As a two-star defensive line prospect in a year clouded by the COVID-19 pandemic and the early effects of the transfer portal on high school recruitment, he went unnoticed as a senior in St. Louis in 2021.
After transferring to Ohio University, where he ended up catching 42 catches for 507 yards the last two seasons after switching to tight end and becoming a player that several power programmes showed interest in when he entered the transfer port, Kacmarek revealed that Ohio University was his sole Division I FBS offer after high school.
This week, he added, “I knew since high school that I had this in me.” “I found the hiring process to be somewhat challenging. I was fortunate enough to receive an offer from Ohio during a strange period involving COVID and other issues. I just kept working there and gave that team my all until I finally decided to use the portal to try to get to the next level, which I believed I could eventually reach.
Before the Buckeyes signed Mississippi running back Quinshon Judkins, Alabama centre Seth McLaughlin, Kansas State quarterback Will Howard, and Alabama safety Caleb Downs, Kacmarek made his commitment to Ohio State in late December.
Since they had already established themselves as prominent figures at Power 5 programmes, they all garnered media attention when they revealed their choices.
Julian Sayin, a true freshman who has not yet played in college but is regarded by some as the best quarterback prospect in the class of 2024, was also recruited by Ohio State.
Furthermore, Kacmarek is a blocking tight end who is more concerned with shifting defensive ends on the field than making a significant impact on social media.
He declared, “I think I’m a selfless player.” “I’ll stop at nothing to secure a yard, a first down, or the victory. I enjoy playing aggressively. I really adore football, and I like to get my nose dirty.”
Gee Scott Jr., a fifth-year senior who, like Stover, seems more of a receiver than a blocker, is back, as are Christian Bennett and Jelani Thurman, two young players who haven’t shown much yet in college.
This fall, position coach Keenan Bailey may have a ready-made job for Kacmarek because Ohio State is attempting to play more two-tight end sets, but he is not taking anything for granted.
“Nothing comes for free,” he declared. “I have to work hard to earn every minute of playing time, but Bailey’s plan was to bring in someone who can fill that role and do the job well, which is why I’m here, and hopefully I can accomplish that.”
