Ohio State Buckeyes: 5 Best Active Players to Play for Jim Tressel

Since coming to Ohio State in 2001, Jim Tressel has impacted his fair share of current NFL players.

Before announcing his resignation earlier today, Tressel had gone 106-22 with the Buckeyes and won seven Big Ten conference championships and one national title. He was also 9-1 against the rival Michigan Wolverines and 5-3 in BCS bowl games.

Although his career at Ohio State ended amid controversy, Tressel is one of the school's best and most influential head coaches in the history of the university.

This slideshow will examine just a few of Tressel's best players.

Michael Jenkins

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ATLANTA - NOVEMBER 11: Michael Jenkins #12 of the Atlanta Falcons against the Baltimore Ravens at Georgia Dome on November 11, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Michael Jenkins has become one of the best NFL receivers in recent years.

Last season, Jenkins snagged 41 receptions for 505 yards and two touchdowns.

In regards to his time at Ohio State, Jenkins recorded at least one reception in 38 straight games with the Buckeyes and helped lead the team to its 2002 BCS title. His 2,898 career reception yards currently rank eighth in the Big Ten record books.

Nick Mangold

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 08: Nick Mangold #74 of the New York Jets looks on against the Indianapolis Colts during their 2011 AFC wild card playoff game at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 8, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Jets won 17-16. (Photo by Jona

After being drafted 29th overall in the 2006 NFL Draft, Jets' center Nick Mangold has yet to disappoint.

In his rookie season with the Jets, Mangold allowed only 0.5 sacks, committed only three penalties and made his way into Rookie of the Year talks, something not many centers can say they've done in their careers.

Since then, Mangold has been named to three Pro Bowls and become a two-time All-Pro selection.

While at Ohio State, Mangold was a three-year starter and earned All-Big Ten honors in both his junior and senior years.

Santonio Holmes

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 23: Santonio Holmes #10 of the New York Jets celebrates after he scored a third quarter touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2011 AFC Championship game at Heinz Field on January 23, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvani

New York Jets' wide receiver Santonio Holmes has become one of the league's best receivers in recent years.

He won Super Bowl XLIII with the Pittsburgh Steelers, a game in which he was named the MVP. He has 287 career receptions, 4,581 career receiving yards and 26 career touchdowns.

While at Ohio State, Holmes red-shirted when the team won the 2002 National Championship and went on to gain 3,123 career all-purpose yards and catch 25 touchdown passes, something that placed him third on the university's all-time list.

A.J. Hawk

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ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: A.J. Hawk #50 of the Green Bay Packers looks on from the sideline against the Pittsburgh Steelers during Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. The Packers won 31-25. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox

A.J. Hawk, part of last season's Green Bay Packers Super Bowl-winning team, has become one of the league's best linebackers since being drafted as the fifth overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft.

So far, Hawk has recorded 466 total tackles, 8.5 sacks and seven interceptions. His 466 total tackles are the 14th highest among all active linebackers since he entered the league.

While at Ohio State, Hawk started in 38 games and recorded 196 solo tackles, 41 of which were for losses. He also scored two touchdowns and recorded seven interceptions and 15.5 sacks. He won the Lombardi Award in 2005, which is awarded to college football's best interior lineman.

James Laurinaitis

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SEATTLE, WA - JANUARY 02: James Laurinaitis #55 of the St. Louis Rams celebrates recovering a fumble by the Seattle Seahawks during their game at Qwest Field on January 2, 2011 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

James Laurinaitis is one of Ohio State's best all-time football players. He earned All-American honors three times, was a two-time Big Ten Conference Defensive Player of the Year and Dick Butkus Award winner in 2007. He is the only player to ever win two Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year honors.

After being drafted 35th overall in the 2009 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams, Laurinaitis led the Rams in tackles and was named the team's Rookie of the Year. Sporting News also named him to their NFL All-Rookie team that season.

So far, Laurinaitis has recorded 234 career tackles for the Rams, five sacks and three interceptions.