Nader Abdallah

After three years of not being a factor for the Buckeyes because of a poor work ethic and weight issues, Abdallah came on as a starter the second half of 2007 (19 tackles, three for loss). He continued his improvement throughout his senior season, earning honorable mention All-Big Ten honors with 33 tackles, six for loss and four pass breakups. Abdallah's family (originally from Palestine) lost their home and business in Hurricane Katrina. His life experiences caused a shift in his attitude and maturity that could help to make him a late-round pick.

positives

Tall and strong on the nose, able to hold his ground against double teams. ... Fair initial quickness off the snap. ... Stands up his man and keeps his eyes in the backfield to find the ball. ... Uses his hands well when one-on-one, keeping them active to prevent getting stuck. ... Rips off his man laterally to pressure the quarterback or negate the cutback lane. ... Improving hustle and chase during his senior year. ... Has matured significantly on the field and as a leader.

negatives

Not great in any one area, as he does not have great bulk, straight-line speed or strength. ... Loses his balance when trying to change direction quickly. ... Only occasionally gets to the quarterback, typically in "coverage sack" situations. ... Plays with a high pad level at times and will get walked off the line. ... Rarely bull rushes his man into the pocket. ... Just over one year as a productive college player.

Enjoyed a very productive senior year, recording 76 tackles, including 11 quarterback sacks, in eight games

Also had two interceptions and swatted down five passes

Rated the eighth-best defensive tackle in the country by Prep Football Report and the 30th best nationally by Rivals.com

Played in the U.S. Army All-American game in San Antonio

Led Archbishop Rummel to the state playoffs in 2003 and collected four sacks, two batted passes, a fumble recovery and a forced fumble in a 7-5 loss to Shreveport Evangel

Was the first student-athlete from Louisiana to sign with Ohio State since Jonathan Wells.

Is the son of Younes and Izzieh Abdallah.