FRISCO, TX. — Prior to the final game of his historic collegiate career as a member of the Ohio Bobcats, 2014 Covington graduate A.J. Ouellette sat at his locker at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas with a sharpie in his hand writing a message on each tapped wrist. On one wrist he wrote the words “No Name” and on the other wrist he wrote “Beat The Odds” – just to remind himself of where he started and how far he has come in his collegiate career.
“Look at this,” said A.J., showing the writing on his wrists. “This is what it’s all about.”
A.J. remembers. He came out of high school with “No Name” outside of tiny Covington, Ohio – no scholarship offers and virtually no interest from any program.
Yet, he walked on at Ohio University and “Beat The Odds” by doing what had allowed him to put together a stellar high school career – by working harder than anyone else.
“A.J. is special,” said legendary Ohio coach Frank Solich. “He’s just one of those young men who does everything right – on and off the field. Nobody outworks him.”
Ouellette’s hard work has paid huge dividends as he has stamped his name all over the Ohio University record book in the following statistics:
• His 1306 rushing yards in 2018 is the fourth most in school history.
• His 3829 career rushing yards is third in school history.
• His 719 carries is fifth in school history.
• His 5.32 yards-per-carry is third in school history.
• His 32 rushing touchdowns is third in school history.
• He is only the second back in school history to lead the team in rushing for four years.
• He is one of just four backs in school history to rush for over 1000 yards in two seasons.
• His 4345 career all-purpose yards is third in school history.
And on Wednesday Ouellette showcased his amazing determination to the entire country against San Diego State University as he earned the Offensive Most Valuable Player award in leading Ohio to 27-0 win by rushing for 164 yards on 29 carries and catching 2 passes for 33 yards in a game that was broadcast live for all to see on ESPN.
https://www.dailycall.com/sports/50917/aj-ouellette-finishes-college-career-in-style-after-leading-ohio-university-to-frisco-bowl-win