Jersey #: 61 (1999-00), 71 (1997-98)

Major: Business (1998-00), Unknown (1997)

Weight: 285 (2000), 279 (1997-99)

2000 Media Guide: John Bates may not have had as much playing time as other members of the Ohio State football team the past four years but he does have his share of fans. A group of fanatics seated behind the OSU bench have dubbed themselves “The Bates Motel” and continually cheer for their favorite walk-on from New Jersey. One of the most vocal and visible players on the sideline that continually tries to motivate the 90,000-plus fans, Bates has been a key member of Ohio State’s scout team for the past four seasons. “John is a young man that is willing to do anything to help this football team. He’ll play any position. He has a great attitude.” George Belu, offensive line coach, said. His game action has been limited, but teammates and coaches continually admire his attitude and commitment to the program.

1999: Played in two games, UCLA and Iowa.

1999 Media Guide: John Bates is a four-year member of the Ohio State Buckeyes’ football team who has been utilized along the offensive line at both the tackle and guard positions. He is a young man who hasn’t lost sight of his goals, which is to graduate with a degree in family resource management. Bates received scholarship offers from a number of smaller schools after a solid career at powerful Cherry Hill East H.S., but chose Ohio State because he wanted to be a part of a major program. He can be seen in tense moments in games motioning and motivating the crowd to stand up and make some noise for the Buckeyes.

1998: Bates saw his first collegiate action as a junior in 1998 with game action in the wins over Northwestern and Illinois.

1998 Media Guide: A three-year member of the team … recipient of considerable work along the line during the 1998 spring drills … primarily a tackle … played in two games last year (Northwestern and Illinois) for his first collegiate action.

Personal: Attended Cherry Hill East High School, where he wrestled competed in track and played football … the son of Janice and John Bates … born Sept. 12, 1978.