Major: Undeclared (2002-03)

Weight: 230 (2002-03)

2003 Media Guide: A.J. Hawk is one of the young lions on defense … expected to take over for graduated Cie Grant at the “will” linebacker spot … played his way into the two-deep last year as a true freshman and demonstrated a penchant for making big plays … is tough, smart and aggressive … coming off a solid spring … was the leading tackler in the spring game with 14 total stops, 13 of which were solos … makes good things happen when he is on the field … has made tremendous progress in a short period of time and has the potential to be a special player if he continues to work hard and is able to remain healthy.

2002 Season: Was the backup to Cie Grant at the weak-side linebacker spot … recorded 26 tackles as a true freshman, 13 solo and 13 assisted … had 3.5 tackles-for-loss including a half-sack against Washington State … had two interceptions, including one he returned 34 yards for a score against Kent State … had five tackles and made his first career start against Penn State … intercepted Penn State’s Zach Mills on the Nittany Lions firsts possession and returned it 10 yards … also had five tackles against Kent State and Wisconsin … came off the bench at Wisconsin and played the entire second half in place of the injured Grant.

2002 Media Guide: Missed much of his senior year because of injury, but still finished the campaign with 82 tackles … a much more accurate reflection of his ability can be found in his 583 career tackles (142 as a freshman, 192 as a sophomore and 169 as a junior) … always around the ball and has demonstrated a penchant for making plays … played the middle in high school, but clearly has the ability to move to an outside position with the Buckeyes … rated as the nation’s 30th best outside linebacker by Rivals.com … also averaged over 40 yards as a punter his senior year … is the son of Keith and Judy Hawk … high school coach – Ron Ullery … born Jan. 6, 1984.