By Neil Schmidt
The Cincinnati Enquirer

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - E.J. Underwood can sum up this week with a thumbs-up.

The Ohio State sophomore cornerback from Hamilton High is active for the Fiesta Bowl after missing the past eight games because of thumb surgery.

"It's a great feeling," he said. "Nothing felt better than getting back in the pads."

Underwood, one of six locals on OSU's roster, suffered a cut in September that severed a tendon and ligament in his right thumb, and didn't practice until Dec. 5.

"It was hard to sit back and watch (teammates) go through the hard times," he said. "I feel I could have helped them in certain situations."

Underwood said he will likely play special teams against Kansas State and could play some defense on passing downs.

He had four tackles in four games. Last season he played in all 14 games, starting two, and finished with 21 tackles. Underwood expects to challenge for a starting spot next season, especially if starter Chris Gamble leaves early for the NFL.

Underwood will be joined next season by his brother, Brandon, a cornerback from Hamilton.

Besides Ryan Hamby, here's a season recap for the four other locals at OSU:

• The fine season of B.J. Sander, a fifth-year senior from Roger Bacon, has been well documented. He won the Ray Guy Award as the nation's top punter. Sander averaged 43.6 yards per punt. Thirty-six of his 75 punts were downed inside the 20, and another 15 were fair-caught.

• Kyle Andrews was the only other full-time starter, at long snapper. The junior from Middletown was praised by coaches for his role in the big seasons enjoyed by Sander and all-conference kicker Mike Nugent.

• Mike Young, a fifth-year senior receiver from Middletown, played in two games and earned his first varsity letter.

• Brandon Maupin, a freshman defensive lineman from Lakota West, plays on the scout team and is redshirting.

Fiesta Bowl

Matchup: Ohio State (10-2) vs. Kansas State (11-3).

Kickoff: 8 p.m. Friday.

TV: Ch. 9, 2.