We're counting down the days to kickoff with “99 Warriors,” the greatest Ohio State Buckeyes by jersey number, as voted by the staff of Eleven Warriors.
No. 72 Dan Wilkinson
Dan Wilkinson began his Buckeye career as a scout team offensive tackle, but ended it as a consensus All-American defensive lineman and became the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft.
DT Dan Wilkinson
1991-93
b. March 13, 1973 (Dayton, OH)
- Big Ten Champion (1993)
- All-Big Ten (1992, 93)
- Consensus All-American (1993)
- No. 1 Overall Pick in NFL Draft (1994)
Wilkinson was redshirted and sent to the scout team his freshman season, where he transformed from a 350-pound offensive lineman into one of the most dominant defensive tackles in the country. He lost nearly 50 pounds over the course of a year and earned a starting spot on defense the following season.
His sophomore season – his first as a starter – Wilkinson racked up 46 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks, earning him All-Big Ten honors. The following season, Wilkinson continued his dominance, finishing the season with 44 tackles and 13 tackles for loss to help lead the Buckeyes to their first Big Ten title in seven seasons and earn himself consensus All-American honors.
Wilkinson did not return for his senior season, and was selected No. 1 overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 1994 NFL Draft. He went on to play 13 seasons in the league, racking up 54.5 sacks throughout his career.
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Photo: Ohio State Dept. of Athletics
