After finishing the 2014 season with three consecutive 200+ yard games, Ezekiel Elliott became a local hero around Columbus. His presence locally will be felt for a long time as the Columbus Zoo announced the naming of a Humboldt penguin chick, Zeke. Even better, the cute penguins father's name is Tressel.
The sophomore running back was named the 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship Offensive MVP and will likely carry a large portion of the running load next season. Last season, Elliott rushed for 1,878 yards and 18 touchdowns. Some NFL media types even went as far as to suggest he skip his *junior season* despite being draft ineligible, and Elliott's said to have told new Buckeye RB Mike Weber that he plans on leaving after this coming fall.
Luckily for Buckeye fans, they will be able to go visit Zeke anytime they want by heading north of the city and visiting the penguin exhibit at the zoo:
BABY ANIMAL ALERT! Meet Zeke, a Humboldt #penguin chick. He hatched on 2/20 & now weighs 10 ounces! pic.twitter.com/RpGyDnbLAh
— Columbus Zoo (@ColumbusZoo) March 3, 2015
(H/T: Bleacher Report)