The Athlete: Maurice Clarett's physical prowess as a football athlete at Warren High School caught the eyes of recruiters at The Ohio State University who saw his potential. This would prove to be great insight as he would be the first freshman running back to start, be named Big Ten freshman of the year, and set the freshman rushing and touchdown season record, seamlessly solidifying his role as a leader on the field. Most notably, Clarett played an instrumental role in The Ohio State Buckeyes team clinching the National Championship in 2002 with two pivotal plays: "the strip" and scoring the go ahead touchdown. He would later play professionally for the Omaha Nighthawks of the United Football League. During his freshman year at The Ohio State University in 2002, in a widely unexpected move, Clarett was drafted on the first day of the 2005 NFL Draft with the final pick of the 3rd round (#101 overall) by the Denver Broncos.