Ohio State's 2016 senior class has a chance to win its second national championship in three years with two more victories this season. Before kickoff against Clemson in the College Football Playoff, Eleven Warriors will take a brief look back at each player's time in Columbus.
Where They're From
It's almost hard to mention one without the other.
Joe Burger and Craig Fada have become somewhat of a package deal as part of the Ohio State football program for what seems like the last 12 years. Every time one gets talked about, the other's name isn't far behind.
Both began their careers was walk-on linebackers for the 2012 season — Burger out of LaSalle High School in Cincinnati; Fada out of Bishop Watterson High School in Columbus. Burger had offers from MAC schools but opted to walk-on at Ohio State instead. His family has quite the history of walk-on success.
Now, in their fifth and final year in the program, each is on a full scholarship. Their impact has been made.
“If I have any more children, I’m going to name him Burger Fada. That’s how much I love those guys,” Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer joked earlier this season. “Two of the most selfless guys I’ve ever been around, and I’m so proud to be able to put them on scholarship. They’ll be Buckeyes the rest of their life.”
Top Moments
It's not common for walk-ons to become four-year letter winners, but that's exactly what's happened with the two most former famous walk-ons in Ohio State's program. Burger and Fada absolutely earned their full scholarships for their final seasons with the Buckeyes.
When starting linebacker Dante Booker went down with an injury during Ohio State's season-opener against Bowling Green, Burger stepped in and recorded four tackles in the Buckeyes' 77-10 win. In a 2015 contest with Indiana, Burger's biggest play came when the Hoosiers tried to run a fake punt and he snuffed it out for a three-yard loss.
Fada averaged 15 special teams plays per game last season as a junior. This year, Fada has been credited with 10 tackles and junior defensive end Jalyn Holmes went as far as to say Fada is the toughest player on the team. "That dude is crazy," Holmes said.
Overarching Contribution to the Program
Burger was voted captain this season, so that tells you just about everything needed about how much respect he has from his teammates. Fada is constantly mentioned among the most important players on the team. These two are crucial members of Ohio State's success the last few years even if it doesn't show in the box score all the time.
Fada has played in 50 games for the Buckeyes throughout his career; Burger has appeared in 46. Most of these appearances came on special teams — kickoff, punt return, etc. — but Luke Fickell and the rest of the defensive staff haven't been shy about their confidence in both should they need to take reps at the linebacker position.
Where They're Headed
Burger and Fada both graduated Ohio State on Sunday. Burger earned his degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering; Fada in Biology.
Meyer is doing his best to make sure they stick around as long as possible now that their playing careers are coming to an end, however, despite the fact Burger and Fada may have other plans.
"I'm kind of disappointed in those two guys. They're just typical losers. They think med school is more important than coaching. I don't understand that," Meyer joked last week. "I'm trying to talk them into coaching and this darn med school keeps getting in the way because that's how much I feel they can impact other people's lives."
"Of course, I'm kidding about med school, but whatever they choose to do they are going to have our support. That's a tough one to say goodbye to those guys."
More on Joe Burger, Craig Fada
- Craig Fada, Joe Burger awarded full scholarships.
- 'Ohio State Cribs:' Inside Craig Fada and Joe Burger's apartment.
- Joe Burger is Ohio State's unlikeliest captain.
