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You could argue no one had a bigger night last night then Dane Sanzenbacher. Sure, they guy returned a punt for a touchdown. Then he followed that up with a reception for a touchdown. Yeah, it was against 2nd and 3rd string players. The thing is, he wasn't on our radar until last night and now he has been dominating conversation. The SBN site has a post today about him possibly being a fantasy sleeper.
An Ohio Boy
Sanzenbacher played high school football at Central Catholic High School in Toledo, OH. He holds the school record for career receiving yards (2,808), career receptions (151), and career all purpose yards (4,079). He helped guide Central Catholic to the 2005 state championship with two touchdown receptions. He was a two-time City League player of the year and in his junior year, Dane earned first-team all-state. He committed to Ohio State in July 2006 and was ranked as the No. 12 overall prospect in Ohio.
On to tOSU!
In 2007 Sanzenbacher had 12 catches for 89 yards as a true freshman. His very first college reception was a 3 yard touchdown reception from Todd Boeckman. In his Sophomore year Sanzenbacher was among OSU's top three receivers. He had 21 receptions for 272 yards and 1 touchdown.
In his Junior season, Sanzenbacher was the Buckeye's second leading receiver. He had 36 receptions for 570 yards and 6 touchdowns with a career long 76-yard reception. Sanzenbacher finished his senior season as the Buckeyes leading receiver by leading all Buckeyes with 55 receptions, 948 receiving yards, and 11 receiving touchdowns. Sanzenbacher was voted as the team’s most valuable player as well as the Bo Rein Award winner as the team’s most inspirational player.
NFL or Bust
Sanzenbacher was signed by the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent following the 2011 NFL Draft on July 26, 2011. Sanzenbacher finished his rookie season in the NFL with 27 receptions going for 276 yards and 3 receiving touchdowns, making him the first undrafted Bears rookie to score more than one touchdown since Dennis McKinnon in 1983.
The Bears waived Sanzenbacher on December 24, 2012.
The Cincinnati Bengals signed Sanzenbacher on December 25, 2012.
Dane Sanzenbacher became a relevant talking point for the Bengals 2013 roster on August 8, 2013.
We have talked about the possibility of Sanzenbacher taking the place of Tate on the Roster. But with his slot ability as well as the production in special teams, he could also have his sights set on Andrew Hawkins. Preseason injuries can be a terrible thing.