We're counting down the days to kickoff with “99 Warriors,” the greatest Ohio State Buckeyes by jersey number, as voted by the staff of Eleven Warriors.
No. 82 William Spahr
William Spahr was a two-way player for Woody Hayes in the early 1960's, but starred on the defensive side of the ball as a starting defensive end for the Buckeyes.
DE William Spahr
1962-1964
b. 1943 (Columbus, Ohio)
- Three-year starter (1962-64)
- First-Team All-Big Ten (1964)
- Team Captain (1964)
During his time as a Buckeye, Ohio State compiled an 18-8-1 record and won two out of three games against Michigan. In 1964, Spahr helped the Buckeyes win their first six games of the season, rising to No. 1 in the country before losing two of their last three.
Spahr was named a team captain and a first-team All-Big Ten selection during his senior season, and went on to play in the East vs. West Shrine game on the same team as legendary quarterback Roger Staubach.
Perhaps Spahr's biggest on-field moment was when he scooped up an SMU fumble in the season opener and returned it 31 yards for a score in a 27-8 victory.
Spahr also caught 10 career passes as a wide receiver for Ohio State, totaling 110 yards.
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Photo: Ohio State University Archives
