In 2013, Joey Bosa and Noah Spence were the most promising pass-rushing tandem in college football, destined to terrorize the Big Ten and the nation for a few years before heading to the NFL.

But after just one season of wreaking havoc on opposing quarterbacks in 2013, multiple failed drug test led to Spence being ruled permanently ineligible.

He watched Bosa and the Buckeyes win the 2014 national title without him.

That lit a fire in Spence to make changes in his life and turn things around. He transferred to Eastern Kentucky, where he dominated on the field and stayed out of trouble off the field.

Still, his past likely had many NFL teams wary of spending a top pick on him in the 2016 NFL draft. Despite being one of the best pass rushers in the class, Spence fell out of the first round, landing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers early on Day 2.

So far, Spence has continued to avoid any off-field incidents, and his play on the field is reminiscent of those early days in Columbus. Through 11 games, Spence is second among all NFL rookies with 5.5 sacks, and leads the Bucs with three forced fumbles. He was a huge part of Tampa Bay’s dominant defensive performance in a 14-5 win over the Seattle Seahawks in Week 12.

Making his numbers more impressive, Spence has also been playing through a dislocated shoulder and torn labrum, which he suffered in a Week 4 loss to the Denver Broncos.

Bosa, who was selected No. 3 overall in the 2016 draft by the San Diego Chargers, has been dominant as a rookie, as well. Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Bosa is happy to see his former teammate turning things around and making the most of his rare talent, per Jenna Laine of ESPN.com:

Noah, he’s a testament to turning your life around. I’ve always known he’s a great kid, and any coach that ever asked anything about him to me, I always gave him the best. I’m happy. I knew he would work as hard as he can to get into the position he’s in now, and I’m really proud of him and I’m excited to see him out there this Sunday. I knew if he kept his head on straight and kept working like he knows how to, he would make something of himself. He is doing just that. I am proud of him.

Bosa’s Chargers and Spence’s Bucs will meet in Week 13 in San Diego, both teams trying to keep playoff hopes alive heading into the final quarter of the regular season.

No matter what the final score is, these two former teammates are looking forward to being back on the same field.