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Cappabianca to walk on at Ohio State
By alexis bartolomucci
bERLIN CENTER
Jack Cappabianca made Western Reserve history by becoming a Buckeye.
“Ever since I was a kid, they’ve been my favorite team,” Cappabianca said. “I have Ohio State all up in my room. I’m a really big fan.”
Cappabianca graduates in 2018 from WR High School and will be a preferred walk-on for The Ohio State University football team. He will become the first student-athlete from his high school to play football for OSU. The six-foot-two 220-pound middle linebacker received the call Aug. 14 from OSU making him an offer that he accepted on the spot.
“When they called and offered I just couldn’t refuse.” said Cappabianca.
Playing as a middle linebacker under head coach Andy Hake, Cappabianca has consistently shown what he can do on and off the field.
“Jack is good to everybody. Character goes a long way in whether people are successful or not,” Hake said.
Ohio State University is the only FBS school Cappabianca got an offer from. He also got an offer from Malone University — a Division III college.
Cappabianca said he is proud to be able to represent his community, his coaches and players while at Ohio State. He has been playing football since third grade and was able to get to the position he is in today because of the support he has received.
The soon-to-be Buckeye has already set a high standard in Berlin Center and plans to live up to the expectations that are set for him.
This will be the last season he plays as a Blue Devil for Western Reserve and is ready to do what it takes to be the best he can be.
“During these games, nobody is doubting me. I’ve got to make everyone proud,” Cappabianca said.
Last season Cappabianca had 58 tackles, six sacks and 111 rushing attempts for 1,068 yards. He was named All-League First Team, Associated Press Northeast Ohio Inland District and All State Honorable Mention during his junior year.
Playing at a Division VI high school, Cappabianca knows he has to get used to the idea of making the transition to a D-I college. He said he was invited to attend some of the college’s football games this season to get a feel for what the atmosphere is like.
He’s eager to play his best season this year to show why he was chosen to play at OSU. Knowing there are things he needs to work on, he plans to keep on conditioning and improving the skills he needs to become an even better athlete.
“Dreams come true,” Hake said. “If you dream your biggest dream it can come true if you work hard, are dedicated and have some ability.”