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. 38 Vaughn Broadnax
Perhaps the most talented fullback to play at Ohio State during the Earle Bruce era, Broadnax was a three-year starter for the Buckeyes and served as the lead blocker for the likes of Keith Byars and Tim Spencer.
FB Vaughn Broadnax
1980-83
b. May 4, 1962 (Xenia, OH)
- Big Ten Co-Champion (1981)
- Holiday Bowl Champion (1982)
- Fiesta Bowl Champion (1984)
After earning just spot minutes as a freshman, Broadnax worked his way into the starting lineup in 1981 as the Buckeyes went on to share the Big Ten crown with Iowa with a 9-3, 6-2 record. Broadnax carried the ball 50 times in his first year as a starter, accumulating 184 yards and a score while leading the way for Spencer to finish the year with 1,217 yards on the ground.
In 1982, Broadnax had his best statistical year as a Buckeye, carrying 105 times for 514 yards and nine touchdowns as Ohio State won its last seven games of the season after a 2-3 start to finish 9-3.
During his final season as a Buckeye, Broadnax cleared the way for Byars to rush for what was at the time, a school record 20 touchdowns in 1983. Ohio State once again finished 9-3 and finished with a 28-23 win over Pittsburgh in the Fiesta Bowl. Broadnax rushed for 346 yards and four touchdowns as a senior, finishing his Buckeye career with 1,079 career rushing yards and 15 career total touchdowns.
Photo: Ohio State Dept. of Athletics
