By: Tony Grossi (Cleveland Plain Dealer) -

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Thaddeus Gibson was the Buckeyes player most of the 29 NFL teams on hand came to see at Ohio State’s pro day workouts Friday. He did not disappoint.

The Pittsburgh Steelers were the most visibly interested. They were in full force, with Kevin Colbert, VP of football operations, leading a contingent that included defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau and two other coaches.

As if sensing their presence, Gibson, of Euclid, entered the Woody Hayes Athletic Center wearing black sweat pants, a gold hoodie sweat shirt and black-and-gold shoes. He was determined to improve his draft stock by showing he can handle the demanding outside linebacker position in a 3-4 defense, and he did.

“He did good. Definitely helped himself,” said one scout.

Gibson said he believed his two 40-yard dashes were in the 4.5s, but the scout later said a more accurate clocking was in the low 4.6s. That was impressive enough. He also was very good in the linebacker drills with everyone watching closely, including OSU coach Jim Tressel.

“I felt the jitters. But I think I had a pretty good day,” Gibson said. “That was the biggest thing, could I play outside linebacker? There’s no doubt in my mind. I’m sure there’s no doubt in [NFL coaches'] minds that I can do it.”

Gibson is projected to go in the second or third round by most draft scout services.

Coleman happy, too: Safety Kurt Coleman felt the pressure to run good times because he couldn’t run at the NFL Scouting Combine because of an abdominal strain. He said his times were in the range of 4.48 and 4.51. Coleman is projected to be drafted as a safety in the fifth round.

Small, Rose take part: Receiver Ray Small and defensive tackle Rob Rose, both of Cleveland Glenville High, participated. They were suspended from playing in the Rose Bowl because of team violations. Unofficially, Small was timed in one 40 in 4.42. Rose, 6-5 and 290, ran in the 4.8s.

Ouch: Tight end Jake Ballard pulled up holding his hamstring muscle and couldn’t complete his 40.

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