Post-OSU Update: Sian Cotton transferred to Youngstown State after the 2005 season. That summer, Cotton badly injured his foot in an ATV accident on his friend LeBron James’ property. The injury caused him to miss the football season. He then transferred to NAIA Walsh University for the 2008 football season. That season, the LeBron James high school documentary “More Than a Game” was released and Cotton missed the movie’s premiere to play a game for Walsh.

After football, Cotton launched a career as a rapper. His single “Almost Home” was included by LeBron in the video game NBA 2K14. (updated: Aug. 2025)

Pronunciation: SHE-on

Major: Communications (2005), Business Management (2004)

Weight: 315 (2005), 295 (2004)

2005 Media Guide: One of a group of promising young defensive lineman that dot the Ohio State roster … has not seen any action his first two years, but hopes to change that this year and lock up a spot in the defensive-line rotation … certainly has the size and strength to be a force inside … coaches are hoping he can help in goal line and short yardage situations … is the big tackle that good teams feature and has surprising agility for his size … has a chance to be very good.

2004 Media Guide: First name is pronounced SHE-on … was part of the 2003 freshman class but joined the Buckeyes late and was redshirted … has a bright future … has size and athletic ability (played basketball alongside LeBron James in high school) and should add quality depth to the youthful defensive line in 2004.

High School: Played on both offense and defense in high school … named to the All-Summit County team as both a junior and senior … won first-team all-Ohio honors in Division IV and played in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl … finished his senior season with 84 tackles and 13 sacks, that on the heels of 67 stops and nine sacks as a junior … also a standout basketball player for the nationally-ranked Irish … bench presses 300 pounds.

Personal: Is the son of Lee and Debra Cotton … lists the Cleveland Cavaliers as his favorite professional team … writes music as a hobby … the 2003 Fiesta Bowl is his top football memory from a year ago … would like to be on the OSU rifle team if not playing football for the Buckeyes.