Ohio State redshirt senior center Billy Price has been named the 2017 Big Ten Rimington-Pace Offensive Lineman of the Year, the league announced Thursday morning.
It is the third straight season a Buckeye has won the award, as left tackle Taylor Decker and center Pat Elflein received the hardware in 2015 and 2016, respectively.
Against Michigan State, Price set the record for most consecutive starts by a Buckeye with his 51st, passing former Ohio State defensive lineman Luke Fickell. Entering this week's Big Ten Championship Game, Price has started 53 consecutive games and counting.
"I think as long as I'm around Ohio State, I'll make sure that that guy is treated with legendary status because he's done everything I've ever asked of him," head coach Urban Meyer said after the Buckeyes' 48-3 win over the Spartans. "And that includes his off-the-field, his leadership when times are tough, even last week in the locker room, he was the one that took over the locker room.
"You say: Coach, what did you say? I didn't say anything. It was Billy Price," Meyer continued. "I'm deeply indebted to Billy. Billy's going to be a lifelong friend and he'll be a Buckeye for the rest of his life, obviously, and I'm glad we still have him for a few more games.
Price anchored an Ohio State offense that ranked fifth nationally in scoring during the regular season (43.8 points per game) and fifth in total offense (529.8 yards per game). Price helped the Buckeyes average a Big Ten-leading 251.2 yards per game on the ground, making them the 12th-best rushing attack in the country.
A native of Austintown, Price is a four-year starter for Ohio State. He was named an All-American at right guard in 2016 before moving over to center following the aforementioned Elflein’s graduation.
