Defense has always been the brotherhood of distinctive hairdos at Ohio State, stemming from linebackers A.J. Hawk, Bobby Carpenter and Anthony Schlegel’s long grunge hair.
One thing is for certain: Defensive players are not worried about being different.
Last year, defenders rocked the infamous mohawk hairdos and safety Anderson Russell shaved his head. Coach Jim Tressel continuously made fun of him about it and still has not stopped.
Defensive back Donnie Evege sports long hair that hangs out the back of his helmet a la NFL star Troy Polamalu of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“That’s just Donnie,” said senior cornerback Devon Torrence. “He’s got a different swagger about himself.”
As for the upcoming season, the guys have tried to get Evege to cut his hair for a new look but are doubtful he will comply. And the guys are not going to grow their hair out to match his.
“[I] haven’t thought about it much yet, but we will get to talking,” senior safety Jermale Hines said.
But Torrence has already planned out what hair phenomenon he wants to spread next: bald.
“I am going to do the bald thing just to do something different and talk some of the other guys into doing it with me,” Torrence said.
Tressel will likely have a field day of jokes if Torrence can get the rest of the boys to join him.
“He’s a clown,” Torrence said. “We expect that from him though.”
