Contrary to its reputation, cheerleading is physically demanding and occasionally ridiculous work. The inherent athleticism and absurd injury rate of the heel stretch pull down are duly noted. Still: To Josh Springer it'll seem like a cakewalk in about a month or so, when the 5'11", 185-pound Ohio State cheerleader is taking reps at wide receiver during the Buckeyes' spring drills despite having never suited up for a single down in his life.

Tossing tiny girls around takes a concerted effort from every muscle group, including several you probably didn't know you had, even if you're only performing a basic wayward basket toss. And if you're on the Ohio State spirit squad, you're also expected, in an SNL-worthy twist, to perform at hockey, gymnastics, and swimming events. It is not amateur hour. But ...

"Has anyone ever hit me? No," Josh said. "I'm assuming that's one of the things I'm going to have to get used to."

That is a fair assumption on your part, Josh. Springer's hometown Dayton Daily News is filled with dire warnings ("They've never been through anything like this," an OSU assistant coach ominously intones, "Guys could disappear at any time") and cautionary tales of other unlikely Buckeyes left with permanent injuries ("Gentry had been a walk-on punter pressed into service as a scout-team receiver. But even he had played in high school"). So far, though, Springer does have a few things going for him: a) He's from an athletic family and allegedly runs an impressive 4.47 40-yard dash, b) Ohio State ranked a dismal 105th nationally in passing offense last year and loses its top two receivers, c) Buckeye coach Jim Tressel actually helped recruit him to the cheerleading squad and d) He's already mastered the fundamentals of living the life of a varsity athlete:

Walk-on tryouts took place Feb. 11. Springer was in math class when [assistant coach Greg] Gillum texted him with the good news [that Springer had passed the tryout]. He left class and called his parents.

Math! Who needs it? You're in the firmament now, kid.

- - -
Hat Tip: Eleven Warriors.