Major: History (2004), Undeclared (2003)

Weight: 285 (2003-04)

2004 Media Guide: Another of several young defensive lineman who will get their shot at significant playing time in 2004 … made a place for himself as a true freshman at one of the Buckeyes’ deepest positions and enjoyed an outstanding rookie campaign … moved up to the No. 2 spot at defensive end behind Simon Fraser prior to the 2003 Fiesta Bowl … remained in great shape after showing up for his rookie camp ready to compete physically … enters fall camp in the No. 2 spot at left tackle.

2003: Played in the season opener against Washington and made an immediate statement by recording his first collegiate sack … played in 11 games and was credited with seven tackles, including a pair of sacks … also had a fumble recovery in the win over San Diego State … saw a career-high of six minutes of field time in the win over Northwestern.

High School: Won first-team All-Ohio honors in Division II and was the Associated Press District Defensive Player of the Year … a three-year starter on both sides of the ball, but is expected to line up with the defense once he enrolls at Ohio State … big, strong and fast … had 98 tackles, including 25 tackles-for-loss and 17 sacks as a senior … also blocked three kicks … 120 tackles and 16 sacks as a junior … ranked as the nation’s seventh-best defensive tackle prospect by Rivals.com … rated as the sixth-best overall prospect in the Midwest by SuperPrep … high school coach was Dan Thorpe.

Personal: Is the son of Leesa Patterson … has one sister, Devin … Miami, FL, is the most interesting place he has visited to date but would like to travel to Africa someday … grew up playing baseball, which he lists as his top childhood memory … the Fiesta Bowl win in 2003 was top memory of a year ago … “The Hive” where OSU players lock arms during pregame is his favorite OSU tradition … would be on the OSU baseball diamond if not on the gridiron for the Buckeyes.