"There will be a lot of new challenges, a lot to learn, and a big transition to make, but I am really looking forward to all of it," Sanzenbacher said after formally committing to Ohio State.
Dane appreciates the rich tradition at OSU where "football really matters":
"Part of the attraction for me has always been the tradition at Ohio State, and how important football is there. I think that is definitely a major part of why anyone who plays football wants to play at a place like Ohio State. You want to go to a place where football really matters, and where the tradition is so rich."
The multitalented Sanzenbacher is one of 15 of the nation's top high school football players who made their intentions to play for Ohio State official yesterday. Ohio State lost two of its fastest receivers last month when juniors Anthony Gonzalez and Ted Ginn Jr. decided to leave a year early for the NFL, so head coach Jim Tressel is pleased to have someone with sprinter's speed like Sanzenbacher coming in.
Coach Tressel liked what he saw in Dane (ie speed):
"We lost a significant amount of speed this past year, but we feel as though we were able to replace that speed with this class," Tressel said. "That was a high priority for us."
Sanzenbacher, who was fourth in the state in the 400 meters last year, played defensive back, returned kicks, and played some at quarterback as well as receiver for Central Catholic. He expects to be catching passes for the Buckeyes, at least initially.
Dane's fine with doing whatever is asked of him:
"The coaches down there have talked to me a little about what their plans are for me, and I know it's definitely going to be on offense," Sanzenbacher said. "But I am going in with an open mind - wherever they need me to play - that is fine with me. I am willing to do whatever they need me to do."
Sanzenbacher finished his career with 151 receptions for 2,808 yards and 24 touchdowns. He rushed for two more touchdowns, and passed for another pair of scores. He also has three punt returns for touchdowns, and averaged 20 yards on his punt and kickoff returns.
I like this last statement, Dane looks forward to playing against Michigan and is at a loss for words (actions will speak volumes):
"If you just have a love for the game of football like I do, it really doesn't matter to me if I end up on offense, or on defense," he said.
"Just to be a part of Ohio State's football program, and to think about playing in the Michigan game - it's something special, something hard to put into words. If you get the opportunity to go to a powerhouse school like Ohio State, you can't go into it being picky about where you want to play. You just want to be part of something like that, in any role."
