TAMPA, FL – Long snapper is arguably the most unknown position in football.

“You don’t get noticed until you mess up,” said Mason Arnold, a senior at Carrollwood Day High School in Tampa.

Arnold prides himself on not messing up.

He’s been perfecting his craft since he first picked it up at a young age.

“I was in fifth or sixth grade and my dad kind of introduced it to me and so I just kind of kept that skill through middle school,” said Arnold. “Then I was starting freshman year, varsity, at long-snapper (at Jesuit).   

Fast forward to senior year, and Arnold is still making every rep count at his favorite position. Arnold transferred into Carrollwood Day for his final season. His work ethic gained immediate respect from his teammates and coaches.

“I’ve never seen a guy who loves the grind,” said CDS football head coach Marshal McDuffie. “Like, the legit grind – no cameras, no Twitter, no nothing. I am seeing an old-school kid that is really focused and determined at being the best.”

Arnold knows what it takes to put in the work in the shadows. He pushed his way to an undefeated state championship in wrestling earlier this month. While going through the winter season, Arnold navigated something else – his college football recruitment as a long-snapper.

“It just feels good to be wanted,” Arnold said. “It feels good to have all of my hard work pay off.”

“You see it at Carrollwood, we have some eighth graders getting offers, but his came late. He never once complained, he never once gave up, he kept grinding,” said McDuffie.

Good things come to those who wait. Arnold received interest to play at Kansas and Texas. But his mind was pretty much made up when Ohio State came calling.

“Going to Ohio State is a dream come true,” said Arnold. “That the best way I can explain, it’s a dream come true.”

Arnold signed with the Buckeyes in February. It sent an important message to his younger teammates that doing the little things could lead to big things.

“He understands his worth and the team understands his worth,” said McDuffie. “He is one of the few guys that I’ve ever seen – young, high school athletes – that really allow his leadership skills to be a leader at that long-snapping position. They look up to him.”

Hard work pays off. Mason Arnold is proof of that. As he heads to Ohio State this fall, he leaves behind a lasting impact that can inspire the next crop of players at Carrollwood Day.

“When I was a kid I always wanted to be one of those guys that people are talking about,” said Arnold. “It’s awesome to get recognition.”

Now, if you’ll excuse him, Mason is going to get back to work on the football field.