COLUMBUS, Ohio — Without knowing any better, figuring out Kenny Guiton’s normal role at Ohio State would have been almost impossible.
The fifth-year senior was right in the middle of the action during warmups, taking the first-team snaps and commanding the attention and respect of teammates the way only a quarterback and a captain can.
There were no visible signs of nerves, and Guiton certainly looked like he’d been leading the Buckeyes on offense for a long time as he settled in almost instantly, delivering a devastating, perfectly-placed bomb for a touchdown on just the second offensive snap of the game.
But after sprinting down the field after the score with his arms held wide, simulating a plane with a celebration he used as a reminder for the Buckeyes that it was “time to take flight,” his secret was subtly revealed.
Holding on the extra point after the longest play in Ohio State history? Isn’t that a job for a backup?
“Oh, no, that was actually cool,” Guiton said. “You know, I’ve been holding for a year and a half now, so I didn’t want to change that up.
“Just because I’m the starter for the week, I didn’t want to not be the holder and then Braxton [Miller] comes back and then I’m not even holding even more.”
Guiton’s spot remains secure there on special teams, but after stepping in and doing a spot-perfect performance as a starting quarterback, the Buckeyes now have to think of other ways they can use their second option exceeded almost every reasonable expectation for a first-time starter on the road.
Continue reading this article at ESPN: Kenny Guiton proves to be more than backup
