Pronunciation: STED

Major: Art (2001-02), Undeclared (2000)

Weight: 250 (2002), 255 (1999-01)

2002 Media Guide: Nate Stead hopes to return to action this year after sitting out the 2001 campaign with stress fractures in both tibias … was able to practice in the spring and should be full speed ahead in the fall … good blocker who likes to hit and won’t hesitate to take on a linebacker … has exceptional quickness and a low center of gravity that allows him to get under a would-be defender’s pads … will help, too, on the special teams.

2001 Season: Began the season as the backup fullback, but was forced to sit out because of the stress fractures which began bothering him during bowl practice.

2001 Media Guide: Nate Stead saw action in all 12 games last year as a reserve fullback and as a member of the special teams … good blocker who likes to hit and won’t hesitate to take on a linebacker … has exception quickness and a low center of gravity that allows him to get under a would-be defender’s pads … will compete in the fall for the backup spot … good football player.

2000 Season: Played in all 12 games and earned his first letter.

2000 Media Guide: Potential is the name of the game for Nate Stead, who’s built like a truck and just looks like a football player. Stead is a powerful blocker who at 255 pounds, packs a resounding punch. He’s got the build of a fullback with quick feet, a low center of gravity and loads of strength. Tim Spencer, running backs coach, said Stead must learn to become more of a technician. “Nate lacks in technique but likes to hit. He has a lot of potential and needs to continue to learn.” Stead was an attentive understudy to Jamar Martin last year, a player similar to Stead in style and body make-up. Stead and Jesse Kline should both see action this year behind Martin.

1999: Played in four games … the only true freshman on the OSU roster to run the ball and the only newcomer to catch a pass … became the primary backup at fullback when starter Matt Keller was injured … totaled 2 carries for 8 yads, with his runs coming against Ohio University and Cincinnati … caught a 10-yard pass against Ohio University … also saw action against Iowa and Illinois … first carry of his career went for 5 yards against Ohio.

High School: Fullback missed four games as a senior because of a strained medial collateral ligament at the start of the season … a powerful blocker who was used extensively in that role, he still managed to gain 500 yards in eight games and help lead Harding High to the state playoffs.