Brandon Harrison and Javon Ringer are two of Ohio's very best football players. Both have been offered by one Big10 school and are getting serious recruiting interest from others. Where does Penn State stand?
LionNews recently caught up with Dayton, Ohio Chaminade Julienne head coach Jim Place. Chaminade Julienne has, not one, but two seniors-to-be that will be major college prospects this year in CB/RB Brandon Harrison and RB Javon Ringer.
We first spoke to Coach Place about Brandon Harrison.
“Brandon is a major college prospect who is high on the list because of grades. He’s high character.” Harrison played a little running back last fall for Coach Place, and he did gain approximately 500 yards rushing, but he’s being recruited by college coaches primarily as a cornerback.
Harrison currently bench presses 330lbs and squats an impressive 480lbs. These are some big numbers for any defensive back recruit. Coach Place said that Brandon plays safety for Chaminade Julienne because he’s more useful in the middle of the field at that level. In regards to how Brandon’s strength helps him on the field Place stated, “he hits hard”.
Brandon also runs track at Chaminade Julienne. According to Coach Place, Brandon ran a 10.6 in the Ohio Division 1 state semi’s last year. Brandon is so dedicated to his track team that he will likely miss some junior days and Nike events this spring. “The Ohio State Nike Camp is on one of our track days, and Brandon will not miss track. He loves track.”
Which schools are recruiting Brandon?
Ohio State, Penn State, Michigan, Pittsburgh, Iowa and several others are actively recruiting Brandon Harrison. “He’s attended a Junior Day at Michigan and at Ohio State. Iowa has already offered a scholarship.”
Where does Penn State fit into the picture?
“He’s very interested in Penn State. Penn State is one of his top 4 or 5 schools.” And who is recruiting Brandon for Penn State? “Jay Paterno. He’s a great guy.”
Will Brandon be attending any summer camps? “Yes. Brandon will be attending a couple of summer camps, but we haven’t got that all figured out just yet”.
What about your running back Javon Ringer?
“Javon ran for 2,300 yards last fall, 2,400 yards in 10th grade when we won the state title. We were 8-3 last year.”
Ringer is an Ohio Power lifting champ and a black belt in karate. Coach Place says that Javon benches 380lbs. while he squats 540lbs.
As for Javon’s football recruitment, “Iowa has offered. Javon needs to do some work academically, but I expect him to make it. He’s made tremendous strides lately. I don’t think he’s going to go to camps this summer. Everyone knows he can play, but he just wants to stay here and work hard on his football and his academics”.
Coach Place told one more humorous story about Brandon Harrison and Javon Ringer. It seems as if the two have a friendly competition going as to which of them is the faster player. Coach Place said with a chuckle, “Well, for 15 yards it’s a contest, then Brandon just pulls away”.
