Trapasso’s desire to play running back in college nearly led him go to a different school.

“I was very serious about going somewhere to run the ball,” he said. “I hadn’t heard much from OSU so I was taking the offers seriously. Most of the interest [came from] all the MAC schools, Indiana and Purdue.”

Trapasso said he often asks the coaches for an opportunity, though he remains satisfied punting the ball.

“I’m always leaning on the coaches to let me run and play a little more but I’m very happy doing what I do,” he said. “I’m always ready for fakes, though.”

Running skills aside, Trapasso dreamed of playing at the ‘Shoe as a child growing up in the Columbus area.

“It was always a dream for me to play for the Buckeyes,” he said. “I grew up surrounded by it. I lived in Columbus my whole life. My cousin played here and I wanted to be just like him.”

Nothing compares to the sense of honor and dignity instilled in every Buckeye, Trapasso said.

“The biggest difference between us and other team’s players is the sense of pride and tradition,” he said. “We really take the time to look back and appreciate the history and what players before have done and paved the way for current and future players.”

Throughout the duration of his college career at Ohio State, victories over Michigan stand out as shining moments, Trapasso said.

“I have yet to play well in a Michigan game,” he said. “But every one of those is special and will always stand out in my memory.”

As for what is left to be accomplished before the end of his Buckeye career, Trapasso said finishing the season on a good note remains a goal.

“I would have liked to have won a national championship before my time was up, but who knows by the end of the season,” he said. “Another Michigan win and another outright Big Ten championship would make our time here complete.”

Overall, Trapasso said he cherishes the friendships and experiences he has made at Ohio State.

“It has been everything I expected and more,” he said. “[From] the relationships I have made to the experiences I have had has made this the best time of my life” – even if he never records a rushing touchdown.

Zack Meisel can be reached at [email protected].