Major: Business (1999), Undecided (1996-97)

Weight: 305 (1999), 295 (1996-97)

1999 Media Guide: Ben Gilbert isn’t the kind of person who goes looking for attention. He doesn’t have to. His play on the football field commands enough attention for the three-year starting guard. Gilbert, called “one of the best if not the best guard in the Big Ten Conference,” by line coach Mike Jacobs, is a national post-season honors candidate and an explosive lineman who has steadily improved to the point where Jacobs says “we have high expectations for Ben as a player and as a leader.” Those expectations have roots in the fact that Gilbert was named the 1998 Jim Parker Award winner, which goes to Ohio State’s top offensive lineman and is voted on by the coaching staff. Gilbert is a veteran of 33 games, 25 starts and 621 minutes played. He will have been married to his high school sweetheart, Holli Harmon, for almost three years by the time he receives his diploma next fall.

1998: A 12 game starter at right guard who not only was named Ohio State’s outstanding offensive lineman, but was also named second-team all-Big Ten Conference by the coaches and media. Had an outstanding year helping the Buckeyes to over 500 yards per game of total offense including nearly 200 rushing yards per game. Recorded the key block that helped spring Michael Wiley on a 53-yard touchdown run against Michigan that set the stage for Ohio State’s huge win. Logged 264 minutes played.

1997: Was a fixture on the right side, logging more than 300 minutes while starting all 13 games at right guard. Played 35 minutes in the Nokia Sugar Bowl against Florida State. Selected as the Buckeyes’ Co-Offensive Lineman of the Week following the Michigan State game.

1997 Media Guide: Emerged from spring practice as the leading candidate to replace three-year starter LeShun Daniels on the right side … played in eight games last year as a true freshman,
logging a total of 58 minutes as the backup to Rob Murphy on the left side … made a big splash early and actually challenged Murphy for playing time, but then settled into the No. 2 spot on the depth chart … longest stint in 1996 was 19 minutes against Pittsburgh (also saw action as a blocking back in that game) … also played 11 minutes against Minnesota … competitive and smart and appears to have all the makings of a future all-star for the Buckeyes.

High School: Associated Press second-team all-Ohio (Division I) … First team all-central district and all-Agonis club … Rated the ninth best offensive lineman in the Midwest by Bluechip Illustrated … Rated the 59th best player in the Midwest by SuperPrep … Rated the 80th best player in the Midwest by Prep Foorball Report … Rated the 19th best player in Ohio by The Ohio Football Recruiting News … Helped lead Lancaster to the state playoffs as a sophomore and junior and to two league titles the same two years … The defending Ohio State champion in the shotput … Also a two-time Jr. National shotput titlist … Lettered three times in football and track … Played in the annual Ohio-Pennsylvania Big 33 all-star game … High school coach was Tom McCardy.

Personal: Also plans to throw the shotput at OSU … Chose Ohio State because “of the great tradition and program – and it has always been my dream to be a Buckeye”… is undecided on major … Has two sisters … is an avid catfish fisherman and also enjoys hunting … leaning toward a business career … In 1999, Gilbert was one of three married players on the team (Ahmed Plummer and Matt LaVrar are the others). His wife, Holli, is a physicians assistant at Mt. Carmel East … Full name is Benjamin William Gilbert.