Story by NU Athletic Communications
Nebraska senior Marco Ortiz was announced as one of three national finalists for the 2023 Patrick Mannelly Award on Monday, Nov. 27. Earlier this month, Ortiz was one of 10 long snappers recognized as a Mannelly Award semifinalist.
The award, named after former NFL long snapper Patrick Mannelly, is presented annually to the top snapper in the FBS. In its fifth year of existence, the award benefits Bernie’s Book Bank, a non-profit that provides books for underserved communities in the Chicago area.
Ortiz will look to become Nebraska's first Mannelly Award winner when the award is presented on Saturday, Dec. 10. Joining Ortiz as national finalists are NC State's Joe Shimko and Wisconsin's Peter Bowden.
A first-year transfer from Florida, Ortiz flawlessly handled every long snap of the season for Nebraska. His snapping helped Tristan Alvano make seven of his final nine feld goals, including a 55-yarder that is the second-longest field goal in school history. Ortiz has also helped Brian Buschini place more than one-third of his punts this season inside the opponent’s 20-yard line.