Big expectations for Buckeyes' 'Big Hank'
May, 30, 2012
By Adam Rittenberg | ESPN.com
Johnathan Hankins has the least creative and most appropriate nickname on Ohio State's team: Big Hank.
The term big has followed Hankins from the moment he set (big) foot on Ohio State's campus. Even though Hankins has slimmed down significantly during his Buckeyes career -- he now checks in at 6-foot-3, 320 pounds -- the junior defensive tackle has a tough time escaping talk about his size. He's a big man with big-time skills.
Entering the 2012 season, he also has big expectations placed on his ... very big shoulders.
Eric Francis/Getty Images
Ohio State defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins, 52, has the potential to be an elite NFL prospect.
When ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr., issued his first Big Board for the 2013 NFL draft, Hankins was the first Big Ten player listed, at the No. 11 overall selection. Although Hankins has started just one season for the Buckeyes and didn't earn first- or second-team All-Big Ten honors in 2011, his next-level potential is obvious, even to more decorated members of Ohio State's defensive line.
"His ceiling's through the roof," Buckeyes defensive lineman John Simon told ESPN.com. "He's a playmaker for us, a big-time player. You're going to need two guys to take him up. With his ability and his size and how quick he moves for his size, he's a dual threat."
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