Gibson had four sacks last season for Ohio State. (AP)

The Patriots have scheduled a private workout with Ohio State defensive end Thaddeus Gibson. The news, which was first reported by the National Football Post and confirmed Thursday by WEEI.com via a league source, indicates that New England has more than just a cursory interest in the 6-foot-2, 243-pound Gibson, who figures to transition to outside linebacker at the professional level.

Last season with the Buckeyes, he was second-team All-Big Ten Conference as he led Ohio State with 13 tackles for losses, and was second on the team with four sacks.

Gibson, who is leaving college after his junior year, is considered one of the “conversion” guys — defensive players who have played end in college but could transition to outside linebacker in the 3-4 at the NFL level. It’s believed that the Patriots have their eye on several of these players in an attempt to bolster their pass rush, which struggled for much of the 2009 season.

Gibson said he has no problem making the transition to linebacker.

“It’s truly the position I love most,” he said last month at the NFL Scouting Combine. “It’s exciting to hear the talk about me going back to linebacker. I don’t mind playing defensive end, either. I’m just excited to get the opportunity and get going.”