Fulton County Ohio Media

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For his entire multi-sport athletic career within the Swanton Local School District, Benjamin (Ben) Tufts has heard the chant of “Go Bulldogs” from fans when getting ready to compete against other schools.  Yesterday, in front of family, friends and teammates, he signed a National Letter of Intent to continue his education and football career with Adrian College, ensuring for the foreseeable future, he will be hearing that familiar chant as a member of the Adrian Bulldogs football program.

Given his size, Ben has spent most of his time on the football field as an offensive and/or defensive lineman.  Over the years, his talent and abilities as an offensive center stood out, especially his skill as a long snapper, the position responsible for hiking the ball back to the holder on place kicks or, even further, back to the punter.  It was a capability that put him on the radar of several local colleges.

“It’s a great community around there.  I’ve been around those parts a lot and it’s a great city and Adrian College has a great football program,” said Ben explaining his school decision.  “They have very good academics and there are a lot of good coaches there willing to help you develop.  I’m going there specifically to play center and be a long snapper.  And I wanted to stay a Bulldog.”

Ben also understands the challenges he will be up against as an incoming freshman.  “They told me there’s a very low chance of starting your first year but they also said, ‘We will develop you.’  They were really honest about it,” he added.

One advantage Ben had growing up and playing football was the input from his father Kevin, who was an outstanding football player in high school and served as one of Ben’s coaches in middle school and high school.  “Working hard and never giving up and just his love of the game,” listed Kevin as some of the attributes that brought Ben to this moment.  “It kept him going and trying to get better every day.”

Ben will also be challenged in the classroom as he has decided to pursue a degree in Engineering.

Click on the link above to access photos from the signing and a few from Ben’s multi-sport high school career. Photos are in the jpeg format to allow for editing and can be downloaded for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.

Photo: Ben signs with his father Kevin, mother Renee and Swanton assistant football coach, Dean Ball