Every team needs a Rudy. For Ohio football, it is Dave Tennant.
Similar to Daniel Rudy Ruettiger in the movie Rudy, Tennant plays running back for the scout squad, running the opposition's plays and never giving up. But for Tennant, multiple injuries have created obstacles in his drive to prove himself on the field.
A senior who walked on almost three years ago after transferring from Marshall, Tennant has seen playing time in just two games in his career at Ohio. Since he joined the team, he has been set back by pulled and strained hamstrings, and most recently, a severely sprained ankle suffered during the first scrimmage in spring ball last year.
It always seems to happen when I get the opportunity to move up
Tennant said. I start moving up and then I get an injury and I'm back to square one... It can destroy you.
But like Rudy, Tennant keeps going, waiting for his opportunity.
Coach always tells me to be ready
so I am always going to be ready
know the plays and stay calm
he said. My time will come.
It is this positive attitude and determination to play that sets him apart as the Rudy of the team. Ohio football alumnus Don Eskey, who has watched almost every practice this season, said whenever a coach needs someone to fill in during a drill, Tennant is always willing to volunteer.
Ohio running back coach Everette Sands said Tennant has always been ready to step in, with a smile on his face, when he needs him.
You never question Dave's work ethic
Sands said. If I could get all the rest of the guys working like Dave
who knows what we might be doing.
Sands and Eskey are not the only ones to recognize Tennant's hard work. His teammates have seen it in the weight room and at practice, and his friends have watched him come home sore and tired at times but still always itching to go back the next day.
Last year some of his friends made signs spelling his last name, which they brought to the University of Central Florida game this year to applaud him for his hard work. Tennant got in late in the game for the first time this season and carried the ball four times.
We know how hard Dave works for the team
said Brooke Neuhart, a friend of Tennant who was a part of his cheering section. He has done everything possible to try to play
and we want to let him know we are always going to be there for him even if he doesn't get to play much.
Ohio quarterback Fred Ray said he values Tennant's mindset of always wanting to come back, despite the limited playing time.
A lot of guys like to give up if they are not getting playing time
but Dave Tennant loves the game of football
