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. 21 Tim Patillo
While perhaps not the most well-known player in Ohio State history, Tim Patillo was one of Ohio State's stalwarts on special teams and defense from 1991-94.
S Tim Patillo
1991-94
b. May 24, 1977 (Aliquippa, PA)
- Three-year letterwinner
- Assistant Director of Football Operations (1998-2001)
His best seasons came in 1993 and 1994, when he intercepted three passes in each of those years.
In the 1993 Holiday Bowl against BYU, Patillo made the play of the game by blocking a BYU punt four minutes into the game, and returned it for a touchdown. Ohio State went on to win.
In the 1993 contest against Illinois, Patillo had a game-sealing interception for the Buckeyes that preserved a 20-12 victory.
Out of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, Patillo also worked with the Buckeyes from 1998-2001, including the1998 Sugar Bowl Championship team, as an "Assistant Director of Football Operations." Patillo was responsible for helping coordinate team travel, as well as basic day-to-day responsibilities. Since 2001, he has worked for various car dealerships, according to his LinkedIn page.
A fun fact: Patillo was the first Buckeye of the 90's to sign with Ohio State. After signing with the Buckeyes, Patillo said: "I came from a winning tradition [at Aliquippa], and now I'm a part of another."
Photo: Ohio State Dept. of Athletics
