Blaine Wilson doesn't have to be cocky. As one of the nation's top gymnasts, he has every right to be. A member of the national team, and ranked No. 1 nationally in the all-around -- he's earned the right.

And he's only a freshman.

But arrogance isn't his nature. He trains with determination letting his scores speak for themselves. And with the Big Ten Championships on the horizon this weekend in Rec Hall, Wilson will have to be in top form.

"Blaine competes like an animal -- he's possessed," Ohio State Coach Peter Kormann said proudly. "Very powerful, very strong, very explosive, very cool competitor."

The aggressive Wilson realizes that he will face stiff competition for individual honors. Two of his most evenly matched rivals are teammates Kip Simons and Drew Durbin. In the all-around, Simons sits right below Wilson, holding the No. 2 spot, while Durbin is not far behind at No. 6. Both gymnasts join Wilson on the national team roster.

With talent like that, it's hard to keep a low profile. Near flawless performances are difficult to ignore. Lions' Coach Randy Jepson is one of the many coaches impressed by the trio's consistent routines.

"Blaine and Drew -- you can't ask for a better one-two punch in incoming freshmen," Jepson said. "I know that (Kip) wants to make a very strong showing and not finish second to anybody --especially two freshmen teammates."

Durbin predicts that seeing Simons and Wilson succeed will inspire his own performance. The three Ohio State standouts are competitive, but regardless of the victor, they all remain friends.

"In the work-out gym, he pushes me, I push him," Durbin said of Wilson. "We're definitely competitive. But after the meet, we don't let it come back with us."

To be the best this weekend, they will have to push each other. Everyone will be watching --including Lion gymnast J.M. Michel.

"They can act a little bit cocky and get away with it because they can back it right up," Michel said.

But don't expect to hear any trash-talk from Wilson -- success hasn't spoiled him. While many onlookers might think the Buckeyes are the team to beat, Wilson isn't so sure.

"It's going to be a tough meet," he said. "I don't like to be cocky because sometimes you get slapped in the face."

However, no athlete would complain about being on one of the top teams. It's a position that Simons likes and others strive for. Going into the weekend's competition, Simons leads a "mentally prepared" squad, ready to prove it has earned all the hoopla surrounding it.

But while gymnastics is competitive, sportsmanship runs high -- especially when Ohio State and Penn State are involved. Wilson added that even as adversaries, he still pulls for his fellow gymnasts.

"You don't ever want to wish anybody bad luck," he said.