Nebraska gained a commitment on Sunday that bolsters its special teams unit in 2023.
Marco Ortiz, a long snapper originally from Richmond, Virginia, announced his commitment to Nebraska after entering the transfer portal earlier this month. Ortiz walked on at Florida in 2018 and stayed in Gainsville until his portal announcement. He said won the starting job and played every game in 2021 but appeared in only the opening game this past season due to a shoulder injury. That injury could make him eligible for a medical hardship waiver and give him two remaining years of eligibility.
Excited to announce that Iām committed to the University of Nebraska! Thank you @CoachMattRhule and @coachedfoley for this opportunity! #GBR š½š“ pic.twitter.com/1e8eqTsQ7e
— Marco Ortiz (@marcoiortiz_) December 11, 2022
Ortiz earned the starting long snapping job at Florida ahead of the 2021 season. He earned a scholarship midway through the season, snapping every punt without a muffed snap during the campaign.
Ahead of the 2022 season he was placed on the Patrick Mannely Award Watch List, the award given to the nation’s best long snapper. He sustained the shoulder injury in the game against Utah and did not play again. On October 30 he announced he’d finish the season with Florida and enter the portal.
Nebraska punter Brian Buschini hinted at the news an hour before Ortiz announced his destination, indicating excitement for his arrival.
Ortiz was a former 5-star prospect and No. 6 ranked long snapper out of high school.
