Tommy Eichenberg isn’t accustomed to the spotlight, and he isn’t particularly fond of it, either.
But after a 17-tackle performance on Saturday, topping Chris Spielman’s Rose Bowl record for the Buckeyes, the third-year linebacker was given center stage and the microphone as he was honored as the game’s defensive MVP. While his teammates smiled and cheered, Eichenberg’s most excitable moment was embodied by a split-second grin that flashed across his face while signaling thumbs up to the crowd.
Unsurprisingly, Eichenberg kept it curt and emotionless in his brief on-stage speaking segment, and afterwards the Cleveland native explained that individual honors aren’t among his top priorities.