He played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes and was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the third round of the 2004 NFL draft.

Hartsock recorded 61 tackles, and 19 quarterback sacks during his senior season, after switching from linebacker to defensive end.

Hartsock committed to play at Ohio State University during his senior year of high school.

As a junior, he was a contributor for the 2002 Ohio State Buckeyes football team, which that defeated the Miami Hurricanes in the Fiesta Bowl, winning the BCS National Championship.

[1] He was a reserve tight end in his time with the Colts, playing behind Marcus Pollard and Dallas Clark.

[6] Hartsock recorded his first career touchdown on a two-yard pass from Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez against his former team, the Tennessee Titans, in September 2009.