Ohio State redshirt junior offensive lineman Nicholas Petit-Frere was named a finalist for the Outland Trophy: given to college football's best interior lineman on offense or defense.
Petit-Frere is a candidate along with Georgia defensive tackle Jordan Davis, NC State offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu, Kentucky OT Darian Kinnard, Iowa C Tyler Linderbaum and Alabama OT Evan Neal.
Here's Petit-Frere's candidate profile:
"Regarded as the top offensive lineman on a Buckeyes front considered one of the nation's best. He has built up his weight as his playing time increased, now weighing 315 pounds without losing his nimbleness for Ohio State (9-1). Petit-Frere started 18 of his 31 career games for the Buckeyes, who this season are tops in the nation in scoring offense (46.3 ppg), total offense (550.4 ) and sixth in passing offense (353.6 ypg). The line has provided big holes for explosive gains – running back TreVeyon Henderson is tied for third nationally in runs of 40 yards or more with six and has eight runs of 30-plus yards. Petit-Frere is the Buckeyes' first Outland semifinalist since center Billy Price in 2017. Ohio State has four Outland winners in its past, started off by guard Jim Parker in 1956. Middle guard Jim Stillwagon (1970) and offensive tackles John Hicks (1973) and Orlando Pace (1996) have won it since."
Petit-Frere is a candidate along with Georgia defensive tackle Jordan Davis, NC State offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu, Kentucky OT Darian Kinnard, Iowa C Tyler Linderbaum and Alabama OT Evan Neal.
Here's Petit-Frere's candidate profile:
"Regarded as the top offensive lineman on a Buckeyes front considered one of the nation's best. He has built up his weight as his playing time increased, now weighing 315 pounds without losing his nimbleness for Ohio State (9-1). Petit-Frere started 18 of his 31 career games for the Buckeyes, who this season are tops in the nation in scoring offense (46.3 ppg), total offense (550.4 ) and sixth in passing offense (353.6 ypg). The line has provided big holes for explosive gains – running back TreVeyon Henderson is tied for third nationally in runs of 40 yards or more with six and has eight runs of 30-plus yards. Petit-Frere is the Buckeyes' first Outland semifinalist since center Billy Price in 2017. Ohio State has four Outland winners in its past, started off by guard Jim Parker in 1956. Middle guard Jim Stillwagon (1970) and offensive tackles John Hicks (1973) and Orlando Pace (1996) have won it since."
