TE Ben Hartsock (National Champion)

[Buckskin86]

Chillicothe native Hartsock released by Atlanta Falcons
ChillicotheGazette.com staff reports ? September 2, 2009

Former Unioto and Ohio State tight end Ben Hartsock was released by the Atlanta Falcons on Tuesday.

But he might not be out of work for long.

The 29-year-old Chillicothe native, in his sixth season of pro football, may be signed as early as today by the New York Jets.

Predominantly used as a blocker, Hartsock caught three passes for 26 yards last season for Atlanta. He also has played for Indianapolis, who drafted him in the third round in 2004, and Tennessee.

In his career, Hartsock has caught 27 passes for 273 yards (10.1 yards per catch).

Chillicothe native Hartsock released by Atlanta Falcons | chillicothegazette.com | Chillicothe Gazette

 

[Buckskin86]

Wilson: Jets sign Ben Hartsock
Veteran tight end joins Jets
Aaron Wilson
September 02, 2009

The New York Jets signed veteran tight end Ben Hartsock today.

Hartsock has previous stints with the Tennessee Titans, Atlanta Falcons and the Indianapolis Colts.

Drafted in the third round of the 2004 NFL draft by the Colts, Hartsock played collegiately at Ohio State

With the Colts, he played a reserve role behind Marcus Pollard and Dallas Clark.

Hartsock was cut last September by the Falcons.

Wilson: Jets sign Ben Hartsock | National Football Post

NY Jets sign tight end Ben Hartsock
by Dave Hutchinson/The Star-Ledger
Wednesday September 02, 2009

Associated Press
Ben Hartsock, right, was released by the Falcons earlier this summer, and scooped up Wednesday by the Jets, who were in need of depth at tight end.

The Jets, who have been searching for a blocking tight end, have signed veteran Ben Hartsock, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. He spoke on the condition of anonymity because he's not authorized to announce the deal.

Hartsock, a sixth-year pro, signed a one-year deal worth $1.2 million and appears to figure prominently into the Jets' plans. He spent the last season with the Falcons and was recently released. The Jets were among more than a half dozen teams to show interest in him.

The 6-4, 264-pound Hartsock will be the Jets' second tight end behind starter Dustin Keller, who is primarily a receiver. The Jets had been using tackle Wayne Hunter as their second tight end and will likely continue to use him in that role at times, especially near the goal line.

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2009/09/ny_jets_sign_te_ben_hartsock.html

Jets ink TE Ben Hartsock
By Roderick Boone

Might not quite be the move Jets fans have been angling for (see post below), but the team has apparently signed TE Ben Hartsock, who was released by the Falcons yesterday as teams cut their rosters down to 75 players.

The Jets have been searching for an established blocking tight end and have been using sixth-year reserve offensive lineman Wayne Hunter as an extra blocker. Hunter has also displayed great hands for someone who's 6-5, 303 pounds and the Jets have been practicing the tackle eligible play with him.

However the signing of Hartsock, a blocking tight end who caught only three passes last season and has just 27 receptions in his six-year career, might change all that. Hartsock, who's played for the Titans and Colts, was a part of the Falcons' 2008 free agent signing class. He had inked a four-year, $9 million deal with $2.25 million guaranteed.

http://www.newsday.com/sports/footb...-1.1279166/jets-ink-te-ben-hartsock-1.1417001

 

[Buckskin86]

GOTTA HAVE HART: Recently-signed TE Ben Hartsock, who didn't arrive until last Wednesday, is expected to play a significant role Sunday against the Texans. He probably will be used in two-TE packages with Dustin Keller.

Read more: Vernon Gholston to get start for Jets at Houston in Calvin Pace's absence

 

[TheStoicPaisano]

Nice hookup with Sanchez for the score.

 

[Buckskin86]

TE Ben Hartsock had never caught a touchdown pass -- until yesterday. Primarily a blocker throughout his career, the sixth-year pro got something to put in his trophy case and took the ball home tonight.

"My career has been full of so many milestones," Hartsock said. "To make it to Ohio State, to winning a national championship, to getting drafted in the NFL, now to be one of the select few to catch a touchdown in the NFL. There's not too many chapters in that book, so it took me a little while to get it. But I'm thankful to have the opportunity and it's something they'll keep in the record book forever."

The play worked brilliantly.

On second-and-goal from the Titans? 2 in the first quarter, the Jets went with offensive lineman Wayne Hunter and Robert Turner as tackle eligibles, making it seem like it was going to be a running play. Hartsock snuck into the end zone on Sanchez?s play action and easily caught the TD.

"It was me or nothing," he said of the options on the play. "So we had worked on it during the week and we knew with their aggressive backfield that they were going to try to come up and stop the run because we run the ball so well. I knew I was going to have the opportunity when the play was called, but I really knew it was going to work at the snap of the ball and I saw all of their guys come up and rush the line of scrimmage. I said, 'Look, just catch it and you're going to get one here.' "

http://www.newsday.com/blogs/sports...9166/meaty-monday-1.1483066?tags=+Mark+Bulger

 

[Buckskin86]

Reporters' blog ?
For NY Jets blocking tight end Ben Hartsock, a long awaited trip to the end zone
By Dave Hutchinson/The Star Ledger
September 29, 2009, 12:17PM

Andrew Mills/The Star-Ledger
Jets tight end Ben Hartsock hauls in his first career touchdown catch, on a goal-line pass from quarterback Mark Sanchez.

Jets tight end Ben Hartsock knows who he is. He's a blocker first, second and third.

But on Sunday, Hartsock, in his sixth season, finally experienced how the other half lives when he caught his first career touchdown, a two-yarder from rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez on a perfectly executed play-action fake, in the Jets' 24-17 victory over the Titans at Giants Stadium.

"It's been a dry spell but I wasn't brought into this league to necessarily do that," said a smiling Hartsock on Monday. "I'm glad to have had the opportunity, though. I jokingly tell my family and friends that I've cracked the seal now and now they (the touchdowns) are going to come in bunches."

Hartsock's Kodak moment came in the first quarter. On the second-and-goal from the 2-yard line, the play came in from the sidelines and his heart skipped a beat.

"We knew coming into the game that with their aggressive style that would be a good play," said Hartsock, who entered the game with 27 catches for 273 yards in 56 career games. "When the play came into the huddle, I knew the ball was either coming my way or it wasn't going anywhere.

"At the snap of the ball, I saw how the defense reacted (the linebacker over him immediately went into run mode) and I knew immediately, even before the ball was in the air that, 'Okay, it's going to work, just catch it.' And I was able to bring it in."

Al Bello/Getty
Jets tight end Ben Hartsock jumps up to celebrate his first career touchdown Sunday against the Titans.

Hartsock, however, didn't have a touchdown dance at the ready. In fact, he was surprisingly calm in the end zone, acting as though he had actually been there before. In what passed for a celebration, he jumped up and down several times.

"The guys laughed at me a little bit," said Hartsock, who signed with the Jets earlier this month after being unexpectedly released by the Falcons. "I hopped around and did a little celebration. But you try not to make a big scene -- and I'm not much of a dancer anyhow."

For NY Jets blocking tight end Ben Hartsock, a long awaited trip to the end zone | New York Jets - - NJ.com

 

[Buckskin86]

BRIEFS: Ryan was critical of blocking tight end Ben Hartsock, who was twice called for illegal shift penalties on two-point conversion tries. One infraction nullified a successful conversion on a pass from Sanchez to Wallace Wright. That two-pointer would?ve cut the Jets? deficit to 30-27 in the fourth quarter.

He noted that Hartsock has committed similar penalties in practice.

"We took him out and had him run laps," Ryan said, "and then he does the same thing in the game. I?m not picking on Ben. ... There have been others."

The Jets committed six penalties for 40 yards against the Dolphins. Ryan said it was a "possibility" that he would bench Hartsock.

NorthJersey.com: Midseason break for Jets

 

[Buckskin86]

Former Colts catch on in New York
By Phillip B. Wilson
Posted: January 23, 2010

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- The Indianapolis Colts drafted them, but tight end Ben Hartsock, cornerback Donald Strickland and safety Brannon Condren are with the New York Jets for Sunday's AFC Championship Game.

In Hartsock's case, he's getting used to bumping into old friends.
"I've played 'em with every team I've been with. This is just another time," he said. "I've played 'em every year since I left 'em, twice in Tennessee, then Atlanta last year and now this year.

"People ask me if you get extra fired up for your old team and I tell them, 'Gosh, I've been on enough teams, I could wear myself out if I got extra fired up for every team I've been on.' "

A third-round pick in 2004, Hartsock was released after seven weeks in 2006. He didn't get a Super Bowl ring that season but isn't upset about it.
AFC South rival Tennessee claimed him a week after his release, and he was with the Titans for the remainder of that season and 2007 before joining Atlanta in 2008. While with the Falcons, he played the Colts in preseason.
"In this business, you have to move on quick," he said. "As a former player, there are no grudges being held or anything like that."

Former Colts catch on in New York | IndyStar.com | The Indianapolis Star

 

[Buckskin86]

Ben is an UFA (no tender offer)....

Agent: Leon's return to Jets '50/50 at best' - NYPOST.com

 

[Buckskin86]

The Jets are trying to re-sign blocking TE Ben Hartsock

Read more: Just-released Laveranues Coles could sign with New York Jets for third time

 

[Buckskin86]

Source: Hartsock agrees to terms
Posted by Mike Florio on March 8, 2010

Rich Cimini of the New York Daily News recently reported that the Jets are "trying" to re-sign tight end Ben Hartsock.

Per a league souce, it is believed that Hartsock and the Jets have agreed to terms.

The Jets had been kicking around the possibility of pursuing tight end John Paul Foschi, a restricted free agent whom the Bengals opted not to restrict with any of the various available tender offers.

Hartsock, a six-year veteran, joined the Jets in 2009. He appeared in every regular-season game starting seven. He also started in the wild-card win over Cincinnati, and in the AFC title game.

Source: Hartsock agrees to terms | ProFootballTalk.com

 

[Buckskin86]

Hartsock officially signed
Wednesday March 10, 2010
By Roderick Boone

We mentioned this the other day and the Jets have now made it official.

They've re-signed blocking TE Ben Hartsock to a two-year, $3.2 million deal. Hartsock originally signed with the Jets on Sept. 2, a day after the final preseason cuts were made.

He saw action in all 16 games, starting nine, and was a key part of the Jets' top-ranked rushing attack. He had only one reception...

Hartsock officially signed

 

[Buckskin86]

Hartsock continues to do good in the community
Former Unioto, OSU star tight end will host two local events during the next 6 weeks
THE GAZETTE STAFF ? April 19, 2010

It might not be the ultimate dream, but it still isn't a bad way to go.

"I've pretty much accepted the fact that I'm the typical journeyman NFL football player," said Ben Hartsock, a Unioto and Ohio State grad now playing for the New York Jets -- his fourth team in seven years in the NFL. "But to be honest, seven years is more than I expected, and it's a lot more than most other people expected, too."

Hartsock's NFL career started in Indianapolis when the Colts drafted him in the third round in 2004. After three years there, Hartsock went to the Tennessee Titans for two years, then to Atlanta for one before the Jets picked him up as a free agent before the 2009 season.

That's a lot of teams in a lot of towns, but Hartsock keeps coming back home.

Hartsock will host two events during the next six weeks, starting with Saturday's golf scramble at Jaycees Golf Course, which also will feature several of his college and pro teammates, and will benefit Hartsock's scholarship fund, which tuition money to four local students annually.

The Ben Hartsock Football Camp, a free event open to students in the second through eighth grades, will be June 5 at Unioto.

"It's one of those things where, you know, you're always drawn back home," Hartsock said. "And being able to share this with other people is important, because I've had so much support over the years."

Hartsock continues to do good in the community | chillicothegazette.com | Chillicothe Gazette

 

[Buckskin86]

Students at Cold Springs School receive visit by member of New York Jets
By John Barna
May 12, 2010

GLOUCESTER CITY ? Students at the Cold Springs School were visited Wednesday by New York Jets Tight End Ben Hartsock as a winner of the New Jersey Department of Agriculture?s Eat Right, Move More program.

Hartsock and representatives of the Department of Agriculture participated in an assembly at the school, calling attention to the importance of eating the right things and increasing activity whether you?re a professional football player or a student.

?Cold Springs School has made great strides in providing students with opportunities to eat fresh fruits and vegetables, some of which is locally grown Jersey Fresh,? said New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher. ?After hearing how a New York Jets player eats and exercises in order to be at the top of his game, we hope the students are even more inspired to choose foods wisely and exercise regularly.?

The Eat Right, Move More Program, a partnership between the Jets, the Department of Agriculture and the American Dairy Association & Dairy Council?s Fuel Up to Play 60 campaign, encourages New Jersey school children to take advantage of healthy foods in their school cafeterias and become more active. This year, schools had to show strong support and use of locally-grown products in their school meal menus, as well as demonstrate efforts to improve nutrition and physical activity among their students.

This is the fourth year of the Eat Right, Move More Program. The campaign features posters with campaign spokesman Jets? offensive tackle D?Brickashaw Ferguson that tell students, ?Eating healthy meals helps me play my best. Your school cafeteria has a variety of nutritious foods to keep you going all day long. So let?s get up and Eat Right and Move More!?

Ben Hartsock was signed by the Jets last season. He is 29 years old, was born in Chillicothe, Ohio and went to Ohio State University.

?It is great to be here today and see what these students have already accomplished,? said Hartstock. ?Cold Springs School is an excellent example of how a good eating and exercise can really change lives.?

Students at Cold Springs School receive visit by member of New York Jets | - NJ.com

 

[Buckskin86]

Giving back: Hartsock returns home for annual football camp
SPECIAL TO THE GAZETTE ? June 7, 2010

Ben Hartsock remembers what it was like to be a young boy playing football. Now, he wants to help other youngsters have fun playing the game that has become a career for the former Unioto Sherman and current New York Jets tight end.

The Ben Hartsock Football Camp was Saturday at the Unioto High School athletic complex. The camp, sponsored by Hartsock with the help of several community partnerships and orchestrated by Ben's high school coach Wayne Horsley, was free to Ross County students in grades three through eight. This is the third year for the camp that Hartsock said is designed to be a "fun experience for kids."

This year, 214 players took advantage of the opportunity.

"I look forward to this camp each year because it is an opportunity to help excited young players have fun, without any pressure, and just enjoy the game of football," Hartsock said. "I appreciate the opportunity to do all that I can for the community that supported me."

In addition to coaches, Hartsock also invited several college and NFL players to help. Former OSU quarterback Craig Krenzel (who also played for the Chicago Bears and Cincinnati Bengals), Chillicothe's Drew Basil (who will be joining OSU this fall), Joel Penton (teammate of Hartsock's while at OSU), Boo Jackson (Ohio University), Eric Herman (OU), Donovan Fletcher (OU), Jordan Thompson (OU), Noah Keller (All-American linebacker at OU) and Miami of Ohio's and Chillicothe's Chris Givens were on hand to help out and sign autographs at the end for the youngsters.

Hartsock, a 1999 graduate of Unioto, went on to play for Ohio State, where he played in the 2002 National Championship game against Miami (Fla.). He was a three-time Academic All-Big ten honoree and was drafted by Indianapolis Colts in 2004. He since has played for the Tennessee Titans, Atlanta Falcons and the Jets.

Giving back: Hartsock returns home for annual football camp | chillicothegazette.com | Chillicothe Gazette