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Nick Vannett knew all about the quirks of college football recruiting, so he shouldn't have been so surprised when his fortunes turned as suddenly as an Ohio winter.

The Westerville Central tight end capped his junior season with 20 receptions for 240 yards and then moved straight into basketball season, uncertain of his future.

"Being my first year here, I got a little behind in preparing highlight films for recruiters," Central coach John Magistro said. "Nick hadn't gotten any offers yet, but after I sent the first batch out, Indiana offered right away. Then it was Bowling Green. Interest in him just spread like wildfire. Before long, he had offers from Tennessee, Virginia Tech and Oregon."

And, eventually Ohio State, much to Vannett's satisfaction. The 6-foot-6, 240-pounder will sign with OSU in February.

He opened the season rated as a four-star recruit by Rivals.com and as the 12th-best tight end in the nation by scout.com.

"Growing up, I was always a big Ohio State fan like everyone else in Columbus, but I can't say that I ever really imagined myself playing there," he said. "The sudden interest kind of caught me off-guard. Sure, I wanted to play somewhere, but I was thinking more along the lines of a smaller program."

Having fantasized about playing a role similar to that filled by Antonio Gates, Jason Witten and Tony Gonzalez on their NFL teams, Vannett originally was ambivalent about joining an Ohio State program that rarely throws to its tight ends.

"They told me they recruited me because of my pass-catching abilities, and in talking with Jake Stoneburner, he said coach (Jim) Tressel and his staff are committed to adapting to the personnel they have," Vannett said. "It's not like I don't enjoy blocking. My goal is to become the most complete tight end I can be. Like anybody, I just like being around the ball."

Although the Warhawks are mired in a disappointing 2-6 season, it's no fault of Vannett's. He has 34 receptions for 437 yards and four touchdowns. He also is an effective defensive end.

Vannett is known for his soft hands and mobility.

Magistro, who has a reputation as a passing guru in his 40-year career, said Vannett is the most complete tight end he has coached.

"The thing is, Nick doesn't need the ball in his hands to be an effective player. He's as sound a blocker as I've ever had," Magistro said.

"His mere presence keeps defenses guessing. He's the kind of tight end that's the wave of the future. You put him in motion, line him up in the slot and try to cause mismatches. He's not the type of tight end who catches it and falls forward. He does things with the ball in his hands."

sblackledge@dispatch.com