Garrett Dornbrook, Ohio State Long Snapper on Spring Ball

Ohio State doesn’t recruit long snappers the way they recruit quarterbacks, linebackers or wide receivers. They go to the local high schools and find good athletes with versatility that have experience playing the offensive line. Then they offer them as preferred walk-ons. They bring in 1 to 2 a year and keep them in the program for 5 years. This strategy has been quite dependable for the Buckeyes since Jim Tressel took over the program.

By Steve Patterson

Preferred Walk-On

Garrett Dornbrook came from Medina Ohio to Columbus to walk-on with the Buckeyes and get repetitions at long snapper. The 6’1” 205lbs freshman had his first spring and enjoyed the experience. “The team performed well during spring camp, we had good attitude and work ethic throughout.” He told us about Ohio State this April.

“Jake Mcquaide is going to be the guy long snapping this year.” He reported about the competition at the position.

Scarlet vs. Gray Annual Game

Ohio State had a NCAA record for attendance at their spring game this year. The large crowd came out to see Terrelle Pryor and the new starters at positions like linebacker, running back, and wide receiver. The rest of the team appreciated the crowd too. “The spring game was great, it was an amazing turn out and it was a lot of fun to play in front of so many fans and really appreciate their attendance.” Dornbrook told us about his feelings on that sunny Saturday.

Summer Practice

Like those given a scholarship to play for Ohio State, Dornbrook is planning to give the team his all as he balances summer practice with work and classes. “This summer there will be lifting and conditioning throughout up until camp starts, then camp will take us right into the season. I plan on working as hard as I can at everything I can attend. My goals for this year are to just continually get better, I feel like I have a lot of potential that I will be able to unlock through hard work and being more familiar with our team and how it works.”