The Modena Vipers of the Italian Football League have signed their signal-caller for the 2022 season in Danny Vanatsky. The Ohio native is thrilled to be taking his talents to Italy:
“I’m thrilled to announce that I have signed to play professional American football for the Modena Vipers in Modena, Italy. Thank you to coach Gis, coach Francesco, and the board for giving me this opportunity. Let’s get to work!” (via twitter)
The 6’1″, 200 pound Vanatsky was a member of the Big Ten powerhouse Ohio State Buckeyes (NCAA D1) for three seasons as a walk-on quarterback. The Cincinnati, Ohio native was part of three Big Ten championships and two college football playoff teams. During his three years with the program, he ran the scout team for the Buckeyes.
Vanatsky embraced his role playing for one of the top college teams in the nation:
“I was a quarterback, only one of us get to play at a time. I ran the scout team for two years and I really enjoyed that. That was my purpose and I embraced that.” (via Buckeye Scoop)
As a member of the Buckeyes scout team, Vanatsky competed against NFL stars such as Nick Bosa, Chase Young, Jeff Okudah, and Davon Hamilton. In the quarterback room, Vanatsky had a chance to play with future NFL first-round draft picks Dwayne Haskins and Justin Fields.
The 22-year old was a second-team all-state quarterback a Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy in Ohio. As a senior he threw for 1,984 yards and 28 touchdowns, finishing his high school career with over 72 touchdown passes and only 14 interceptions. Vanatsky was recruited by several D2 and NAIA schools before being offered a preferred walk-on spot with the Buckeyes.
Watch Vanatsky’s highlights here
