Post-OSU Update: Alex Stepanovich was the 100th overall selection (4th round) of the 2004 NFL Draft by Arizona. Stepanovich started 16 games for the Cardinals in his rookie season, but then saw his career beset by injuries, starting nine games in 2005 and five in 2006. Stepanovich continued to struggle with injuries and played in two more seasons, one with Cincinnati and another with Atlanta. (updated: Oct. 2022)

Major: Journalism & Communication (2003), Undeclared (2001)

Weight: 300 (2003), 310 (2002), 285 (2001), 270 (2000)

2003 Media Guide: Alex Stepanovich heads into his senior year regarded as one of the top centers in college football … has been named to several preseason All-America teams and is the No. 1 college center in the nation according to The Sporting News, which ranks Ohio State’s offensive line as the best in the nation … named to the “watch list” for the Rimington Award and will be a candidate for the Outland Trophy (won by the Buckeyes’ Orlando Pace in 1997) … will be in his second year as a starter … coming off a sensational 2002 season in which he was the Buckeyes’ most consistent lineman … strong, quick and smart … makes all the calls up front … played at 315 pounds last year, but feels he can be even more effective this year between 295 and 300 … appears to be in the best shape of his career … can also play guard and did so on occasion in 2002 … 17 career starts include three at guard in 2001.

2002 Season: Was an iron man, starting every game and enjoyed an outstanding first year as the starting center … played 391 minutes, the second highest total on the team … was named OSU offensive lineman of the week following the Washington State, Cincinnati, Penn State, Minnesota, Illinois and Michigan games … had no center-quarterback miscues even though he and quarterback Craig Krenzel were both first-year starters.

2002 Media Guide: Alex Stepanovich is the heir apparent to All-America and Rimington Award winner LeCharles Bentley at center … has big shoes to fill, but the Ohio State coaching staff believes he is capable of stepping into those shoes … worked hard during winter conditioning to improve his strength and weight (up 17 pounds from last year) … played well in the spring and showed signs of being able to run the show up front, including making all the calls along the line … is an outstanding technician and an intelligent player … has played in 19 games and has three starts to his credit, all of the latter coming at left guard … his emergence in the spring has eased the minds of the offensive coaches.

2001 Season: Played in 10 games during the regular season for a total of 131 minutes … started against UCLA , Indiana and South Carolina … played 30 minutes at Michigan when Adrien Clarke moved to right tackle as a replacement for the injured Shane Olivea (broken ankle) … played his best football late in the year.

2001 Media Guide: Alex Stepanovich is expected to start at left guard … was the backup there last season behind Mike Gurr … also can play center … is an excellent young football player … very savvy and sound from a technique standpoint … makes few mistakes and is a hard worker … was the first freshman to crack the two-deep last year … the OSU coaching staff would like to see him add weight, but really likes his potential … should be a mainstay along the offensive line the next three years.

2000 Season: Impressed the coaches early with his quick grasp of the offense … played in seven games.

High School: USA Today honorable mention All-American … rated the No. 17 offensive line prospect in the nation by Rivals100.com … rated the No. 4 offensive line prospect in the Midwest and the No. 30 overall prospect in the Midwest by SuperPrep … ranked No. 19 overall prospect in the Midwest by The Detroit Free Press … special mention all-Ohio by The Associated Press … two-way starter at offensive guard and defensive end … had 14 sacks and 68 tackles as a junior.

Personal: His parents are Mack and Tina Stepanovich … brother Nick is a varsity wrestler at Ohio State … born Sept. 25, 1981.