By Neil Schmidt
The Cincinnati Enquirer

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - Ryan Hamby has to admit, he's having a blast. Behind that poker face - standard-issue for all of Jim Tressel's players - beats the heart of a young man thrilled to be a Buckeye.

"If I gave the political answer (about what's it's like), I'd be lying," the Ohio State tight end said. "It's awesome.

"On game days, it's so exciting. It's an experience everyone should have. I'm very lucky."

The sophomore from Moeller wasn't expected to be a major player this fall, but he has started five games and caught 18 passes, including three touchdowns. He will cap off his breakthrough season Friday against Kansas State in the Fiesta Bowl, then ascend to the No. 1 tight end role next season.

Hamby knows it's a great time to be a collegiate tight end. Kellen Winslow Jr., the All-American at Miami (Fla.), has revolutionized the position by bringing pass-catching back into vogue.

"I consider it the best of both worlds," Hamby said. "(Wide) receivers don't get to experience hitting. I enjoy blocking; I like to hit. Plus, we've been throwing (to the ends) a lot."

Hamby and senior teammate Ben Hartsock, an all-Big Ten selection who ranks second on the team with 33 catches, have been the most reliable options for an inconsistent offense.

"You're blocking, blocking, then they send us out on a route," Hamby said. "(Defenses) tend to forget us (tight ends)."

Hamby has 190 receiving yards, averaging 10.6 per catch. His pass-catching ability was evident when he caught 45 passes for 700 yards as a senior at Moeller.

"He has a great feel and an ability to get to the open spot," Tressel said. "And he's certainly never shied away from the blocking end of it. He has improved quite a bit."

Hamby redshirted his first year at OSU and caught just two passes last season, but he said Hartsock's tutelage speeded his development. When this season began, Tressel immediately favored a formation with two tight ends.

Hamby furthered Tressel's trust with one of the season's most critical catches, a TD in the second overtime against North Carolina State that kept OSU alive in a game it would win in the next period.

"By being out there with Ben, you can see Ryan becoming more comfortable every time he steps out there on the field," quarterback Craig Krenzel said.

Tressel said Hamby would be expected to be the teacher next fall, helping freshman Louis Irizarry and others develop behind him.

"I'd like to be that No. 1 guy," Hamby said. "I'd like to help (others) with the transition the way Ben did with me."

Hamby still hangs around with buddy Matt Sylvester, a former Moeller classmate who plays basketball for the Buckeyes. Hamby was dressing varsity as a sophomore when Sylvester helped lead Moeller to the 1999 Ohio Division I state basketball title, and he started alongside Sylvester the following season before concentrating on football.

"My senior year I realized, I'm 6 (foot) 5 and can't shoot," Hamby said. "I was smart enough to know football was the way to go."

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E-mail nschmidt@enquirer.com