to take care of your body,” Brewster said, without realizing what an understatement that was. “Work out but also take time to get massages and doing things to stay flexible and in shape. There are times you will have to play bruised and it is important to your team that you play.”
He also said that lasagna was his favorite food. Hey, big guys like to eat.
When asked about what intangibles he brings to the team, he said, “My greatest strengths are my natural instincts and my athletic ability. I try to lead by my example. My style is not too spend a lot of time talking but more time showing by my actions.”
If actions do speak louder than words, then Brewster is setting a great example for his brother. He noted that his brother is his “biggest fan” and he credits his family for supporting him as he takes the next step in his career.
“My family has always been my biggest supporter,” Brewster said. It’s amazing how much my brother and parents do to support me. They never miss a game in high school or college. I have had to make some tough decisions in my career to far and they have allowed me the freedom to make my own decision and then supported me.”
It was his family that supported his decision to go to Ohio State, even though it was far from his home in Orlando, Florida. Looking back at it, Brewster said,
“Ohio State is a great platform for football. The guys that have gone here are like family and try to help each other through the process. I know that reaching back and helping the guys that come after me is my obligation and something I look forward to doing.”
As he takes his career to the next level, it seems that Ohio State has prepared him as best as it could, and he will be proud to introduce himself as,
“Michael Brewster. THE Ohio State University.”
Scottie Graham contributed to this report.
