COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Two years ago, Thaddeus Gibson was close to leaving the Ohio State football team because he felt he was a forgotten man.

Now he's one of the best defensive linemen in the Big Ten and part of a front wall that is the strength of the No. 17 Buckeyes.

A junior, he's a starting defense end for the Buckeyes. He was an acclaimed linebacker recruit out of Euclid High School in suburban Cleveland, known for his pass rush.

At Ohio State, he was shifted to defensive line, behind several quality players. He redshirted his first year, then played special teams and seldom got in on defense.

Gibson channeled his disappointment into hard work. He became a starter a year ago and is currently the Big Ten's co-defensive player of the week after recording a career-high three sacks in Saturday's 38-7 win over Minnesota.