• New here? Register here now for access to all the forums, download game torrents, private messages, polls, Sportsbook, etc. Plus, stay connected and follow BP on Instagram @buckeyeplanet and Facebook.

RB Chris "Beanie" Wells (All B1G, All-American)

jjhuddle.com (free)

8/23/05

The following are Bill's thoughts on the day plus a photo gallery by Gary and Case of all the action:

My day started at the Akron Rubber Bowl to see the match up of Northwest and Akron Garfield. Both teams were playoff teams in 2004 and expect to be there in 2005.

Garfield is led by the state's top player in Chris Wells. Wells, 6-2, 230 pounds, did not disappoint as he ran the ball like an Ohio State recruit should, including a 70 yard touchdown run that was a thing of beauty. The comparisons between Wells and Maurice Clarett are starting and they are valid. Get used to hearing the name Chris Wells as he is destined to become a Buckeye great.

Junior safety Justin Barnett also played well for Garfield. Barnett had an interception and was around the ball all day. He looks like he could be a special player for coach Bob Sax's Rams this season.

While Wells was the best player, Northwest was clearly the better team. Northwest was in mid-season form and I'm tempted to say post-season form, because they will be a playoff team once again. Coach Vic Whiting had the Indians firing on all cylinders in a very impressive performance. I could probably single out 10 players but I'll stick with four.

Scott Weber is a returning all-state running back and he just might be better this season. Scott had added muscle and is faster than he was in 2004. Weber has played varsity football since he was a freshman and he's looking for a state title in his last year. He is being recruited by most of the Mid-American conference teams as is teammate Randy Ardman, a returning starter on the offensive line. Ardman, 6-2, 275 pounds, is a punishing drive blocker and has excellent footwork for someone his size.

Two names you might not be aware of are John Bertsch and Teddy Robb. Bertsch is a transfer from North Canton Hoover where he started as a sophomore. Bertsch, 6-2, 220 pounds, missed most of his junior year with a knee injury, but is healthy and ready to go in 2005. Bertsch plays tight end and linebacker, and is also being recruited by most of the MAC teams. Northwest coach Vic Whiting has been impressed with Bertsch.

"He is the same type of player as Scott Weber," said Whiting. "He's a great football player and we're counting on Bertsch this season to play like one. I expect John to have a great season for us."

Finally, sophomore Teddy Robb, 6-2, 180 pounds, played well at cornerback and wide receiver. Robb had a 30-yard touchdown catch and broke up a pass in the end zone on defense. Robb, who ran a 4.5 forty at Akron's summer camp, has a chance to be a great player in Whiting's system.
img_0006.jpg


01.jpg


05a.jpg


07a.jpg


09a.jpg


15a.jpg


17a.jpg


20a.jpg
 
Upvote 0
For any others who might be interested in watching Chris play this year, here is their schedule:
http://www.cleveland.com/hssports/football/index.ssf?/hssports/more/boxoffice.html[size=+2]
Garfield
[/size]

8/25/2005 at ARCHBISHOP HOBAN
9/3/2005 at CANTON GLENOAK
9/9/2005 at GREEN
9/16/2005 at WALSH JESUIT
9/23/2005 at ELLET
9/30/2005 vs KENMORE
10/8/2005 at FIRESTONE
10/15/2005 vs AKRON EAST
10/22/2005 at AKRON NORTH
10/28/2005 vs BUCHTEL
 
Upvote 0
OSUBucks22 said:
Chris Wells Photo Gallery (BN$)

pretty good photo gallery here from Gary Housteau. maybe i'm behind, but i didn't realize that he switched his # to 13. looks like Amos is reviving all of our jersey's this year and CW will next year.
Gary gave a funny note about that TD run of his in the scrimmage... i guess he ran into his own QB in the backfield and came to a complete stop before ripping it off. his QB had the wind knocked out of him and came off the field very slowly. :) this kid is a stud!
Yes!!!!!!!!! Now my #13 jersey will be worth something next year! Hell, maybe this year if Amos will if he is what he is cracked up to be.
 
Upvote 0
Akron Beacon Journal

8/24

Posted on Wed, Aug. 24, 2005
MAYBERRY ON RECRUITING

GARFIELD BACK CARRIES CLASS

Recruitment of Wells could be beneficial to others
By Darnell Mayberry

The popular belief is that the senior-class talent in the area is down from years past.

Akron and surrounding areas have a select number of big-time players and others who are on the fringe of a Division I scholarship. Then there is the majority who will continue their playing careers at Division II and III schools or not at all.

``It's not what we're used to seeing out of the Akron area,'' said Duane Long, recruiting editor for Ohio High magazine and Bucknuts.com.

``I'm sure it will rebound. It's one of the hotbeds of high school football.''

Garfield running back Chris Wells is far and away the hottest name this season. Wells, an Ohio State recruit, is listed by several recruiting publications as the No. 1 running back in the nation. Wells was a first-team All-Ohio selection last season after rushing for nearly 2,000 yards. He'll be carrying more than his regular load for the Rams.

``Chris Wells at Garfield is bringing up the stock on everybody,'' Buchtel coach Claude Brown said. ``There'll be a couple of universities that won't back off of him, and other kids can flourish from that.

``The exposure Chris Wells is getting will help the area because other kids can show up on film that wouldn't necessarily be looked at in the past.''

But Wells can only do so much.

``This senior class -- it's just not happening for them right now,'' said Bill Greene, staff writer for Bucknuts.com and contributing scout for Ohio High Magazine. ``They've all got to go out and have great senior years and prove themselves.''

So here's a look at some of the seniors who have attracted some interest and can better their ``stock'' with a phenomenal 2005 season:

Bill Nagy (Hudson, defensive tackle/offensive lineman) -- Nagy is 6-foot-5, 300 pounds and is being recruited by Syracuse, Wisconsin, Vanderbilt, Maryland, Illinois, Duke and Northwestern. He's a 3.4 student who is considered by some to be the second-best player in Ohio behind Wells.

David Lewis (Buchtel, wide receiver) -- The 6-2, 185-pound Lewis caught 29 passes last season despite the Griffins using three different quarterbacks. Brown said he has ``hands like glue,'' is tremendously athletic and runs great routes. The knock on Lewis has been a lack of breakaway speed.

Johnathon Clinton (Buchtel, fullback/linebacker) -- Clinton had five touchdowns last year and four interceptions. He has a good frame at 6-2, 225 pounds but needs to have a good season. Clinton has drawn interest from Indiana and West Virginia. Brown expects Clinton to lead the Griffins in tackles and thinks the first four games of the season will determine whether or not big-time colleges will give him a shot.

Scott Weber (Northwest, tailback/linebacker) -- Weber is a solid 6-1, 225 pounds. He was a second-team All-Ohio selection last season after rushing for 2004 yards and 29 touchdowns, helping the Indians to a 12-2 record.

Austin Power (Louisville, linebacker) -- Power led the Leopards in tackles for the second consecutive season, netting 145 last year to go along with six sacks. At 5-10, Power's size might be his biggest drawback. The Big Ten would be knocking down his door if he were 6-1.

Ryan Palmer (GlenOak, offensive tackle) -- Has drawn interest from Wisconsin, Duke, Marshall, Minnesota, Vanderbilt and Kentucky. This year's class of offensive linemen has pushed Palmer back to the fourth or fifth best in the state, but he's still a good lineman and should wind up somewhere.

Committed seniors: Jamel Miller (Tallmadge, running back) to Miami of Ohio; Delone Carter (Copley, running back) to Syracuse; Troy Pascley (Alliance, wide receiver) to Louisville; Antonio James (Massillon, defensive end) to Illinois; Brett Huffman (Massillon, tight end) to Duke; Marcus Proctor (Alliance, defensive tackle) to Akron.

Juniors to watch: Andrew Dailey (Massillon, linebacker/defensive back), Morgan Williams (Canton McKinley, running back), Devon Torrance (Canton South, wide receiver/defensive back), Mark Wooldridge (Walsh Jesuit, running back), J'Keem Waters (Canton South, running back), Jordan Mabin (Nordonia, running back, safety), Cory Welch (Green, running back/linebacker), Kevin Beichler (Smithville, running back/defensive back), Josh Bowman (Orrville, linebacker).


ABJ

8/24

Posted on Wed, Aug. 24, 2005

OPPORTUNISTIC GARFIELD BACK RUNS TO GLORY, OHIO STATE

Wells faster, eager to improve on 1,939-yard season

By David Lee Morgan Jr.
Beacon Journal sports writer


Garfield senior running back Chris Wells can't control when and where he gets an opportunity. Wells only can control what he does when an opportunity is presented.

Wells turned out to be ultimate opportunist last fall when he was inserted as the Rams' featured back in Week 4. He ran with it and ran with it. And in doing so transformed what appeared to be a very solid junior season into a spectacular one that garnered national attention.

Wells, an Ohio State recruit, rushed for 1,939 yards on 212 carries and 20 touchdowns during the year as the Rams made their first appearance in the state playoffs since 1989. The Rams lost to Copley 27-20 in the first round of the Division II state playoffs even though Wells rushed for 237 yards.

This year, the 6-foot-2, 230-pound chiseled back is considered one of the top running backs in the country, according to several preseason national scouting publications.

But it all goes back to the West Geauga game in the fourth week last fall.

In that contest, the Rams defeated the Wolverines 21-10 at West Geauga to enable Garfield to close its nonleague schedule with a 3-1 record.

``I carried the ball a bunch of times and I really felt strong,'' said Wells, a first-team All-Ohio selection last fall. ``I don't know why, but in that game, I felt like I was better than everybody else on the field, and I'm not trying to be cocky or anything.''

Garfield coach Bob Sax saw the same thing.

Wells didn't have what would be considered a spectacular game against West Geauga, given the fact that he has had several games in which he has rushed for more than 200 yards.

Sax thought otherwise. He thought it was a breakout game and a pivotal performance in Wells' career.

``I'll never forget Week 4 last year,'' Sax said. ``Our other running back (Marcus Council) got hurt the week before So Chris was it. He was the only option we had at running back.

``So I talked to Chris before the game and asked if he understood the situation and he said he did. He turned in probably his best overall performance. He carried the ball 29 times for 125 yards and three touchdowns and had a lot of 5-yard pops that just helped us move the ball downfield. From that game on, he was our leader. He was amazing.''

Wells rushed for 1,939 yards last fall , ``and probably more than 1,600 came from Week 4 on'' Sax said.

The light bulb went on for Wells against West Geauga -- and it's still burning brightly.

Being recognized nationally and considered one of Ohio State's top recruits only makes Wells work much harder this season.

``The goal I have this year is to lead my team to the City (Series) championship first,'' he said. ``Then, I want to lead my team deeper into the playoffs.''

In the past, one of the things that hampered Wells was his conditioning. Since his freshman year, when he was a 14-year-old starter, he's been asked to do many things. Last year, Wells was pressed into action at linebacker after the Rams went through a spell of injuries at that position.

Sax said Wells filled in admirably, but at times, playing both ways took a toll on the young man.

``There were times when I could tell he was tired and he wasn't in the greatest of shape,'' Sax said. ``But during the offseason, he worked really hard to change that.''

Wells worked out with former Olympic gold medalist Butch Reynolds, before the former Hoban and Ohio State track star joined Ohio State's strength and conditioning staff this summer.

What makes Wells such an outstanding back is that he combines exceptional strength with impressive speed. Opponents who watch film of Wells don't get an accurate read on just how fast he is until game time, which is too late to adjust.

``A lot of people may look at me on film and think I'm just a power back, but I have speed to go with it,'' said Wells.

The time Wells spent with Reynolds was invaluable from a speed and conditioning standpoint.

``I'm in a lot better shape than I was last year and that's the one thing that I really needed to improve on,'' Wells said. ``I know I'm going to have to be ready because the team is going to be looking for me to be a leader.''

Meanwhile, Hoban coach Ralph Orsini has had to put together a game plan the past two seasons to stop Wells and he'll go through the process once again, as the two teams meet Thursday in the season-opener at Dowed Field.

``Chris is one of those kids who you can describe as a deceiving runner,'' Orsini said. ``He really has outstanding speed and if he's able to turn the corner and get his legs going, there aren't too many people who are going to catch him.''

Orsini coached Tyrell Sutton, last year's Mr. Football in Ohio. Sutton completed his high school career as Ohio's all-time leading rusher with 9,438 yards and is continuing his football career at Northwestern.

That gives Orsini perspective. He says ``Wells has it.''

``He has all the necessary tools to succeed -- the size, speed and the strength,'' he said. ``The only thing that can hold Chris Wells back is Chris Wells and I don't think that will be a problem.''

Buchtel coach Claude Brown said: ``Chris is the most physical presence of a high school player I've ever seen in person. And on top of that Chris Wells is a good kid. I wish him the best this year and I hope he gets 200-yards plus every week for nine weeks -- until Week 10.''

That's when Garfield and Buchtel square off in a game that could decide the City Series championship.
 
Upvote 0
schoolsports.com

8/24/05

<TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=0 width="98%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD colSpan=3>Class of '06: Top 20 Running Backs

</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ffffff>
247478.jpg

No. 2 RB C.J. Gable of Sylmar (Calif.)

</TD><TD noWrap width=3></TD><TD vAlign=top>By Jon Mahoney
Date: Aug 23, 2005

The 2006 high school class is exploding with talent at the running back position, and it all starts with Ohio's finest Chris Wells and California's talented twosome C.J. Gable and Stafon Johnson.
</TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=3>
Class of 2006 Positional Rankings

Running Backs
1. Chris Wells, 6-2/228, Garfield (Akron, Ohio)
2. C.J. Gable, 6-1/190, Sylmar (Calif.)
3. Stafon Johnson, 6-0/200, Dorsey (Los Angeles)
4. LeSean McCoy, 5-10/205, Bishop McDevitt (Harrisburg, Pa.)
5. Michael Goodson, 6-0/198, Klein Collins (Spring, Texas)
6. C.J. Spiller, 5-11/185, Union County (Lake Butler, Fla.)
7. Demarco Murray, 6-1/190, Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas)
8. Knowshon Moreno, 6-0/205, South (Middletown, N.J.)
9. Evan Royster, 6-0/200, Westfield (Chantilly, Va.)
10. James Aldridge, 6-1/215, Merrillville (Ind.)
11. Emmanuel Moody, 5-11/190, Coppell (Texas)
12. Cordera Eason, 6-1/245, Meridian (Miss.)
13. Carlos Brown, 6-0/195, Heard County (Franklin, Ga.)
14. Chane Moline, 6-2/240, Mission Viejo (Calif.)
15. Luke Schmidt, 6-4/230, Jasper (Ind.)
16. Stanley Havili, 6-0/215, Cottonwood (Salt Lake City)
17. Benjamin Tate, 5-11/200, Decatur (Berlin, Md.)
18. Mon Williams, 6-0/190, Horn (Mesquite, Texas)
19. Derke Robinson, 6-0/200, Hebron (Carrollton, Texas)
20. Cameron Smith, 6-0/180, Brookwood (Snellville, Ga.)
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
 
Upvote 0
ABJ

8/25

Posted on Thu, Aug. 25, 2005
Garfield star eager for season to start

Wells won't have to share spotlight tonight at Hoban

By David Lee Morgan Jr.

Beacon Journal sports writer


This time last year, Garfield running back Chris Wells was anxiously awaiting the season opener at Hoban.

The reason was he knew was going to share the spotlight with one of his best friends, Tyrell Sutton, last year's Mr. Football in Ohio who is now playing at Northwestern.

Both players were impressive. Sutton rushed for 263 yards and a touchdown on 31 carries. Wells gained 125 yards on 22 carries. Hoban won 13-7.

This year, Wells is back as a senior and rated by some national preseason high school publications as the top college prospect in the country.

``I can't wait to get the season started because I feel more confident this year,'' said Wells, who already has made an oral commitment to sign with Ohio State. ``But I'm excited about the team this year.''

Garfield, the Beacon Journal's Preseason No. 1-ranked team, has talent, but let's be realistic. Hoban coach Ralph Orsini has been in the business long enough to know that players come and go, but every year is a new season.

This season, the running- back duties will be handled by junior Mike Delmedico and sophomore Steve Yolk.

``Both have been doing a good job of hitting the holes and they have been a pleasant surprise,'' Orsini said. ``I also like the progress of the offensive line and our defense is adjusting to a new scheme.''

Garfield coach Bob Sax said he heard rumors that Hoban would have a more wide-open offense now that Sutton is gone. But those who know the game know that you need a solid running game to be successful.

Sax is expecting the Knights to be an effective team when it comes to the run.

``I've heard that they have thrown in some packages where they are spreading the ball out,'' he said. ``I really like their quarterback (Paul McGough) and to me they are still a very good football team.''

Garfield might have the advantage on offense because of Wells' talents. However, Garfield's defense doesn't have much experience returning.

Defensive backs Cortez Jones (senior) and Justin Barnett (junior) are expected to be the leaders of the unit. The rest of the players on that side of the ball, for the most part, will be experiencing on-the-job training.

``Cortez and Justin have been leaders, but after that we have a lot of young guys,'' Sax said. ``The thing I like about the defense, though, is that the guys are getting better each day.''

The two teams will be opening the season against each other for the third consecutive year. Hoban won both of the last two matchups by six points.

What does Wells think about the close losses to Hoban?

``I've tried to move on but it's hard because it's always in your mind,'' Wells said.
 
Upvote 0
PD

8/25

The future
Akron Garfield's Chris Wells, one of the nation's best players, anticipates this year's workload before rushing off to college
Thursday, August 25, 2005
Tim Rogers
Plain Dealer Reporter
Whether he is wiping out opposing defenders or wiping off the kitchen ta ble, Akron Garfield's Chris Wells has no problem standing out in a crowd.

That's what happens when you are one of the top-rated high school football players in the country or when you are one of 11 children whose parents believe in discipline and a strong work ethic.

After rushing for more than 2,500 yards and scoring 29 touchdowns over the past two seasons, Wells enters his senior season as one of the most heralded players in the country and secure in knowing he has made an oral commitment to Ohio State. Sporting News ranked the 6-2, 228-pound, well-sculpted Wells as the country's top running back and the fourth-best player in the country at any position in its high school football issue.

Despite his status -- programs such as Southern California continue to call despite his early, non-binding commitment -- Wells gets no breaks at home. His parents, James and Paulette, see to that.

"I stay on all of them pretty good," said James, a shipping clerk at Logan Metal and Stamping. "We expect all of them to help out around the house."

That includes washing dishes, cutting the grass, cleaning the kitchen, scouring the bathtub -- and other chores most children despise.

"If you were supposed to do the dinner dishes and you forgot or didn't get to them, he'll get you up at 5 in the morning to get them done," Wells said of his father's discipline. "That's why I hate doing dishes the most. The other stuff I don't mind because it's easy."

Wells is the middle child of the 11 borne to or adopted by James and Paulette. He sees no difference between his natural and adopted siblings.

"They're all my brothers and sisters," he said. "They are the biggest support group a guy could have. I love them all."

Wells will play against one of his brothers this season. Joey is a senior running back at Central-Hower.

Coming from such a large family, it is no wonder Wells has no prima donna in him. He seldom talks about the upcoming season without mentioning his teammates, especially his offensive line. While he expresses surprise as to how his career has played out, he acknowledges he worked hard to get where he is. Wells said he decided he wanted to become a football star after watching former St. Vincent-St. Mary standout Sian Cotton play in the All-American game on television.

"I told my dad that I wanted to play in that game when I was a senior," he said. "I want it real bad."

Wells also would love to follow in the footsteps of one of his best friends, 2005 Archbishop Hoban grad Tyrell Sutton, by winning Ohio's Mr. Football Award.

"But, if I'm lucky enough to win that, I don't want it just to say, To Chris Wells,' " he said. "I want the inscription to say, To the Akron Garfield football team and Chris Wells.' I know I can't do anything without my teammates."
 
Upvote 0
osugrad21 said:
Despite his status -- programs such as Southern California continue to call despite his early, non-binding commitment -- Wells gets no breaks at home. His parents, James and Paulette, see to that.
you mean PfC continues to go after kids that are already verbally committed to other programs? get right out of town...
 
Upvote 0
jjhuddle (free)

8/25/05

<TABLE width="89%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width="38%">
ChrisWells.gif






</TD><TD width="60%">Akron Garfield running back Chris Wells is rated as one of the top backs in the country by one national publication after another and is the preseason favorite for the coveted Ohio Mr. Football award. As the season prepares to kickoff tonight, Gary Housteau profiles the top player on the state after discussing Wells with Garfield head coach Bob Sax.



</TD></TR><TR><TD width="82%" colSpan=2><HR width="75%"></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>












Two years ago I had no idea where Garfield High School in Akron was. To be honest, the only thing that I really knew about the school at that time was that Antoine Winfield hailed from there.

But ever since Chris Wells first burst upon the scene in his sophomore campaign for the Golden Rams, Garfield has been one of the schools that I’ve probably been to the most.

The home of the legendary Garfield head coach Babe Flossie is now the home of the legendary-in-the-making running back who will take his game to Ohio State after his senior football season and his first academic semester at Garfield is in the books.

ChrisWells9.gif
The superlatives already being thrown at Wells the running back are, quite frankly, well deserving. At 6-2 and 230 pounds, the thickly sculpted Wells wasn’t about to rest on his laurels over the summer. Despite being named as one of the top prep backs in the entire country by one national publication after another, Wells rose to the occasion and improved his stock even more by turning in a stellar performance at a Scout.com combine at the University of Akron and then in an encore presentation at an Ohio State senior camp.

The expectations going into his senior season couldn’t be any higher for Wells than they currently are. Even Maurice Clarett wasn’t near this stratosphere going into what turned out to be a tremendous senior season for him at Warren G. Harding High School.

But despite all of the preseason attention being aimed at his team now, because of Wells being on it, Garfield head coach Box Sax is trying hard to keep everything in its proper perspective with regards to Wells and his role on the team.

"He’s a four-year starter and he brings a lot of experience to the table for us," Sax said. "We just want him out there on the field doing the things that he did last year."

Last season, Wells averaged over 9 yards per carry as he rushed for 1,939 yards and scored 20 touchdowns on offense and played very well at linebacker whenever he was on the field on defense. And the game plan for Wells going into this season isn’t going to change a whole lot.

"He’s going to get a ton of carries, we’re going to try to incorporate him into the passing game, spot him out there on the defensive side of the ball and if he can just bring some of that energy and experience to the rest of his teammates, then those guys are going to go to war with him, " Sax said. "If they see him out there doing his thing then it’s going to rub off on everyone."

Whether or not the gravity of having a once-in-a-lifetime player like Wells on the team is actually understood by the players or even the coaching staff at Garfield will become obvious with how well they perform and the success that they have as a team as the season goes on. The bottom line is that it isn’t very often that a team like Garfield will have a player like Wells at their disposal, if ever again.

"Every now and then I catch myself thinking about ‘Wow I really do have this guy that everybody is saying is the number one running back in the United States,’ " Sax said. "But I think about it for about five or 10 seconds and then I forget about it because it’s a team thing and it’s going to take the other 10 guys that are out there on the field with him to make things happen. But then I think about what he can do as well and I like his teammates and so I’m really anxious to see us in action come Thursday."

But if the team concept isn’t working, there may come a time that Wells will have to put the cape on and carry his teammates on his very broad shoulders. Tyrell Sutton, a close and personal friend of Wells, was so good at that last season and his shoulders weren’t nearly as broad.
CoachBobSax.gif


"I’m not thinking that way. I’m not thinking that I’m going to have to count on this guy to actually go out there and win us football games because he needs the other ones. I really believe in the team concept," Sax said (right). "I think he can take over a game. I’ve seen it last year a lot where he just makes the play calling so easy. I can just keep pounding this big guy at you and he wears down the defense and he just overpowers some of the kids that he’s playing against. So I’m not going to try to out-coach myself."

But whether or not the mild-mannered and unassuming Wells will demand the football or not in times of need is really the big question to be answered.

"He’s really stepped it up in that regard this year," Sax said. "He’s been nosing around a lot about, ‘I want the ball. I want to run the football. Give me the football.’ But in the scrimmages you’re out there trying to see other things - I feel that I have a pretty good quarterback and a good receiver out there - and I know he’s been a little frustrated. But he has been a little more vocal about ‘Coach come on, give me the ball.’ "

And Sax claims that he want’s Wells to demand the ball from him this season.

"I want the boy to want the ball 40 times a game. That’s what I want," Sax said. "I would love to be able to run him that much and if he can carry it 40 times then I’d be more than happy to give it to him 40 times."

The chances for a Garfield victory get better with each and every carry by Wells no question. But in Kyle Shaffer the Rams also have a more than capable quarterback. Shaffer is a returning starter with good size who threw for 900 yards last year. And in Cortez Jones, they have a receiver who can not only stretch the field for the offense but he can also deliver punishing hits from his free safety position in the secondary. Jones dominated in the first two games last year before an ankle injury sent him to the sideline for the remainder of the season. And finally in Adam Guilmette, they have a quality kicker with a strong leg, who is equally adept at punting the football and booming the kickoff into the end zone. Last year Guilmette, with a range of about 40 yards in practice, was 42 of 44 on his PATs.

But if there’s an area of concern for Garfield going into the season it has to be with the defense. And Wells might see more playing time on defense than Sax would actually like him to have.

"Defense is definitely our weak spot right now," Sax said. "We’re young and inexperienced and were going to have Chris getting some reps over there. He’s never going to be in there for any long period of time but he could be as good as he wants to be on that side of the ball."

But because of Wells, Garfield is going to be expected to win this year regardless of them having an inexperienced defense or not.
ChrisWells10.gif


"I feel a lot better after having two days of practice preparing for Hoban and I think we’re making progress," Sax said. "I really think we’re coming along. I was happy with the offense and I think that the defense is making some strides."

The playoffs have been a rather elusive thing for Garfield in the past. The Rams have made three appearances in the state playoffs. Last season was the first time since 1989 when they lost in the second round to Massillon. In 1983 Garfield went all the way to the state championship game with a running back by the name of Charles Gladman when they lost to Cincinnati Princeton.

"We want to build on what we started last year. We want to make the playoffs and we want to go further," said Sax whose season ended abruptly last year with a first-round loss to Copley. "We haven’t won an opener at Garfield in about five years so we want to win our opener. And we want to be city champs. We want to take care of business in the non-league and then we want to take care of that city championship. If we do those things then we feel like we’re going to make the playoffs."

Anything short of making the playoffs would have to be considered a major disappointment for Sax and Rams. Besides, the lost last year left an unpleasant taste in their mouth during the off-season.

"The kids went in and played their hearts out and lost a tight game but it kind of gives them something to shoot for now," the coach said. "They got a taste of it, they liked being there and they liked playing that 11<SUP>th</SUP> week. And we got quite a few guys back so they want to make sure that they can do the same thing and go a little farther."

But fair or not, this team at Garfield will be perceived by many around Ohio as being Chris Wells’ team and they’ll be rooting for the Rams just because of Chris Wells.

"I don’t look at that way. Other people may and that’s okay," Sax said. "But I got a good senior class, I really like the seniors out there and I think it’s their team."

That certainly doesn’t mean that Sax isn’t excited about the opportunity to coach Wells this season.

"For the first time in his life he’s going to be playing against kids that are just his age and he’s done pretty well as an underclassman," Sax said. "So I’m anxious to see what it’s going to be like for him going against kids his same age now that he’s bigger, stronger and faster than he was a year ago."

And for any Ohio State fan who’s never seen Wells play before, Sax offered this advice: "Come and see him play. You’re going to see a kid that plays with a lot of excitement and he just does some amazing things out there," he said. "Come see us play."

I couldn’t have said it any better. Go see Wells and the Rams play.

For the past two years now I’ve watched the eventual Mr. Football award winner in Ohio play on Thursday in the opening week of the season. Two years ago I watched Ray Williams run all over Howland to start the season and then I watched Sutton have similar success against Garfield last year.

This year, I’ll be at Dowed Field once again to start the season off in week one. And for the third year in-a-row I’m confident that I’ll be watching the state’s Mr. Football award winner get his season off to an auspicious beginning.

Won’t you join me!
jjhuddle

8/25/05



Quote:
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=6 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2 style="BORDER-RIGHT: 1px inset; BORDER-TOP: 1px inset; BORDER-LEFT: 1px inset; BORDER-BOTTOM: 1px inset"><TABLE width="89%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width="38%">


</TD><TD width="60%"></TD></TR><TR><TD width="82%" colSpan=2><HR width="75%"></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Welcome to opening day … er opening night!!

There will be a smattering of high school football games across the state this evening with most of the state’s 700-plus football playing schools getting into action Friday and Saturday.

For the third year in a row, we will be presenting the Ohio High’s Man of the Year award in football. The inaugural winner in 2003 was Cleveland Glenville’s Ted Ginn Jr., now at Ohio State. The 2004 winner, Akron Hoban’s Tyrell Sutton, now at Northwestern, ended his career as the leading rusher in Ohio prep history.

Who will step forward to win Ohio High’s Man of the Year award as well as the Mr. Football award, presented annually by The Associated Press?

We have a worthy list of candidates to keep an eye on. Here we go:

ChrisWells8.gif
* Chris Wells, RB, Akron Garfield – The 6-2, 225-pound Wells rushed for 1,939 yards and scored 20 TDs as a junior. He is rated as Ohio High’s top prospect in the state and is considered one of the nation’s top five prospects overall by Scout.com. This Ohio State verbal says his goal is 3,000 yards. If he gets there, Garfield would be a certain playoff contender and Wells would likely have made his case.



RudyKirbus2.gif


* Rudy Kirbus, QB, Cleveland St. Ignatius – The 6-4, 200-pound Kirbus will have every opportunity to shine, piloting what could end up being the state’s best Division I team. He threw for 1,437 yards and 18 TDs last year. And he’ll be throwing to Notre Dame verbal (and longtime target) Robby Parris.





MikeMcGee.gif
* Mike McGee, QB, Columbus Brookhaven – The 6-1, 190-pound McGee was the driving force behind Brookhaven’s Division II state championship team with 1,902 yards passing and 22 TDs. If Brookhaven succeeds in jump up to Division I, McGee could get a serious look.





JahmalBrown2.gif


* Jahmal Brown, RB, Cleveland Benedictine – The 5-10, 190-pound Brown rushed for 1,894 yards and scored 21 TDs in helping lead Benedictine to the Division III state title.







MIlesSchlichterMiami.gif
* Miles Schlichter, QB, Washington C.H. Miami Trace – The 6-1, 210-pound Schlichter led Trace to a 10-0 regular season in 2004. He threw for 1,790 yards and 19 TDs and also rushed for 620 yards and four scores a year ago.






NateDavis3.gif
* Nate Davis, QB, Bellaire – The 6-3, 220-pound Davis threw for over 2,000 yards and 26 TDs in 2004. If Bellaire can again advance to the playoffs, Davis may be a name to keep in mind for postseason honors.






MikeHartline.jpg
* Mike Hartline, QB, Canton GlenOak – The 6-5, 190-pound Hartline threw for 2,400 yards and 16 TDs in 2004. If he can cut down on 18 interceptions and if GlenOak can solve crosstown rival Canton McKinley and go deep in the playoffs, Hartline might be a strong awards candidate.





ConnerSmith4.gif
* Connor Smith, OL, Cincinnati Colerain – Awards like this rarely go to linemen. They just don’t have those appealing stats. But the 6-5, 295-pound Smith is considered one of the nation’s top 25 college prospects. He has already verbaled to Ohio State.






KurtColeman.gif
* Kurt Coleman, CB, Clayton Northmont – The 5-11, 190-pound Coleman came up big for Northmont last year with 91 tackles and 10 interceptions. If he can lead Northmont to the playoffs, Coleman would have to be an awards candidate. He has already verbaled to Ohio State.





RossHoman.gif
* Ross Homan, RB-LB, Coldwater – Homan had over 140 tackles for Coldwater’s No. 1-ranked Division IV team. He also is a standout in the backfield. He has already verbaled to Ohio State.






DevonTorrance.gif
* Devon Torrence, junior, RB-DB, Canton South – The 6-1, 180-pound Torrence is the state’s top-rated junior and may be that class’ best chance to steal the award away from the seniors. He rushed for over 1,000 yards and scored 20 touchdowns last year as a sophomore.





* Anthony Elzy, RB, Warren JFK – Elzy rushed for over 2,500 yards a year ago at JFK.

* Delone Carter, RB, Copley – Carter was in the 2,000-yard range last year for Copley.

Preseason Predictions

OK, with the games starting tonight, I will share my state championship picks and a dark horse in each division. Here goes:

Division I – Cleveland St. Ignatius gets a record 10<SUP>th</SUP> title, defeating Columbus Brookhaven in the title game. Cincinnati Moeller, which hasn’t been to the state final four since 1997, is my dark horse.

Division II – Dublin Scioto drops down from D-I. I like Scioto to down Avon Lake in the title game. My dark horse is Springboro with a ton of seniors.

Division III – Until somebody beats Cleveland Benedictine, this is their division. They go for three in a row and I think they beat Columbus DeSales to get it. My others to watch would be a toss-up between Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit and Mentor Lake Catholic.

Division IV – I like Coldwater to finally break through and win the state title, beating Youngstown Ursuline in the title game. My dark horse would be Bellaire – provided it can get past nearby Martins Ferry (finally).

Division V – It would be foolish to bet against St. Henry and Versailles, right? St. Henry hosts Versailles in the game of the year in this division on Oct. 21. St. Henry is the defending champ, but Versailles drops down from D-IV where it was the runner-up last year. I’ll take Versailles for the title. Hamler Patrick Henry is another one to watch.

Division VI – Defending champ Dola Hardin Northern is again the pick, but look out for D-V dropouts Delphos St. John’s and Liberty Center.

Good luck to your team in 2005 and he’s hoping they go all the way!

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
 
Upvote 0
According to UtownBucks on BN Wells went for 95 yds. on 30 carries. These stats aren't official and I didn't actually see or listen to the game, but he gave a lot of play-by-play and apparently the o-line of Garfield wasn't very good on the night.
 
Upvote 0
Confirmed: Chris Wells slightly Banged Up

This was posted in the high school football forum on the Cleveland Plain Dealer web site, so take that for what it is worth. I found nothing on the Bucknuts or O-Zone sites.

I guess Wells had about 100 yards tonight in a loss to Hoban. Supposedly News 5 out of Cleveland is reporting he had a problem with his leg during the 3rd quarter of the game and is having it checked out. Maybe some of our NE Ohio Bucks can check this one out.
 
Upvote 0
Back
Top