Major: Business (1999-00), Sport & Leisure Studies (1998)

Jersey #: 74 (1997-00), 76 (1995)

Weight: 330 (1997-00), 310 (1995)

2000 Media Guide: Eric Smith is in his fourth and final year with the Ohio State football program and is looking to finish things on a high note. The 330-pound Smith is a strong, physical, versatile lineman who can play many positions. “Eric has a great attitude,” George Belu, offensive line coach, said. “He’ll jump in and go to any position for us. His big asset is his willingness to do what we ask of him and his attitude toward football. Those attributes can carry a person a long way.”

1999: Played in three games at guard … recorded 16 total minutes of playing time … logged a career-high 10 minutes of action against Iowa.

1999 Media Guide: Eric Smith is a big, strong and physical football player who is now concentrating on the offensive guard position after time as an offensive tackle. “Eric was out of [his normal] position this spring but he is now getting used to the guard position,” offensive coordinator Mike Jacobs said. “He can be a physically dominating player and he is a solid one-on-one blocker.” Smith has been with the Buckeyes two full season and has played in three games.

1998: Missed some of spring drills with a left ankle sprain. Played three minutes vs. Toledo for his most extended playing time of the year.

1998 Media Guide: A massive, strong and potentially outstanding athlete who is fighting for playing time at offensive tackle … excellent drive blocker … offensive line coach Mike Jacobs says Eric “is a very physical player …he is a physically dominating right tackle … he is a solid one-on-one blocker” … originally signed with the Buckeyes in 1995, but spent some time away from the game … a very highly regarded high school player and could be a real bonus if he can get back into the swing of things … he did miss some of this year’s spring camp due to a left ankle sprain.

1997: Saw his first collegiate action with stints in the Wyoming and Northwestern games.

1997 Media Guide: Originally signed with the Buckeyes in 1995, but has sat out the past two seasons … practiced for the first time last spring … is a big, strong and potentially outstanding athlete, but his time away from the game is a concern … emerged from spring ball as a backup on the right side … good drive blocker … was a very highly regarded high school player and could be a real bonus this year if he can get back into the swing of things.

High School: One of the top players in central Ohio last year … earned second team Division II All-Ohio and first team All-Central District honors as a senior … also was selected to the Columbus Dispatch/Agonis Club Central Ohio All-Star Team … twice named All-City League … played both ways in high school, but is expected to concentrate on offense with the Buckeyes.

Personal: A brother, Damon, plays football at Bowling Green, and another, Kenn, plays basketball at Akron … plans to major in marketing at Ohio State … hobbies include weightlifting and playing basketball.