Jack Colletto Bio
Jack Colletto (born November 19, 1998) is an American professional football fullback who played college football for the Arizona Western Matadors and Oregon State Beavers. He was recognized as the Paul Hornung Award winner in 2022, honoring the most versatile player in college football. Colletto entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2023 and has competed for both the San Francisco 49ers and Pittsburgh Steelers organizations.
Early Life and Background
Jack Colletto grew up in Camas, Washington, where he attended Camas High School. During his high school career, he was a three-sport athlete, competing in baseball, basketball, and football. His exceptional senior season earned him recognition as the Washington Gatorade Player of the Year. Colletto passed for 2,846 yards and 27 touchdowns while also rushing for 1,253 yards and 21 touchdowns that year, demonstrating the dual-threat ability that would define his collegiate career.
Despite receiving interest from several Division I programs, Colletto chose to begin his college journey at Arizona Western College. This decision allowed him to develop his skills at the junior college level before transitioning to a major college football program.
Path to American Football
Colletto began his college career at Arizona Western College in 2017. As a freshman, he showcased his versatility by completing 39-of-67 pass attempts for 548 yards and four touchdowns through the air while also rushing for 185 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground. His dual-capability as both a passer and rusher made him a valuable offensive weapon.
Following his freshman season, Colletto transferred to Oregon State University to continue his football career with the Beavers. He initially joined the program as a quarterback and served as the backup signal-caller while being utilized in short-yardage situations. His lone start came in a 41-34 victory over Colorado, where he completed six of 14 pass attempts for 35 yards and one interception while rushing for two touchdowns.
During spring practices of his sophomore year, Colletto made a significant positional transition, moving from quarterback to linebacker. This move highlighted his athletic adaptability and laid the foundation for his future role as a fullback. He continued to develop his skills on defense while also maintaining his effectiveness as a rushing quarterback.
Jack Colletto Career
Oregon State Breakthrough (2019-2022)
Colletto played in four games during his first season at Oregon State before redshirting the year due to injury. He appeared in a hybrid role, contributing at linebacker on defense while also seeing snaps as a rushing quarterback in certain offensive packages. This unique positional flexibility set him apart from most college players.
His redshirt junior season in 2021 marked a significant breakthrough in his collegiate career. Operating primarily as a fullback while continuing to play linebacker, Colletto delivered an impressive campaign. He rushed for 144 yards and eight touchdowns on offense while recording eight tackles, one forced fumble, and one interception on defense. His performance earned him second-team All-Pac-12 Conference honors.
The 2022 season represented the pinnacle of Colletto’s college career. He continued his versatile approach, excelling at the fullback position while contributing on special teams. His exceptional ability to impact the game in multiple phases earned him the Paul Hornung Award, given annually to the most versatile player in college football. He also received first-team All-Pac-12 Conference recognition, cementing his status as one of the top all-around players in the conference.
Professional Career (2023-Present)
Despite his decorated college career, Colletto went undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft. His unique skill set as a situational player and core special teams contributor attracted interest from NFL teams seeking versatility. On May 1, 2023, he signed with the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent. He competed throughout training camp but was waived during final roster cuts on August 29, 2023. The 49ers re-signed him to their practice squad, where he continued to develop and learn the professional level.
Colletto was released from the 49ers practice squad in early October 2023. His professional journey continued when the Pittsburgh Steelers signed him to their practice squad on October 9, 2023. He demonstrated enough promise during his time on the scout team to earn a reserve/futures contract with the Steelers on January 17, 2024, securing his spot on the roster for the 2024 season. He was later waived and re-signed to the practice squad during the 2024 season.
Playing Style and Strengths
Colletto’s greatest asset is his positional versatility, a quality that earned him national recognition at the collegiate level. His experience playing quarterback, linebacker, and fullback has provided him with a unique understanding of multiple facets of the game. As a fullback, he combines solid tackling ability with soft hands for receiving out of the backfield. His background as a rusher gives him vision and ball-carrying instincts that set him apart from traditional fullbacks. Colletto projects as a core special teams contributor at the professional level, where his versatility and football IQ make him a valuable depth player.
Notable Achievements
Colletto’s decorated college career includes several prestigious honors. His Paul Hornung Award win in 2022 placed him among the most versatile players in all of college football. The transition from high school quarterback to college fullback represents a unique developmental path that few players successfully navigate. His ability to impact games on offense, defense, and special teams throughout his college career demonstrates rare athletic range and adaptability.
Jack Colletto Career Wins and Honors
Across his collegiate career spanning junior college and Division I football, Colletto accumulated significant achievements that highlight his impact at every level. His honors reflect both individual excellence and his ability to contribute across multiple positions throughout his football journey.
Oregon State Beavers Highlights
At Oregon State, Colletto established himself as one of the most versatile players in program history. His Paul Hornung Award win in 2022 represented the culmination of years of development and adaptability. He earned first-team All-Pac-12 Conference honors in 2022 and second-team recognition in 2021, making him one of the most decorated fullbacks in school history. Throughout his Beaver career, he scored eight rushing touchdowns as a redshirt junior and continued his scoring production the following season while serving as a primary lead blocker and occasional ball carrier.
Awards and Honors Summary
Paul Hornung Award winner (2022), First-team All-Pac-12 Conference (2022), Second-team All-Pac-12 Conference (2021), Washington Gatorade Player of the Year (high school), multiple seasons as a dual-position player at Oregon State.
Jack Colletto Family
Family Background and Upbringing
Colletto grew up in Camas, Washington, a suburban community in the Pacific Northwest. His athletic family environment fostered a multi-sport approach from a young age, as evidenced by his participation in baseball, basketball, and football throughout high school. This diverse athletic background contributed to the body control, spatial awareness, and positional flexibility that defined his later football career.
Personal Life
Following his passion for football from an early age, Colletto dedicated himself to reaching the professional level. He maintains an active presence on social media, connecting with fans through his verified accounts. His journey from a high school quarterback in Washington state to an NFL fullback represents the culmination of years of hard work and positional adaptation.
2025 Season Performance
As Colletto continues his professional career, he remains in the NFL ecosystem working toward a consistent roster spot. His journey through multiple organizations has provided valuable experience in different defensive schemes and locker room cultures. The fullback position remains a specialized role in the modern NFL, and players with Colletto’s versatility and special teams ability continue to find opportunities. Teams value players who can contribute in multiple phases, and his track record of positional adaptability makes him an intriguing prospect for organizations seeking depth and versatility. His continued development in run blocking, route running, and defensive recognition will be key factors in his pursuit of a permanent NFL roster role during the 2025 season.