Ben Hartsock

Benjamin Richard Hartsock (born July 5, 1980 in Chillicothe, Ohio) is an American football tight end who is currently plays for the Carolina Panthers. 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, Atlanta Falcons and the New York Jets.

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.

College career
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.

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.

Tennessee Titans
In 2006, Hartsock signed with the Colts' division rival, the Tennessee Titans. He started twelve games, running for 206 yards in two years at tight end for Tennessee. The Titans lost Hartsock to unrestricted free agency in March 2008.

Atlanta Falcons
On March 2, 2008, the Atlanta Falcons came to an agreement with Hartsock. He was released on September 1, 2009.

New York Jets
Hartsock was signed by the New York Jets on September 2, 2009 to a one year $1.2 million contract. Hartsock recorded his first career touchdown on a two yard pass from Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez against his former team, the Tennessee Titans, in September 2009.

Hartsock was resigned by the team to a two-year contract in March 2010. On March 2, 2011, Hartsock was released by the Jets after spending the past two seasons with the team primarily as a blocker.

Carolina Panthers
Hartsock signed a two-year contract with the Carolina Panthers on July 27, 2011.