Education
Ohio State University.
Ohio State University.
He was also voted to the Ohio State Football All-Century Team in 1999. DeCree was part of a 1973 Buckeyes team that was considered among the best in school history. The defense had solid players from the line— tackle Pete Cusick, to the linebackers— Rick Middleton and Randy Gradishar, to the secondary— Neal Colzie, Steve Luke, and Tim Fox.
This unit led by All-Big 10 selection DeCree, shut out four opponents in 1973, including three in a row.
Four of DeCree"s teammates (Middleton, Gradishar, Colzie, and Fox) all became first-round draft picks in the NFL, as did Archie Griffin, John Hicks, and Kurt Schumacher on offense. Punter Tom Skladany was also a high NFL draft picks.
The 9-0-1 Buckeyes, in the 1973 season Rose Bowl Game, beat Johnny McKay"s 9-1-1 University of Southern California Trojans 42-21. The following year in the 1974 season Rose Bowl, University of Southern California edged the Buckeyes 18-17, which ended DeCree"s college career.
DeCree played professional football for the World Football League in 1975 for the Chicago Winds.
The Chicago Winds signed Van DeCree. Winds coach Gibron planned to use DeCree at linebacker. Due to the Chicago franchise folding due to league-wide financial troubles, DeCree ended playing the rest of the season (which was ultimately suspended) with Birmingham.
DeCree still resides in Columbus, Ohio, and remains an avid Buckeyes follower.
The offensive skill players included Cornelius Greene at quarterback wingback Brian Baschnagel and fullback Pete Johnson and halfback Griffin, who led the Big Ten in rushing, running behind the tackle duo of Schumacher (an All-American) and Hicks (also an All-American) and winner of the 1973 Outland Trophy and the 1973 Lombardi Trophy.
DeCree is a member of the Ohio State Football Hall of Fame (Class of 1990) He was also a three-year starter and a three-time All-Big 10 selection at defensive end, having been voted all-conference as a sophomore, junior, and senior.
