Post-OSU Update: Ryan Pickett was selected in the first-round (29th overall) of the 2001 NFL Draft. Pickett went on to have a decorated NFL career, playing 207 games over 14 seasons, winning a Super Bowl with the St. Louis Rams. Pickett made 583 tackles in 185 career starts with the Rams, Packers, and Texans. (updated: Apr. 2022)

Major: Undeclared (1998-00)

Weight: 290 (1998-00)

2000 Media Guide: Ryan Pickett’s value is rising. One of several Ohio State awards candidates on the defensive front four, Pickett owns quick feet, a massive frame and superior strength – a rare combination that will allow him to dominate the trenches. Many believe the strength of a defense is up the middle. If this is the case, Ohio State fans can breathe easy with Pickett’s 290-pounds of pass rushing, run stuffing mayhem. He has improved noticeably each season and at times seems to improve each game. Off-season workouts brought his weight down 20 pounds, following his freshman year and 10 more pounds last season, while at the same time improving his strength and quickness and leaving him a muscle-laden 290 pounds. Pickett has been a fixture on the OSU defensive front for two years and owns the longest consecutive-start streak among all defensive players (21 games). After learning the defensive system his rookie season, fellow Buckeyes were amazed at how quickly the massive Pickett came off the line. “He has great instincts,” Jim Heacock, defensive line coach, said. “He reacts well to the football and to different blocking schemes. He’s one of our best run defenders.” Pickett came to Ohio State two years ago with a trophy case overflowing with high school accolades. This might just be the year he starts a new one containing his college awards.

1999: Started all 12 games at defensive tackle … an honorable mention all-Big Ten selection by the coaches … ranked second among all defensive lineman in minutes played with 266, including a season-high 29 against Michigan State … recorded a season- and career-high seven tackles on two occasions: vs. Cincinnati and vs. Michigan State … one of only four players on the team to record at least nine tackles-for-loss and three sacks … sacks came against UCLA, Wisconsin and Iowa … notched at least four tackles in five games … recorded at least one TFL in eight games.

1999 Media Guide: A slimmed down, quicker and stronger Ryan Pickett cannot wait to take the field in 1999. Well on his way to becoming a dominant defensive lineman, this rising star in the Buckeyes’ program is coming off a terrific freshman season in which he played more than any other freshman. He was the only true freshman in the starting lineup. “Ryan had an excellent offseason, conditioning and getting stronger,” tackles coach Jim Heacock said. “He is stronger and quicker and has a great deal of ability. Plus he has great instincts.” This season as a sophomore he should become even more of an anchor along a talented defensive line.

1998: Played more than any other freshman with 150 minutes and was the only true freshman to start. Made his first collegiate start against Penn State and never lost the promotion, starting the final nine games of the season at defensive tackle. Ranked third among defensive lineman with 22 tackles. Included were five tackles for loss totaling 19 yards with two QB sacks. Shared first-year defensive player of the year award with fellow tackle Mike Collins. Recorded his first collegiate tackle for loss in the huge win over Penn State. Recorded three tackles against Michigan State, Iowa and Michigan.

1998 Media Guide: A consensus high school All-American who was named one of the top 25 players in the country as a senior by the National Recruiting Advisor … recorded 119 tackles and seven sacks as a senior … a dominant lineman with terrific speed who played like a linebacker … a relentless pass rusher who played his best games against the best competition … has an older brother, Booker, who played football at Miami … born Oct. 8, 1979.