Post-OSU Update: Jake Ballard went unselected in the 2010 NFL Draft, but he did find some success in the NFL. He played regular season games in parts of three years, totaling 45 receptions for 679 yards (15.1 ypc) in 23 games. He started 13 games for the 2011 New York Giants. After football, Ballard started a career in real estate. (updated: Jun. 2023)

Major: Sport and Leisure Studies (2009), Undeclared (2006-08)

Weight: 256 (2008-09), 255 (2006-07)

2009 Media Guide: Skilled veteran tight end who will be a leader on offense … increasingly significant within the offense … often on the field in two-tight end sets … his size and strength make him a big target as a receiver … has shown ability to be a dominating edge blocker … John Mackey Award watch list.

2008: Rotating starter at tight end … eight-yard catch in Purdue win … 21-yard reception in Fiesta Bowl … third-year letterman.

2008 Media Guide: Constantly improving tight end who enters his third year in the Ohio State … has become increasingly significant within the offense … often on the field along with Rory Nicol in two-tight end sets … OSU coaches like his size and strength … is a big target as a receiver … has shown ability to be a dominating edge blocker.

2007: Shared starter’s role at tight end with Rory Nicol …13 catches for 149 yards for season with two scores … also played on two special units …14-yard touchdown catch from Todd Boeckman vs. Michigan State … 15-yard touchdown catch at Penn State … Jim Parker lineman of week: Akron, Washington … second-year letterman.

2007 Media Guide: Second year in the Ohio State program … steadily improved through his first season and spring.

2006: Played in ten games as the No. 2 tight end … had two catches for five yards … caught a touchdown pass in the 44-3 win vs. Indiana.

2006 Media Guide: OSU coaches like his size and strength … is a big target as a receiver and also has the ability to be a dominating edge blocker … ranked the No. 8 tight end prospect in the nation.

High School: In eight games as a senior, caught 22 passes for 363 yards and three touchdowns … was named Ohio’s 2005 Div. II Defensive Player of the Year after recording 35 solo tackles, 42 assists, 10 tackles behind the line of scrimmage and three quarterback sacks … 2004 and 2005 first-team all-league, district player of the year and All-Ohio … 2005 Reebok Preseason All-American … team captain as a senior … four-year letterman in football and basketball.

Personal: Son of Ben and Debby Ballard … dream vacation is the Bahamas … favorite American from history is Ulysses S. Grant … favorite former Buckeye is Ben Hartsock.