Former Ohio State football player passes away

COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 15: Mike Kudla #57 of the Ohio State Buckeyes recovers a fumble by quarterback Kyle Orton #18 of the Purdue Boilermakers for a touchdown during the fourth quarter on November 15, 2003 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State defeatede Purdue 16-13. (Photo by David Maxwell/Getty Images)

COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 15: Mike Kudla #57 of the Ohio State Buckeyes recovers a fumble by quarterback Kyle Orton #18 of the Purdue Boilermakers for a touchdown during the fourth quarter on November 15, 2003 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State defeatede Purdue 16-13. (Photo by David Maxwell/Getty Images)

Highland Local Schools announced Monday afternoon the passing of former Ohio State football player Mike Kudla.

No cause of death was released, but Kudla was only 34.

After graduating from Highland in 2002, Kudla played linebacker and defensive end for the Buckeyes from 2002-05.

He was an All-Big Ten first-team pick in 2005 and had three sacks in a season-ending win over Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl.

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