COLUMBUS, Ohio — How does Tommy Eichenberg do it, ignoring the ache and the bodily limitations to maintain competing with such depth?

Ohio State soccer teammate Cade Stover, Eichenberg’s roommate, allow us to in on the key. When these two and linebacker Steele Chambers battle of their common Euchre sport, Eichenberg wants assist.

“Steele has to shuffle for him,” Stover mentioned, which was rather more of a confession than Eichenberg made about his crushed, bruised and presumably damaged arms.

Eichenberg has worn a protecting brace on his left hand throughout heat ups for a couple of weeks. After final week’s 43-30 victory at Maryland — by which the St. Ignatius grad recorded 13 or extra tackles for the third time in 4 video games — teammate Zach Harrison mentioned each of the linebackers’ arms had been “damaged.” (Security Lathan Ransom supplied a much less medical prognosis of “tousled.”)

When Eichenberg sat for interviews earlier this week, the one seen indicators of hurt had been two Band-Aids on his left hand. The fourth-year junior may moderately play with two damaged toes, too, than reply questions on his bodily illnesses.

• How are your arms? “They really feel good.”

• Are these arms each actually damaged? “I’m unsure. They really feel good, although.”

• Are you positive you may play Michigan with none arms? “’Tis however a scratch!”

Sorry, that final one was The Black Knight from Monty Python and the Holy Grail — refusing to simply accept defeat as King Arthur slices off his limbs one after the opposite. Eichenberg, maybe out of necessity, maintains a equally stoic mentality. The one factor extra painful than taking part in with damaged arms could be not taking part in.

A 12 months in the past, Ohio State misplaced to Michigan partially as a result of Eichenberg and Chambers weren’t the gamers — in skill or utilization — that they’re as we speak. Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles slams them downhill into operating lanes to explode opposing backs within the backfield.

On the verge of taking part in the largest sport of his profession, Eichenberg merely adjusted to his compromised extremities and pushed forward.

“It’ll take quite a bit to cease me from taking part in — particularly with this crew, this protection,” Eichenberg mentioned. “They really feel good, although.”

Nobody believes that. Not even Knowles, who additionally coaches the linebackers. He mentioned not too long ago he suggested Eichenberg on the best way to strategy tackling and different nuances of the place along with his injured arms.

Virtually as quickly as Knowles arrived final winter, he pointed to Eichenberg as a catalyst. In an odd method, Eichenberg’s smashed arms solely enhanced that presence.

“Tommy’s as robust as they arrive — as robust as any participant I’ve been round,” Knowles mentioned. “He type of epitomizes what we wish to be as a protection and, I believe, as a program, as a result of nothing goes to cease him. It doesn’t matter what the circumstances of the harm, he’s going to indicate up.”

Ohio State wants Eichenberg to infiltrate and disrupt what may the most effective offensive line it performs this season. Michigan’s floor sport thrives partially by utilizing double groups to get to the second degree and take out linebackers. Together with his 9.55 tackles per sport rating third amongst all Large Ten performs, neutralizing Eichenberg doubtless ranks excessive on the Wolverines’ goals.

Requested what compels him to play by way of that ache, Eichenberg mentioned, “My teammates.” He would moderately wince and grimace on the sector with them than even contemplate standing apart.

“Robust child,” Stover mentioned. “My finest pal, so all of the credit score on this planet to that man. We’ll stand beside him till we’re completed taking part in.”

Get the most recent Ohio State Buckeyes merchandise: Right here’s the place you may order Ohio State soccer gear on-line, together with jerseys, T-shirts, hoodies, hats and rather more.

For those who or a cherished one has questions and desires to speak to knowledgeable about playing, name the Ohio Downside Playing Helpline at 1-800-589-9966 or the Nationwide Council on Program Playing Helpline (NCPG) at 1-800-522-4700.

Extra Buckeyes protection

Watch the trailer for Ohio State soccer’s sport in opposition to Michigan

How one can guess rivalries, and the way usually Ohio State and Michigan coaches beat the unfold in The Recreation: Betting the Buckeyes

Damaged Ohio State arms; dashing sensible; leaping Georgia; setting again Michigan; and the way chippy will The Recreation be? Speedy hearth

Predicting which Ohio State soccer underclassmen will play their final dwelling sport Saturday vs. Michigan

Michigan vs. Ohio State 2022 preview matchup: DL Mazi Smith vs. OL Donovan Jackson

Can J.J. McCarthy, Michigan’s ‘Miracle Boy,’ carry the offense if Ohio State turns The Recreation into The Shootout?

Ohio State’s Jack Sawyer; a toughness battle; delays of sport; and cherishing the rivalry: Buckeye Discuss rants

Michigan vs. Ohio State 2022 preview matchup: QB J.J. McCarthy vs. DB Lathan Ransom

Ohio State soccer comes full circle in opposition to the Michigan dashing assault that triggered an overhaul

‘I totally perceive what it means now’: Loss to Michigan reignited the rivalry for a brand new technology of Buckeyes