Major: Sport and Leisure Studies (2009), Undeclared (2006-08)

Weight: 256 (2008-09), 255 (2006-07)

2009 Media Guide: Skilled veteran tight end who will be a leader on offense … increasingly significant within the offense … often on the field in two-tight end sets … his size and strength make him a big target as a receiver … has shown ability to be a dominating edge blocker … John Mackey Award watch list.

2008:  Rotating starter at tight end … eight-yard catch in Purdue win … 21-yard reception in Fiesta Bowl … third-year letterman.

2008 Media Guide: Constantly improving tight end who enters his third year in the Ohio State … has become increasingly significant within the offense … often on the field along with Rory Nicol in two-tight end sets … OSU coaches like his size and strength … is a big target as a receiver … has shown ability to be a dominating edge blocker.

2007: Shared starter’s role at tight end with Rory Nicol …13 catches for 149 yards for season with two scores … also played on two special units …14-yard touchdown catch from Todd Boeckman vs. Michigan State … 15-yard touchdown catch at Penn State … Jim Parker lineman of week: Akron, Washington … second-year letterman.

2007 Media Guide: Second year in the Ohio State program … steadily improved through his first season and spring.

2006: Played in ten games as the No. 2 tight end … had two catches for five yards … caught a touchdown pass in the 44-3 win vs. Indiana.

2006 Media Guide: OSU coaches like his size and strength … is a big target as a receiver and also has the ability to be a dominating edge blocker … ranked the No. 8 tight end prospect in the nation.

High School: In eight games as a senior, caught 22 passes for 363 yards and three touchdowns … was named Ohio’s 2005 Div. II Defensive Player of the Year after recording 35 solo tackles, 42 assists, 10 tackles behind the line of scrimmage and three quarterback sacks … 2004 and 2005 first-team all-league, district player of the year and All-Ohio … 2005 Reebok Preseason All-American … team captain as a senior … four-year letterman in football and basketball.

Personal: Son of Ben and Debby Ballard … dream vacation is the Bahamas … favorite American from history is Ulysses S. Grant … favorite former Buckeye is Ben Hartsock.