Major: Biology (2001), Undeclared (1999-00)

Weight: 260 (2001), 250 (1999-00)

2001 Media Guide: Ben Hartsock is the Buckeyes’ No. 2 tight end and a solid all-around player … fine blocker and dangerous receiver with deceiving speed … used primarily in two-tight end sets and as the “H” back last year … caught only one pass a year ago, but figures to be more of a weapon in 2001 … hard-working, intelligent player who understands his role … should have an excellent year and has a very bright future … also an honor student (just two grades below an A since enrolling at Ohio State) … named to the Big Ten’s All-Academic team last year and will be a candidate for Academic All-America honors this year.

2000 Season: Played in all 12 games and started at Purdue … lone catch of the year was in the season opener against Fresno State (11 yards).

2000 Media Guide: Ben Hartsock is a promising young tight end that was redshirted last season and recovered from an ankle injury sustained in the summer. He has prototypical tight end size and is extremely fundamentally sound. “Ben is a very well-rounded tight end,” Bill Conley, tight ends coach, said. “He’s a good blocker and good receiver and has deceiving speed. He’s faster than a lot of people think he would be. He played numerous positions in high school from running back to linebacker to tight end to kicker. He’s very versatile.” Ohio State uses several two tight end sets, meaning Hartsock’s talents could be utilized frequently this season.

1999 Season: Redshirted.

High School: Selected first-team Division IV all-Ohio by the Associated Press as a senior … Recorded 86 receptions for 1,562 yards during his career … rushed for 356 yards and nine touchdowns as a senior … also recorded 61 tackles including 19 sacks on defense as a senior with four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.

Personal: The son of Patricia and Timothy Hartsock … enjoys racing dirt bikes and riding motorcycles … born July 5, 1980.