By Darin Gust Zarnas was a revolutionary force on the offensive line. More than just a guard, Zarnas was a secret weapon for the Ohio State Buckeyes, defying the norms of his era by running trick plays and showcasing his arm. Discover the incredible story of this College Football Hall of Famer who changed what it meant to play guard and became a celebrated All-America legend.
Football Bio
December 16, 1913 – Greece – Gust Zarnas, the guard from Ohio State University, is born. Zarnas was no ordinary lineman, according to the footballfoundation.org, the Buckeyes would run trick plays using Zarnas as an offensive weapon.
The story goes that in the 1937 game against Indiana University, Gust came out of his guard position, took a hand-off from one of the backs, and threw a forward pass for a 57-yard completion to a teammate. Gust received All-America honors in 1937, not just for his tricks but also for his solid blocking and all-around solid play. The National Football Foundation selected Gust Zarnas to enter the College Football Hall of Fame in 1975.
Conclusion
Gust Zarnas’s career serves as a powerful reminder that innovation often comes from unexpected places on the field. From his birthplace in Greece to his legendary tenure at Ohio State, Zarnas proved that a guard could be a versatile threat—not just a blocker, but a decisive offensive weapon. His induction into the College Football Hall of Fame rightfully cements his legacy as a pioneer who utilized both brawn and brains to redefine the offensive line position in college football history.
Accolades and Accomplishments
- Birth Date/Place: December 16, 1913, Greece.
- College: Ohio State University.
- Trick Play (1937): Executed a trick play, taking a handoff from the guard position and completing a 57-yard forward pass against Indiana University.
- All-America Honors: Received All-America honors in 1937 for his solid blocking and all-around play.
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1975 by the National Football Foundation.
