Jersey #: 95 (2000-02), 96 (1999)

Major: Sociology (2001-02), Business (1999-00)

Weight: 290 (2002), 280 (1999-01)

2002 Media Guide: David Thompson is coming off a fine spring in which he cemented his position as the third defensive tackle and the backup to Kenny Peterson … is a fine athlete with excellent quickness and good size … has not played a lot during his career, but has always performed well when called upon …really started to blossom last year and wound up being a solid reserve who was utilized mostly in goal line and short-yardage situations … should have his best year in 2002.

2001 Season: Played in all 12 games and logged a career-high 40 minutes of playing time … finished the season with 12 tackles, including seven solos … had three tackles and a sack in the win over Purdue … also had a tackle-for-loss at Penn State.

2001 Media Guide: David Thompson is a big, physically intimidating player with good quickness … heads into fall camp at No. 2 on the depth chart behind Tim Anderson … will be an important part of the defensive line rotation … a good pass rusher because of his size and ability to bat down passes … expect to see him, too, in short-yardage and goal line situations, where his sheer bulk will create problems for opposing offenses … has added 25 pounds since enrolling … has always been a hard worker and is coming off a solid showing in the spring.

2000 Season: Did not see any game action.

2000 Media Guide: David Thompson continues to become more physically imposing and this year, will get his first real chance to put his 280 pounds to work. He has put on over 15 pounds and developed quicker feet since his arrival. “He’s a physical guy inside and always gives a great effort going for the football,” Jim Heacock, defensive line coach, said. Thompson is listed a primary backup at both defensive end and tackle.

1999: Played in five games … recorded seven minutes of playing time but did not record a tackle … played in each of the first three games.

1999 Media Guide: David Thompson has become much bigger and stronger in the one year he has been in the Ohio State program. Defensive tackles coach Jim Heacock said that “Thompson works very hard on the field and once he catches up with his added size he is going to be a fine football player for us.” Thompson spent the 1998 season as a redshirt, working at defensive tackle his entire first year.

High School: A standout at East High School who signed his letter of intent with the Buckeyes just before the start of fall camp. All-state as a senior and also picked up some All-American accolades.

Personal: The son of Patricia and Steven Thompson. A brother, Steven, will attend UConn this year and try and play football and basketball. A sister, Tasha, is a graduate of Rutgers. Born Aug., 23 1979.