When Earle Bruce was hired as coach for the Columbus Destroyers, he made a point to stock the roster with as many former Ohio State Buckeyes as possible. As the Destroyers opened the camp, Bruce did just that, adding four former Buckeyes to the team.
As the Destroyers prepare to kickoff their inaugural season, however, wide receiver Tony Locke is the only former Buckeye who remains on the roster.
“I won’t deny that it would be nice to be playing along side some of my former Buckeye teammates, but that is not the way it turned out,” Locke said. “I’m just going to go out there, to do my best and represent for the scarlet and gray.”
Unlike former Buckeyes Chris Vance, Reggie Germany and Damon Moore – who were on the Destroyers roster prior to the team’s final cut – Locke was not a household name on the Destroyers’ squad.
“(Locke) is a great asset to our receiving squad, which is already pretty strong,” Bruce said. “He plays hard everyday and we are lucky to have him.”
Locke, who was not offered a scholarship to play for the Buckeyes in part because of the academic scholarship he was awarded prior to his arrival in Columbus, decided to walk-on to the OSU football team in the spring of 1998. Two years later, Locke graduated after earning two letters from OSU, while spending most his time on special teams.
Since his graduation from OSU in 2000, Locke has spent time in the af2 league in the hopes of cracking into the NFL.
During the 2003 season, Locke played for the af2’s Cincinnati Swarm and finished with 20 receptions for 298 yards and five touchdowns. It was his play on special teams, however, where Locke made a name for himself as he returned 21 kicks for 478 yards and two touchdowns.
After his successful season with the Swarm, Locke signed with the Destroyers and has been working to make the most of his opportunity in Columbus.
“It’s definitely a special feeling to come and play in Columbus,” Locke said. “I have a lot of fond memories of Columbus, and to come back here to play is a great opportunity, which I don’t take for granted.”
After a tough training camp, Locke and the Destroyers are excited about opening the season tomorrow against the Indiana Firebirds.
“Camp is a necessary evil,” Locke said. “It is something that you never really want to go through. Now that it is over, I’m just ready to start the season.
“I definitely believe we are ready,” he said. “We had a great camp, and we have some great coaches on our side, and I think if we execute our game plan I think we will be fine.”
Whatever the outcome is tomorrow, it is safe to say Locke will not let any opportunity this season pass him by.
“(Locke) is a very hard worker,” said JoJo Polk, Destroyers defensive specialist. “He’s the type of guy who you know is going to put in 100 percent effort everyday.”
