Ohio State Sets New School Record at NFL Draft – Ohio State Buckeyes
4/27/2004 12:00:00 AM | Football
April 27, 2004
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio State University football program set a new standard this past weekend when 14 student-athletes were selected in the seven-round National Football League (NFL) draft. That total represents the most players drafted from one school since the NFL went to a seven-round format 11 years ago. The 14 draftees also represents a new Ohio State record, eclipsing the old mark of 12 set in 1971 and equaled in 1975 in the then 17-round draft.
As anticipated, All-American defensive end Will Smith, the Big Ten’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2004, was the first player taken on Saturday. He went to New Orleans with the 18th pick in the first round. Defensive back Chris Gamble and split end Michael Jenkins also went in the first round. Gamble was selected by the Carolina Panthers with the 28th overall pick and Jenkins, the school’s career leader in receiving yardage, heard his name called by the Atlanta Falcons on the very next pick.
Tight end Ben Hartsock (Indianapolis), defensive tackles Tim Anderson (Buffalo) and Darrion Scott (Minnesota) and punter B.J. Sander (Green Bay) all went in the third round, giving the Buckeyes an NFL record seven players taken on the first day.
Seven more Ohio State players were selected on Sunday, including All-America safety Will Allen, quarterback Craig Krenzel and offensive linemen Alex Stepanovich, Adrien Clarke and Shane Olivea. Additionally, quarterback Scott McMullen signed a free-agent contract with Philadelphia on Monday, meaning 15 Ohio State players will be in rookie camp later this spring. “We are extremely happy for these young men,” said Ohio State coach Jim Tressel. “I know they and their families must be very proud.
“It is certainly appropriate to give credit to Coach (John) Cooper and his staff for an outstanding recruiting effort, and to compliment our assistant coaches and weight coaches for helping those players reach their full potential
“These players have proven they are winners during their stay at Ohio State. I am sure they will enjoy more success at the next level. We will miss them as student-athletes and as young men.”
| Name | Pos | Rd. | Pk(Ovr) | Team |
| Will Smith | DE | 1 | 18(18) | New Orleans |
| Chris Gamble | CB | 1 | 28(28) | Carolina |
| Michael Jenkins | WR | 1 | 29(29) | Atlanta |
| Ben Hartsock | TE | 3 | 5(68) | Indianapolis |
| Tim Anderson | DT | 3 | 11(74) | Buffalo |
| B.J. Sander | P | 3 | 24(87) | Green Bay |
| Darrion Scott | DE | 3 | 25(88) | Minnesota |
| Alex Stepanovich | C | 4 | 4(100) | Arizona |
| Will Allen | S | 4 | 15(111) | Tampa Bay |
| Craig Krenzel | QB | 5 | 16(148) | Chicago |
| Drew Carter | WR | 5 | 31(163) | Carolina |
| Robert Reynolds | ILB | 5 | 33(165) | Tennessee |
| Shane Olivea | OT | 7 | 8(209) | San Diego |
| Adrien Clarke | OG | 7 | 26(227) | Philadelphia |
| Scott McMullen | QB | FA | Philadelphia |
