We're counting down the days to kickoff with “99 Warriors,” the greatest Ohio State Buckeyes by jersey number, as voted by the staff of Eleven Warriors.
NO. 88 Van DeCree
After a standout prep career at Warren Western Reserve, Van DeCree joined the Ohio State football team in 1971.
DE Van DeCree
1971-74
b. Sept. 24, 1953 (Warren, OH)
- All-American (1973, '74)
- All-Big Ten (1972, '73, '74)
- Ohio State Athletics Hall of Fame (1990)
- Ohio State Football All-Century Team (1999)
Standing 6-foot-1 and 220 pounds, DeCree compiled 128 total tackles, eight tackles for a loss and one defensive touchdown over two All-American seasons in 1973 and 1974. He was a three-time all-Big Ten selection; won three conference titles and a Rose Bowl; and never lost to Michigan — though a 10-10 tie kept the program from winning the national title during his junior season.
DeCree was not drafted by the National Football League, but played professionally for the World Football League’s Chicago Winds and Birmingham Vulcans. The league ceased operations halfway through its second season for financial reasons, and the Vulcans were declared champions by virtue of having the best record.
DeCree faced some legal troubles earlier this decade, as he was indicted in 2012 on drug and workers’ compensation fraud charges and entered a treatment-in-lieu-of-conviction program. He later tested positive for cocaine and committed several probation violations — including providing a phony urine sample to a probation officer — and was sentenced to and served seven months in prison. While behind bars, DeCree became a mentor to other inmates and even coached a basketball team.
DeCree currently resides in Warren.
