By Nick Wagoner
Senior Writer

At Ohio State, going to the NFL has become a birthright of sorts. As much as any team in college football, the Buckeyes have become a pipeline to the NFL, especially for linebackers.

This year that tradition will continue as a pair of linebackers are certain to be drafted in the first round and another could be chose later in the draft. Headlining that class is Aaron James Hawk, better known to fans of the scarlet and gray as A.J.

If there’s one linebacker, perhaps one defender in the whole draft that could change a defense immediately, it’s probably Hawk.

“There's one guy," Cleveland Browns coach Romeo Crennel said. “He's right down the street (in) Columbus. The initials are 'A.J.'”

While Crennel did his best at the combine to not name names, the word is most definitely out on Hawk’s immense talent.

At Ohio State, Hawk was a two-time All American and won the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year award for his performance a season ago. He added the Lombardi award also for his 121-tackle, 9.5-sack performance.

According to one NFC scout, Hawk has little to no weaknesses in his game. He can rush the passer, is stout against the run and versatile enough to play any of the linebacker positions in any defense.

“I think most teams want me on the inside in a 3-4 from what I have heard, but I have done both at OSU,” Hawk said. “Either one I feel comfortable with. I don’t feel like I’m set in stone on which I would do MIC or WIL.”

Hawk’s production isn’t limited to what he does on the field, either. He has the freakish workout statistics to go with it. At Ohio State’s Pro Day, some scouts clocked Hawk as low as 4.4 seconds in the 40-yard dash with the consensus having him in the 4.42-4.49 range.

In addition to the physical skills and production, Hawk is ultra-competitive, always looking to compete. He was one of a handful of top prospects to take part in all of the drills at the NFL Scouting Combine in February.

For all of those reasons, Hawk has drawn comparisons to some of the great Ohio State linebackers of the past. Chris Spielman, Pepper Johnson, Andy Katzenmoyer, Mike Vrabel, Tom Cousineau and Randy Gradishar have not only paved the way for Hawk, but helped him along the way.

“At Ohio State, there is so much tradition, especially at the linebacker spot that it’s an honor to be there,” Hawk said. “I had a great four years there, great coaches. That’s the best thing about being there; the older guys would come back and tell you what they did, how they did things and how to handle yourself on and off the field. I have a lot of respect for them. Obviously, I grew up hearing about them from my dad and other people and I couldn’t have asked for a better four years than Ohio State.”

Most mock drafts have Hawk going no lower than No. 5 to Green Bay, where he would once again be a part of a strong tradition. But there have been rumblings in recent weeks that New Orleans might have genuine interest in Hawk with the second pick.

The Rams love Hawk, but probably cost themselves any chance at grabbing him by beating Dallas in the final week of the season. Some might think taking Hawk in the top five is too high for a linebacker, but Hawk said he hopes to change that perception.

“It’s a position where a lot of times they say they don’t want to draft people too high because they think ‘how much of an impact can a linebacker have?’” Hawk said. “Obviously with guys like Shawne Merriman this year and Lofa Tatupu had huge years and so I think the linebacker position is – with all of the defenses they are playing and with the offenses they have to face, one week facing the spread offense and the next week a team is trying to pound the ball on you – you have to be able to do a little bit of everything. That’s the tough thing about playing in college and it’s even magnified in the NFL.”

One player who won’t be going that high, but is also considered a first-round pick is Bobby Carpenter, Hawk’s partner in crime for the Buckeyes. Carpenter doesn’t have the all around skills of Hawk, but he brings the same intensity and passion for the game, not to mention a desire to get to the quarterback and hit anything that moves.

At almost 6’3, 256 pounds, Carpenter is the prototype for a pass rushing outside linebacker whether in a 4-3 or 3-4 defense. Carpenter even spent time last season lining up as a defensive end. He finished last season with 49 tackles, 10 for loss and eight sacks.

His versatility isn’t surprising considering his bloodlines. Carpenter is the son of former Houston Oilers running back Rob Carpenter.

“A lot of people talked to me about my dad and even more since I got here,” Carpenter said. “I wasn’t allowed to play until I was 13. He never really pushed me and he always made sure the door was open for whatever I want do.  We have a strong, competitive family and everyone wants to be the best.”

That competitive family expanded after Carpenter’s arrival at Ohio State. Carpenter, Hawk and middle linebacker Anthony Schlegel (who should land somewhere on day two) were in constant competition to get the most tackles, the most sacks and the most interceptions.

That trio even decided as a group to grow its hair out in tribute to former Arizona Cardinal Pat Tillman, who was killed overseas after leaving football to join the military.

“We have been in competition with each other the last three year,” Carpenter said. “Everyone wants the most tackles, the most sacks, the most interceptions and it fuels you and makes you better. It’s all in good fun. I am happy for those guys when they do well.”

Come Saturday’s draft, there should be plenty to be happy about for the next batch of Ohio State linebackers.