Ohio State Buckeyes at The NFL Combine

The NFL Combine runs from February 24, 2010 to March 2nd in Indianapolis and four OSU Buckeyes have been invited to attend. Senior Safety Kurt Coleman, Junior Defensive End Thaddeus Gibson, Senior Kicker Aaron Pettrey, and Senior Defensive Tackle Doug Worthington. 18 graduating Buckeyes have been preparing for the OSU Pro Day in addition to the NFL Combine since their season ended with a Rose Bowl victory on January 1st.

By Steve Patterson

When NFL scouts attend the NFL Combine or travel to Columbus for Ohio State’s Pro Day, they are looking to measure many things in the athletes available, including speed, strength, agility, reasoning and character. The tests aren’t necessarily testing abilities needed to play well on the football field. For many it’s like returning to high school track practice where speed and reaction time are most important. But it’s a good chance to prove what they have learned and trained for while at the university overall.

The intense workouts the football players endure to prepare for the pro events become a full-time job leading up to the days. The staff continues to work with the players and fine tune their abilities to test well in all necessary aspects. Eric Litcher, Ohio State’s training and conditioning coach, puts in the most effort working individually with each football player who is leaving.

Thaddeus Gibson is one of the standouts that is expected to be drafted in the first round. He is leaving the program a year early but should be rewarded if the 6’3” 240 lbs defensive end is selected as high as anticipated. Unlike some in the past that left Columbus for workout facilities, Gibson stayed in town and has been training at the Woody Hayes facility. He has looked at the Wunderlich test and is considered of good character by everyone in the system in addition to being a great athlete. He feels that he will remain a part of the Buckeye family even after he has left for his next occupation.