Benjamin Richard Hartsock (born July 5, 1980 in Chillicothe, Ohio) is an American football tight end for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Ohio State.

Hartsock has also played for the Tennessee Titans and Atlanta Falcons.

[edit] Early years

He attended Union Scioto High School in Chillicothe, Ohio, where he caught 86 passes for 1562 yards (18.16 yards per rec. avg.). He also played running back, placekicker, and linebacker. He recorded 61 tackles, and 19 quarterback sacks during his senior season, after switching from linebacker to defensive end. Hartsock was a three-year captain and four-year letter winner. Hartsock committed to play at Ohio State University during his senior year of high school. He attended Ohio State University from 1999 to 2004 and then was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts.

[edit] College career

Ben Hartsock attended the Ohio State University, where he played tight end. He was a three-time Academic All-Big 10 Conference honoree and won CoSIDA Academic All-American honors as a junior.

During his college career, Hartsock started 31 of 51 games. For his career, he had 58 receptions for 519 yards (8.9 yards per reception average). Hartsock recorded 33 catches for 290 yards (2 TDs) in his senior year alone and was a contributor for the 2002 National Championship team that defeated the Miami Hurricanes in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl.

[edit] Professional career

[edit] Indianapolis Colts

Hartsock was drafted in the 3rd round (68th pick overall) of the 2004 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts. He served as a reserve tight end in his time with the Colts, playing behind Marcus Pollard and Dallas Clark.

[edit] Tennessee Titans

In 2006, Hartsock signed with the Colts division rival, the Tennessee Titans. He started 10 games in 2 years at tight end for them.

[edit] Atlanta Falcons

On March 2, 2008, he signed with the Atlanta Falcons. He was released on September 1, 2009

[edit] New York Jets

Hartsock was signed by the New York Jets on September 2, 2009 to a one year $1.275 million contract. He scored his first touchdown in the NFL in a 2 yard pass from Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez.

[edit] External links

• New York Jets bio