No one knew the little boy from Centerville, Ohio, who always wore Florida State hats and got roughed up by his older brothers would become one of the most valued Ohio State linebackers.

“I always could tell watching A.J. play that he was a great athlete,” said A.J. Hawk’s older brother Ryan Hawk. “Seeing him play his freshman year was when I think it became without a doubt obvious that A.J. would be a great athlete beyond high school football.”

A.J. and Ryan Hawk grew up to set records together at Centerville High School – the same high school OSU place kicker Mike Nugent and former quarterback Kirk Herbstreit emerged from. The two star brothers split ways when Ryan Hawk graduated and left to play for Ohio University.

A.J. Hawk, a sophomore, played at Centerville for two more years under coach Ron Ullery before joining the Buckeye football team.

“Growing up so close to Columbus, you watch them play, and when you get the opportunity to play for a team like that, it is impossible to turn down, especially knowing talented guys like Herbstreit and Nugent went there,” A.J. Hawk said. “I knew I wanted to go there if they would have me.”

Hawk chose the OSU football program over Penn State’s program, then made his first career start against the Nittany Lions when linebacker Cie Grant was injured last year.

When Hawk first stepped into the Ohio Stadium, some critics commented on his 40-yard dash times, which did not quite match up to Grant’s times. It did not take long for A.J. Hawk to prove those critics wrong.

“I did not realize I was slow until I got here,” Hawk said. “I just played as hard as I could and did not worry about numbers.”

Already this year, he has tallied up 88 tackles, four sacks and two interceptions.

“I am biased as A.J.’s brother, but I try to look at him objectively, too,” Ryan Hawk said. “It is undeniable that he is one of the best linebackers in the country. He has a strong, determined work ethic but keeps his mouth shut. He is too humble to tell you, but he is one of the best and only improves each time out.”

Hawk is quick to credit his accomplishments to the support of his family. His older brothers, Matt and Ryan taught him the basics of sports and the value of competition in everything from pingpong to tennis. His dad also coached his little league games.

“My parents are the reasons for us being who we are,” Hawk said. “They do not miss a game and developed a strict work ethic in us.”

Ryan Hawk agreed.

“It makes doing what we do easier knowing they are always behind us,” he said.

Judy and Keith Hawk take turns going to OSU games because while one parent cheers for A.J. Hawk and the Buckeyes, the other watches Ryan Hawk play quarterback at OU.

Hawk also values the coaches he has played for throughout his football career. He said the respect his high school coach Bob Gregg commanded was one reason he chose to concentrate on football rather than continuing as the starting point guard for Centerville.

Now at OSU, Hawk is under the direction of coach Jim Tressel and works closely with defensive coordinator Mark Dantonio.

“Dantonio always tells us ‘stay tight and play together well,'” Hawk said.

Results are proving this attitude to be the core of a successful team. The OSU defensive team is acclaimed as one of the best in the nation, and many players agree that the secret to success is unity.

“We are sitting in the driver’s seat right now, and we have accomplished that as a team,” defensive tackle Tim Anderson said.

Hawk is quick to acknowledge his teammates. His answer to every question of how he makes amazing plays is a nod to his defensive teammates.

“The guys in front of me do a great job,” Hawk said. “You have guys like Tim Anderson grabbing two guys at a time, and it frees me up to go after the ball.”

The Buckeyes have not gone without drama this year, but Hawk has been careful not to allow the off-field actions of some of his teammates distract his focus on the game.

“I just concentrate on the game and let the media take care of that stuff,” he said.

Tressel also makes efforts to guide the players from making questionable decisions outside of the game. Hawk said Tressel reminds them to remember who they are and to be smart because anything they do can be on the news tomorrow.

“We know the scandals make news and many people like to read about that, but we are here to play football,” Hawk said.

Hawk not only concentrates on football today but says his long term goal is to remain healthy and active in the game for years.

“Football is important to me; I just feel the most comfortable out there,” he said.