3yardsandacloud
Administrator Emeritus
<font color="#b90000">Wednesday, March 16, 2005</font> Recruiting News - 03/16/05
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Duck dips himself in orange sauce: Lindset commits to Vols(Brandon Warren-among others) - The Daily Times
Duck dips himself in orange sauce: Lindset commits to Vols
2005-03-16
by John Brice
of The Daily Times Staff
Call it sympathy for the mailman.
Dustin Lindsey was tired of all the mail. And the Alcoa running back knew it was only going to get worse.
So Lindsey, MVP of the Tornadoes' Class 2A state championship last December, did his best Monday afternoon to slow the mail flow. He verbally committed to the University of Tennessee and head coach Phillip Fulmer.
``I was getting like nine or 10 letters a day,'' said Lindsey, who shattered the school's single-season record with 42 rushing touchdowns and finished just one shy of the state standard. ``Now, I won't have to be walking around with my backpack full of letters. It was getting stressful.''
Lindsey, perhaps better known as ``Duck,'' becomes the third player to give a verbal commitment for the Vols' 2006 class. Lee Smith, of Powell, and Jacques McClendon, of Chattanooga Baylor, both committed last month.
Tennessee's 2005 recruiting class was a consensus top three haul, and some services rated the group as the nation's best. Alcoa coach John Reid, who's mentored Lindsey's rise to prep stardom, said the decision of the Volunteer staff to issue Lindsey an early offer spoke volumes.
``Tennessee just had the best recruiting class in the nation,'' Reid said. ``For them to offer Dustin and Brandon (Warren) early tells you something.
``But bigger was the fact that the Tennessee coaches were interested in Dustin off the field as a young man. That meant a lot to him. I'm really proud for him.''
Lindsey displayed an uncanny ability to run around, through and past opposing defenses in amassing 2,300 yards and 42 touchdowns on the ground in 2004. But Lindsey hardly relished extending his courtship by some of the nation's premiere programs, including reigning champ Southern Cal and Louisville.
Giving his commitment to UT and getting as much of the process behind him as possible relieved Lindsey.
``It felt like my teammate (offensive lineman) Martin White just got off my shoulders,'' Lindsey cracked Monday night following Alcoa's baseball game against Maryville. ``It's a big relief. I'm ready to relax now.''
Opposing defenses haven't been able to relax since Lindsey burst onto the scene as a freshman in 2002. The bruising, 6-foot-1, 210-pound tailback has chewed through opponents for at least 1,000 yards in each of his three varsity campaigns. Lindsey has likewise been a defensive terror from his position at linebacker, and his sack in the state championship against Huntingdon sealed the Tornadoes' wild victory.
But Lindsey expects to play running back at Tennessee, where he'll miss being a teammate of friend Gerald Riggs Jr. by one season.
``Gerald just told me that I needed to go wherever I was comfortable,'' Lindsey said. ``He told me to go where I thought I would fit best. But he did put in a good word for me at Tennessee.''
Lindsey spoke with UT running backs coach Trooper Taylor after giving his commitment to Fulmer.
``Coach Taylor is a good guy,'' he said. ``He seems like a real exciting guy. After I met with coach Fulmer, I walked into (Taylor's) office and said, `Trooper, I'm one of yours.'''
Lindsey was recruited by UT defensive line coach Dan Brooks, a Maryville resident whose son Rhett was a starting tackle on the Rebels' 2004 Class 4A title team.
``Coach Brooks was really good,'' Lindsey said. ``He's helped me a lot. I'm very excited.''
As Lindsey narrowed his options, Reid told him it only made sense to look in his backyard first.
``Coach Fulmer and those coaches have done a great job,'' Reid said. ``They're a top 10 program consistently. I told Dustin he should look at UT first. You can't really go wrong with a top 10 program in your backyard.''
Warren, the Tornadoes' freakishly talented tight end/defensive end, has elicited offers from LSU, Ohio State, UT, Clemson and Louisville, among others. Likewise, quarterback Joei Fiegler has garnered considerable NCAA D-I attention with North Carolina, Clemson, Georgia, Southern Miss, Notre Dame and Indiana among his suitors.
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Punchers can't solve Bearcats (Jeff Cumberland) - This Week
Punchers can't solve Bearcats
Thursday, March 17, 2005
By JARROD ULREY
ThisWeek Staff Writer By Lorrie Cecil/ThisWeek
If there's one thing the Brookhaven High School boys basketball team has learned through its years of dominating City League-North Division and central Ohio opponents, it is that losing to Mifflin is not tolerated.
The Bearcats have learned it so well that it's become a mini-tradition of sorts: Their only loss in 2002, when they won the Division I state championship, was 80-78 in overtime to the Punchers, but they've won 18 of the last 19 meetings between the schools.
Although several of Brookhaven's juniors have been key contributors in a few cases the last two years, junior Cameron Campbell said they know it's not a goal to beat Mifflin; it's an expectation.
"We don't lose to Mifflin," said Campbell, who has had some of his best games against the Punchers this season, including in a 71-57 win in a Division I regional semifinal March 10 in the Fairgrounds Coliseum when he had 10 points and helped hold Mifflin's Cordaryl Ballard to 14. "That's what you don't do at Brookhaven. You just can't."
The Punchers fell at the regional level for the third consecutive season, and the final result of the semifinal rarely was in doubt. Brookhaven built an 18-9 lead in the first quarter and never led by fewer than five the rest of the way.
Mifflin trailed 48-38 going into the fourth quarter, made it 48-40 on a basket by Eric Hutson with 7:22 left and 48-43 on a 3-pointer by Jordan Edwards with 6:53 remaining, but the Bearcats scored the next eight points.
Senior Jamelle Cornley was held to nine points in a 56-39 loss last Saturday to Cincinnati Moeller in a regional final at the Fairgrounds as Brookhaven finished 21-5, and Ballard was held about eight points under his scoring average in his final prep game as the Punchers finished 17-5.
The Bearcats also beat the Punchers 85-75 on Dec. 10 and 85-82 on Jan. 21.
"Our goal collectively was to cut Cordaryl's scoring in half," said Brookhaven coach Hali Robinson, whose team committed 37 turnovers but got 19 points and 12 rebounds from Cornley and 17 points and 12 rebounds from Jeff Cumberland as it held the Punchers to 22 of 72 shooting. "Defensively, anytime you can hold Cordaryl's production down to about half, we did a good job."
Ballard, who finished with more than 1,200 points for his career and played varsity since midway through his freshman season, was joined in the senior class by Terrance Woods, Juawan Spann, Hutson, Royal Porter and Edwards.
The Punchers are expected to return juniors Phillip Morris and DeShon Brooks and sophomore Terrence Pearson.
Coach Gene Caslin said the team likely will move down to Division II next year.
"I've got to take my hat off to my kids," Caslin said. "We had six seniors and they've given it to me all four years. Division I was tough in the district this year, and we've just got to keep plugging away next year. Our first game next year (in the league) will be us playing Brookhaven at Brookhaven, but at least Cornley will be gone."
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Bearcats' plans all fouled up (Jeff Cumberland) - This Week
Bearcats' plans all fouled up
Moeller posts 56-39 win in regional title game
Thursday, March 17, 2005
By JARROD ULREY
ThisWeek Staff Writer By Lorrie Cecil/ThisWeek
During postgame handshakes after the Brookhaven High School boys basketball team's 56-39 loss to Cincinnati Moeller in a Division I regional final last Saturday that snapped its 29-game winning streak in the Fairgrounds Coliseum, Crusaders coach Carl Kremer whispered a few extra words to senior Jamelle Cornley.
... Jeff Cumberland, a 6-6 junior, and 6-7 juniors Julian Young and Jamal Dublin likely will share the load in the post next year...
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Two Big Ten schools high on Hunter's list (Jeremiha Hunter) - Rivals PREMIUM
March 16, 2005
Two Big Ten schools high on Hunter's list
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Bill Kurelic
Rivals100.com *
Manheim (Pa.) Central linebacker Jeremiha Hunter has scholarship offers from over two dozen schools. Who does Hunter name as his favorites?
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All-American can also play running back (Micah Johnson) - Rivals PREMIUM
March 16, 2005
All-American can also play running back
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Jeffrey Lee
AuburnSports.com *
There is no debating that Ft. Campbell (KY) prospect Micah Johnson is one of the elite recruits in the nation. He's listed as an inside linebacker and defensive end, but what many are forgetting, is that he can run the football, too.
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(Lee) Tilley still learning - Rivals PREMIUM
March 16, 2005
Tilley still learning
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Josh McCuistion
SoonerScoop.com *
In basketball Lee Tilley was almost undoubtedly known as a space-eater in the paint. With his 6-foot-7, 292-pound frame it is not hard to imagine him posing out and creating shooting space through some of the most brutal screens ever witnessed. With all of that being said, it's not his basketball talents that have mail flooding in this spring.
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Coleman lands third Big Ten offer (Kurt Coleman) - Rivals PREMIUM
March 16, 2005
Coleman lands third Big Ten offer
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Bill Kurelic
Rivals100.com *
Clayton (Ohio) Northmont defensive back Kurt Coleman has an impressive list of schools that have offered a scholarship including three from the Big Ten.
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(J.B.) Walton continues to draw offers - Rivals PREMIUM
March 16, 2005
Walton continues to draw offers
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Mark Thomas
MDVarsity.com *
Lackey OL J.B. Walton continues to receive offers from major college football programs across the country. As a junior he was a Consensus All-State offensive line selection. As a senior, he is a major, national recruit and will be a story to follow all season long.
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The Mr. Football jinx? - Bucknuts
The Mr. Football jinx?
By Dave Biddle Assistant Editor
Date: Mar 16, 2005
Ohio's Mr. Football award is a prestigious honor, but is there a jinx associated with it? Today, Bucknuts.com examines the 18-year history of the award. We look back on the gridiron careers of all the recipients and where they are at today.
It’s the ultimate honor for a high school football player in Ohio.
Or is it the ultimate jinx?
The Mr. Football award has been given annually to Ohio’s best player since 1987. The results have been mixed, but the majority of Mr. Football winners never panned out as college gridiron stars. There are exceptions, of course, but most of the players never quite lived up to the label.
1987: Ronald “Buster” Howe, Zanesville
The inaugural winner of the award was Buster Howe, a 5-11, 182-pound all-purpose star.
As a senior in 1987, he rushed for 1,795 yards (6.9 yards per carry and scored 34 touchdowns. As a single wing back, he added 431 passing yards. He also had eight interceptions, three field goals, 38 extra points and averaged 40.9 yards per punt.
Yes, he could do it all.
Howe was a member of John Cooper’s first recruiting class at Ohio State. He was recruited as a running back, but never carried the ball for the Buckeyes.
Howe was a Prop 48 casualty in 1988 and had to sit out his first season at OSU.
As a sophomore in 1989, things didn’t get much better.
“It just didn’t work out for me,” Howe told Bucknuts.com. “I didn’t get any playing time. I was just sitting back waiting.”
As a junior in 1990, Howe was approached by the coaching staff about a possible move to defense. Robert Smith was joining the team and Carlos Snow was also on the roster (although he would miss the entire 1990 season with an injury).
“Yeah, they wanted me to play DB, but that was a totally different situation,” Howe said. “They recruited me as a running back, but they wanted me to play defense. I hadn’t played defense since high school. Offense was always my thing.
“I think I just got off on the wrong foot with the new coaching staff and they never gave me a chance. I returned a couple of kickoffs, and that was it.”
Howe says he and Cooper never discussed the lack of playing time.
“Actually, he didn’t communicate well at all,” Howe said. “It was just one of those things. But that’s all right. It’s in the past.”
Howe, who wore the No. 37 at OSU, left the school for good after the 1990 season and returned to Zanesville. He decided not to transfer to another college.
“No, that was it for me,” he said.
Today, Howe, 35, is married and is the proud father of five girls. He works for the city of Zanesville and seems happy with his life after football.
And he will always have the distinction of being the first Mr. Football winner in Ohio – a state known for its outstanding high school football.
“Yeah, that’s something I still take a little bit of pride in,” Howe said. “It’s an honor not everyone can receive. I don’t think about it too much, but now my girls know about it and they like to kid and joke me about it.”
Howe never considered getting into coaching. “No, I just enjoy the sport now,” he said. “I follow the Buckeyes a little bit.”
1988-89: Robert Smith, Euclid
Tailback Robert Smith is the only two-time winner of the Mr. Football award.
As a junior at Euclid in 1988, the 6-2, 185-pound Smith rushed for 1,564 yards (8.8 yards per carry) and averaged 31 yards per punt return on 10 returns.
As a senior in 1989, the 6-2, 195-pound Smith rushed for 2,042 yards (10 yards per carry) and 31 touchdowns.
He finished his prep days with 5,038 career yards and 67 career touchdowns.
Smith signed with Ohio State and was a national star as a freshman. He broke the OSU freshman rushing record with 1,126 yards in 1990. He seemed destined to be the next great running back at the school.
However, in preseason camp of 1991, Smith quit the team, claiming that the coaching staff cared little about academics. He said that offensive coordinator Elliot Uzelac was at the root of the problem and said that he would not consider returning to the team unless Uzelac was removed.
Smith sat out the entire 1991 season, but returned in 1992 (yes, Uzelac was gone) and rushed for just under 900 yards for the Buckeyes.
Although he was still a sophomore eligibility-wise, he declared for the NFL draft in 1993. Smith was selected in the first round by the Minnesota Vikings and went on to enjoy an impressive eight-year career in the NFL.
His best year was his final season in the league, 2000. Smith rushed for 1,521 yards (5.2 per carry) and seven touchdowns. He also had 36 receptions for 348 yards and three scores, and was named to the NFC’s Pro Bowl team.
Smith amassed 6,818 career rushing yards in the NFL (4.8 yards per carry) and 32 career touchdowns.
1990: Bobby Hoying, St. Henry
Quarterback Bobby Hoying made it 4-for-4 for Ohio State in terms of signing Ohio Mr. Football award recipients.
As a senior in 1990, the 6-4, 210-pound Hoying was 105-of-180 passing (58 percent completion percentage) for 1,736 yards. He had 20 touchdown passes and just five interceptions. He also had 201 rushing yards, four rushing touchdowns, and added seven interceptions as a safety.
Hoying was a three-year starter at OSU, taking over the controls in 1993 as a third-year sophomore.
He was decent his first two years, but really came on as a senior in 1995. Hoying set a then-OSU single-season record with 3,269 passing yards (later broken by Joe Germaine in 1998 with 3,330) and also set the school mark with 29 touchdown passes.
Hoying also holds the OSU career record for touchdown passes (57) and is second behind Art Schlichter for the career passing yards record at OSU. Schlichter had 7,547 yards and Hoying had 7,232.
Hoying was a third round selection by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1996. He played seven seasons in the NFL – three with the Eagles and four with the Oakland Raiders.
Hoying’s best professional season was 1997 when he started six games for the Eagles. He was 128-of-225 passing (56.9 percent) for 1,573 yards. He added 11 touchdowns and six interceptions.
Today, Hoying is working in commercial real estate in Columbus. He is part of a firm that includes former OSU basketball player Rick Smith and former OSU quarterback Greg Frey.
1991: Derek Kidwell, Fostoria
Quarterback/defensive end Derek Kidwell led Fostoria to the 1991 Division II state championship. The 6-4, 225-pound Kidwell was 85-of 144-passing for 1,526 yards, 15 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He added 379 rushing yards and five TD’s.
Defensively, he had 44 tackles, two sacks and four fumble recoveries.
Kidwell decided to go to Bowling Green, but ran into some trouble with the law before his college career began.
Days before his high school graduation in 1992, Kidwell and three of his friends were arrested for vandalism for trashing Fostoria High School. They smashed plate glass doors, threw beer bottles, and mangled signs.
Vandalism was a fourth degree felony at the time and Kidwell spent seven days in jail and was barred from participating in graduation ceremonies.
Kidwell did play Bowling Green, but could never get his football career on track in college.
Following graduation, he became an assistant high school football coach and teacher. He eventually landed the head coaching job at Hopewell-Loudon. Prior to the 2004 season, he moved on to Fremont Ross where he is the head football coach today.
1992: Marc Edwards, Norwood
Fullback/linebacker Marc Edwards rushed for 1,721 yards and 26 touchdowns as a senior at Norwood in 1992. The 6-2, 220-pound Edwards also racked up 113 tackles.
He signed with Notre Dame and was a two-year starter for the Fighting Irish. He had 1,591 career rushing yards and 27 career touchdowns at ND.
Edwards was a second round draft pick by the San Francisco 49ers in 1997. He is now with the Jacksonville Jaguars and will be entering his ninth season in the league this fall (has also played for the Browns and Patriots).
Edwards has just 405 career rushing yards (3.3 per carry) and three touchdowns. But he has made his mark as a good receiver out of the backfield. He has 157 career receptions for 1,235 yards (7.9 per reception) and eight touchdowns.
1993: Curtis Enis, Mississinawa Valley
Tailback Curtis Enis was a dominate player on the small-school level. As a senior in 1993, he rushed for 2,764 yards (10.8 yards per carry) and 37 touchdowns. The 6-3, 232-pound Enis had 440 yards and seven touchdowns in one game.
He signed with Penn State and was an All-Big Ten selection as a junior and senior, rushing for over 1,000 yards each year.
Enis was the No. 5 overall selection of the 1998 NFL Draft, taken by the Chicago Bears. He tore his left ACL as a rookie and played just three seasons in the league.
Enis had 1,497 career rushing yards (3.3 yards per carry) and four touchdowns in the NFL.
H actually had a decent season in 1999, rushing for 916 yards (3.2 per carry) for the Bears.
1994: Charles Woodson, Fremont Ross
As a senior in 1994, the 6-1, 190-pound Woodson rushed for 2,028 yards and 38 touchdowns. He had a total of 2,596 all-purpose yards.
Woodson is the only Ohio Mr. Football award winner to sign with Michigan. He is the Benedict Arnold of the list.
Woodson started three years as a defensive back at UM. He also returned kicks and played a little bit of wide receiver.
Woodson had 18 career interceptions at Michigan and 182 career tackles. He also had five career offensive touchdowns and one punt return touchdown (against OSU in 1997).
Woodson led Michigan to a share of the national championship in ’97 (Nebraska was co-champs) and edged Tennessee quarterback Peyton Manning for the Heisman Trophy.
Woodson left UM after his junior season and was the No. 4 overall pick of the 1998 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders as a cornerback.
He has been selected to the Pro Bowl four times and has 16 career interceptions.
1995: Andy Katzenmoyer, Westerville South
Linebacker/fullback Andy Katzenmoyer was the clear choice for the ’95 Mr. Football award. As a senior, he had 88 tackles (53 solos), 16 tackles-for-loss, eight sacks and six forced fumbles. He added 250 rushing yards and five touchdowns.
Katzenmoyer signed with Ohio State and wasted no time in making an impact for the Buckeyes. He started his first game as a freshman in 1996, helped lead OSU to a Rose Bowl victory and was named the Big Ten’s Freshman of the Year.
The “Big Kat” was a three-time first-team All-Big Ten selection. He won the Butkus Award and was a first-team All-American as a sophomore in 1997.
He finished his OSU career with 256 tackles (197 solo), 50 tackles-for-loss, 18 sacks and six interceptions.
He declared for the NFL Draft following his junior season and was selected by the New England Patriots in the first round in 1999.
Katzenmoyer played three seasons with the Patriots, but had to cut his pro career short due to a neck injury.
1996: Derek Combs, Grove City
Tailback Derek Combs rushed for 2,042 yards (9.5 yards per carry) and 24 touchdowns as a high school senior in 1996. The 6-1, 185-pound Combs added 20 receptions for 400 yards.
He signed with nearby Ohio State, but didn’t see much playing time until his senior season in 2000. As a senior, Combs took over as the starting tailback and led the Buckeyes with 863 rushing yards and five touchdowns.
Combs was a seventh round pick by the Oakland Raiders in the 2001 NFL Draft. He was selected as a defensive back and played two seasons in the NFL – 2002 with the Raiders and 2003 with the Green Bay Packers. He also played two seasons in NFL Europe with Amsterdam.
1997: Tony Fisher, Euclid
Tailback Tony Fisher rushed for 2,130 yards and 40 touchdowns as a senior in 1997 and broke Smith’s school records in the process.
The 6-1, 200-pound Fisher decided to sign with Notre Dame, where he had an up-and-down career.
He started 20 career games for the Irish, but never gained more than 783 yards in a season.
Fisher had career college statistics of 384 carries, 1,849 yards (4.8 ypc) and 15 touchdowns.
He hooked on as an undrafted free agent with the Green Bay Packers in 2002 and has enjoyed a solid NFL career up to this point as one of Ahman Green’s backups.
In three years with the Packers, Fisher has 707 rushing yards (4 ypc) and three touchdowns. He has really made his mark as a third down back, catching 77 career passes for 553 yards and four touchdowns.
In 2004, Fisher enjoyed his best NFL season with 38 receptions for 277 yards and two touchdowns.
1998: Ryan Brewer, Troy
Tailback/defensive back Ryan Brewer rushed for 2,856 yards and 40 touchdowns as a senior in 1998. The 5-9, 200-pound Brewer had two interceptions on defense, averaged 44 yards per punt and made four field goals.
Despite his impressive resume, he was not offered a scholarship by Ohio State. In fact, most big schools ignored him because of his size.
Brewer signed with South Carolina and became a versatile slot back/kick returner for the Gamecocks. He saved his best for Ohio State in the 2001 Outback Bowl – Cooper’s final game at OSU’s coach – leading the Gamecocks to a victory over OSU. He also tasted victory against OSU in the 2002 Outback Bowl, Jim Tressel’s first bowl game at OSU.
As a senior at South Carolina in 2002, Brewer had 28 receptions, 299 yards and one touchdown.
After graduating, he played two seasons in NFL Europe.
Today, he is married and owns a business in South Carolina.
1999: Brandon “Bam” Childress, Bedford Chanel
All-purpose standout Bam Childress had 41 receptions for 754 yards and 11 touchdowns as a senior in 1999. He added over 700 yards on punt returns and over 600 yards on kickoff returns.
Defensively, he only had seven passes thrown his way in 14 games. One was completed for a three yard gain, two were intercepted, two were batted down at the line, and two were overthrown.
Childress signed with OSU as a cornerback, but was moved to receiver when Tressel took over.
He finally got a chance at meaningful playing time as a senior in 2004, but did not play much the second half of the season. He finished the year with 17 receptions and 205 yards (12.1).
2000: Jeff Backes, Upper Arlington
Tailback Jeff Backes helped lead Upper Arlington to the 2000 Division I state championship. The 5-9, 180-pound Backes rushed for a state record 3,353 yards as a senior and added 44 touchdowns.
He turned down a scholarship offer from Ohio State and signed with Northwestern.
He is now a starting cornerback for the Wildcats. As a junior in 2004, he had 45 tackles and one interception. He is also a dangerous special teams returner and led the Big Ten in 2004 with a 30.3-yard average on kickoff returns. He also averaged 12.8 yards per punt return and had one punt return for a touchdown.
2001: Maurice Clarett, Warren Harding
Tailback Maurice Clarett said prior to his senior season in 2001, “They already have my name on that Mr. Football trophy, I just have to go pick it up.”
As it turns out, he was right.
The 6-0, 230-pound Clarett rushed for 2,194 yards and 38 touchdowns as a senior. He finished his prep days with 4,675 career yards and 65 touchdowns.
Clarett was named USA Today’s national high school offensive player of the year and became OSU’s first commitment of the strong 2002 recruiting class.
He started his first game as a freshman and quickly established himself as one of the top players in the nation. He rushed for 1,230 yards, scored 16 touchdowns and broke Smith’s freshman rushing record at OSU.
Clarett helped lead the Buckeyes to the national championship in 2002. However, the 31-24 double-overtime victory over Miami in the Fiesta Bowl would prove to be his final game in an OSU uniform.
He was suspended prior to the 2003 season for six games for accepting improper benefits. When OSU found out he lied during the investigation, it decided to suspend him for the entire season.
Therefore, Clarett decided to try and make himself available for the 2004 NFL Draft. It was originally ruled that he was eligible for the draft, but a judge later overturned that decision and Clarett was forced to sit out his second straight year of football.
He is eligible for the 2005 NFL Draft.
2002: Ben Mauk, Kenton
Quarterback Ben Mauk rewrote Ohio’s prep record book in 2002.
He was 390-of-631 passing (61 percent) for 6,228 yards and 72 touchdowns – all state records. He also rushed for 1,252 yards and 15 touchdowns.
For his career, the 6-1, 200-pound Mauk threw for a record 17,223 yards and 175 touchdowns.
He signed with Wake Forest and redshirted his first season.
As a freshman in 2004, he was 49-of-94 passing (52.1) for 572 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions. He added 295 rushing yards (5.1 per carry) and one touchdown.
Mauk split time with starter Cory Randolph last year and the two will battle for the starting job this fall. Randolph will be a senior.
2003: Ray Williams, Cleveland Benedictine
Tailback Ray Williams rushed for 2,099 yards (8.1 per carry) and 27 touchdowns as a senior in 2003.
The 5-11, 185-pound Williams had over 6,000 career rushing yards. He eventually signed with West Virginia, but never played a down for the Mountaineers.
In a tragic story, Williams, along with high school teammates Lorenzo Hunter and Jon Huddleston, used phony guns to rob two men on April 16, 2004.
One of the victims – Rodney Roberts – drew a real weapon and shot Hunter four times and killed him. A grand jury ruled that Roberts acted in self defense.
Hunter, who was 16 at the time, was one of the top WR prospects in the state.
Williams pleaded guilty to aggravated robbery and involuntary manslaughter and is currently serving a prison sentence.
2004: Tyrell Sutton, Akron Hoban
Tailback Tyrell Sutton is the most recent recipient of the Mr. Football award.
He rushed for 3,241 yards and 38 touchdowns as a senior in 2004. He also racked up 9,426 career rushing yards, a state record.
The 5-9, 180-pound Sutton decided to sign with Northwestern. Schools like Ohio State and Michigan stepped up late, but most of the big schools shied away from Sutton early in the recruiting process because of his size.
“Northwestern was with me from the beginning,” Sutton said. “They were loyal to me and I think that’s the best place for me.”
So, will Sutton be the next Mr. Football to make it big, or will he be the next to feel the Mr. Football jinx?
Hoban coach Ralph Orsini is obviously hoping it’s the former.
“I think Tyrell is going to do really well at Northwestern,” he said.
Winning the Mr. Football award was one of the goals Sutton set and everyone associated with the Hoban program was happy to see him pull it off.
“We talk about the Mr. Football award and what it means,” Orsini said. “We talk about how difficult it is to win it in a talent-rich state like this. We talk about how special it is.”
But is Orsini concerned that Sutton could be the next Mr. Football winner that is unable to live up to the label?
“Not at all,” he said. “You can’t worry about that stuff. Tyrell found a good fit for him and I think he’ll do well.”
* Looking ahead, Akron Garfield running back Chris Wells is one of the early favorites to win the 2005 Mr. Football award. He has given a verbal commitment to Ohio State.
So, there you have it. Players such as Smith, Hoying, Woodson, Katzenmoyer and Enis all had outstanding college careers. But overall, the Mr. Football award is anything but a guarantee of future success.
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In either sport, Schoenhoft's clutch for St. X - Cincinnati Enquirer
In either sport, Schoenhoft's clutch for St. X
By Carey Hoffman
Enquirer contributor
Robby Schoenhoft compares his role on the St. Xavier basketball team to that of being an offensive lineman in football.
Fine, except linemen almost never get their hands on the ball in football, and if they do, they never get to enjoy the kind of end-of-game glory that has left Schoenhoft's fingerprints all over St. X's drive to the Division I state tournament.
St. X will meet Moeller at 8:30 p.m. Friday at Ohio State's Value City Arena in a Division I state semifinal. After what has transpired in the past two weeks, eyes will turn to see where Schoenhoft is should the outcome come down to one final St. X possession.
"Robby's had some great opportunities in the past few games, and he's taken advantage of them," St. X coach Scott Martin said.
Two weeks ago, his layup with two seconds remaining gave St. X a 49-47 upset of the state's No. 2 Division I team, Springfield South, in a district final. Last Saturday, he came up with a tip-in with less than two seconds remaining to propel the Bombers past Centerville in the regional final 41-39.
Altogether, he has won three of St. X's 20 victories in basketball this season on last-second shots, to go with three football games that were won on last-minute drives during which Schoenhoft lived up to his billing as St. X's star quarterback.
"Quarterbacks have to have a lot of poise, because running backs and receivers are going to be looking into your eyes in the huddle to see if your confident," Schoenhoft said. "I'm just trying to show that same focus on the basketball court late in the game that I showed on the football field."
The 6-foot-6, 230-pounder earned a scholarship to Ohio State for football, and he holds no misconceptions about what has earned him the chance to be an end-of-game hero in basketball.
It's St. X's all-time leading scorer, guard Johnny Wolf.
"What's happened is pretty much attributed to Johnny, because people don't want him to get that last shot that's going to beat them. I'm just fortunate enough to be on a team with a guy like that," Schoenhoft said.
Schoenhoft is content to set screens and rebound and await those offensive opportunities that come his way.
"The main thing about Robby is that he's been on varsity for three years and he's smart enough to wait until there's an opportunity for his ability to take over," Martin said.
Schoenhoft has had a respectable senior year, averaging 6.5 points and five rebounds a game.
"I think he's been really good in understanding what they need out of him," Moeller coach Carl Kremer said. "He's a smart player with a knack for being in the right place at the right time, and he's not afraid to do the little things."
Schoenhoft would like to see a couple of more fantastic finishes before his basketball career ends.
"Basketball has always been a little bit easier than football," Schoenhoft said. "I've been lucky to play on a team with Johnny, and I've learned how to play off him so I can score a few points. The funny thing is that there really wasn't that much attention that I noticed during football. After the last three games, I've gotten a lot more attention in school from people than I ever did in football."
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Will Bucks take a look at Hamilton TE? (Blake Mulder) - Rivals PREMIUM
March 16, 2005
Will Bucks take a look at Hamilton TE?
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Bill Kurelic
BuckeyeSports.com Recruiting Analyst *
Hamilton (Ohio) Badin's Blake Mulder is receiving mail from many Big Ten schools as well as others. The Buckeyes have not been in contact yet, but that doesn't mean Ohio State is not at the top of Mulder's list.
<font color="#b90000">Tuesday, March 15, 2005</font> Recruiting News - 03/15/05
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(Dorin) Dickerson awaiting interest, offer from PSU - Rivals PREMIUM
March 15, 2005
Dickerson awaiting interest, offer from PSU
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BWI staff
BlueWhiteIllustrated.com *
Dorin Dickerson, the West Allegheny High School standout, is one of Pennsylvania's top football players and, arguably, it's best athlete. He has offers from Michigan, Ohio State, Pittsburgh, Wisconsin, LSU and Boston College, in addition to a number of MAC schools.
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OSU-UM battle for star PA linebacker? (Jeremiha Hunter) - Rivals PREMIUM
March 15, 2005
OSU-UM battle for star PA linebacker?
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Bill Kurelic
BuckeyeSports.com Recruiting Analyst *
Manheim (Pa.) Central linebacker Jeremiha Hunter has scholarship offers from over two dozen schools including Ohio State and Michigan. The Bucks and Wolverines are among his top three choices, and Hunter says he has been to Ohio State once and that will probably not be his last time in Columbus.
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Nebraska Invading SEC Country (Cody Faulkner) - Scout PREMIUM
Nebraska Invading SEC Country
By Brandon Cavanaugh
Date: Mar 15, 2005
Nebraska has gone after quite a few sons of former Cornhuskers, but now it appears that they are branching out to the children of other program’s athletes. NU has located a young man from Indiana who has a connection to the SEC who has a very open mind about where he would like to end up for his college years.
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Cats Offer California Running Back (James Montgomery) - Scout PREMIUM
Cats Offer California Running Back
By Andrew Friedman
Date: Mar 15, 2005
The Wildcats are offering a plethora of players early again this recruiting cycle, as they did last cycle. One of the latest beneficiaries of a Universtiy of Arizona scholarship extension is running back James Montgomery from Rancho Cordova HS in Cordova, California. The tailback is now up to four offers and the Cats are high on his list.
<font color="#b90000">Monday, March 14, 2005</font> Recruiting News - 03/14/05
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DeAndre McDaniel - Scout
Biography:
DeAndre McDaniel had a productive year on both sides of the ball as a junior. From his wide receiver position, he hauled in 27 catches for 657 yards and six touchdowns. At safety, McDaniel had 53 tackles, eight interceptions, and he returned three of those for touchdowns.
Scouting Report: While McDaniel says that he prefers safety, he certainly plays the wide receiver position like he loves it. He has strong hands and good acceleration once he has caught the ball. He is not afraid of contact with or without the ball, and will go over the middle or lay a solid crack back block.*
At safety, McDaniel also has a good nose for the ball as evidenced by his eight interceptions. At 6-1 and 180 pounds, he might be best suited to play on the defensive side of the ball as wide receivers keep getting bigger and bigger. He's the type of athlete that can have a terrific career on either side of the ball. The priority will be to get him on campus and not worry about where to play him yet.
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Falcons back to work with hopes of 2A state title (Micah Johnson) - The Leaf Chronicle
Falcons back to work with hopes of 2A state title
Jimmy Trodglen
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Aside from the mandatory two week dead period, football at Fort Campbell is a year-round sport.
Shortly after the Falcons were eliminated by Glasgow in the second round of the 2A state playoffs in mid-November, head coach Shawn Berner began an assessment of the talent returning, and what was needed to move deeper into the playoffs.
This epitomizes the type of off-season commitment that's made Fort Campbell the best football program in the area, and one of the best 2A football teams in the state of Kentucky. Fort Campbell has won consecutive district titles, has compiled a 21-4 record over the past two seasons, and has two former players at Kentucky, and nearly a dozen others scattered across the different divisions below I-A football.
On the same day spring sports begin in Tennessee, Berner and 60 Falcons will hold their first day of spring football practice.
Winning district titles, and reaching the second or quarterfinal round of the playoffs may be enough for most schools, but not Fort Campbell.
Fort Campbell wants a state championship. The last time the school played for one was 25 years ago.
Berner's fervor to direct the Falcons to a state title is realistic, thanks to one of the strongest senior-to-be classes ever at Fort Campbell.
Leading this highly-touted group is the nation's most-coveted defensive talent, 6-foot-5, 265 pound linebacker Micah Johnson.
Johnson's name and credentials are listed on every recruiting Web site, and he's received offers from Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, USC, Georgia, Clemson, Maryland, Stanford, Kentucky, Louisville and Tennessee. That list will grow between now and National Signing Day next February.
Johnson has been a machine in the weight room. He's bench pressing 405 pounds, dead-lifting 650, squatting 530, and his power clean is 285.
Johnson's notoriety is on defense, but there are a handful of schools, including Ohio State and Michigan State, that want him in their offensive backfield.
Johnson plays halfback in Fort Campbell's offset-I formation offense.
The talent pool, however, doesn't stop with Johnson.
Free safety Leonard Gordon, who will get a serious look at quarterback during spring practice, has already been offered by Kentucky, and offensive tackle Orlando Misaalefua is one of Kentucky's top offensive line prospects. Kicker Nate Johnson is getting some late looks, and Larry Robinson has been invited to a Nike camp.
Despite the firepower, Fort Campbell has plenty of questions to answer before its season-opener with Paducah Tilghman.
The Falcons have holes on the offensive line, plus Berner, who doubles as the QB coach, will watch to see if Gordon is the right option to replace graduating quarterback Mark Hays.
The Kentucky 2A state football championship isn't until December, but the quest for the Falcons begins today.
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(Jeff) Cumberland names co-favorites - Rivals PREMIUM
March 14, 2005
Cumberland names co-favorites
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Bill Kurelic
Rivals100.com *
Columbus (Ohio) Brookhaven tight end Jeff Cumberland talks about a scholarship offer from a Big Ten school, and names the two schools that sit at the top of his list.
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Are Bucks in driver's seat for Ohio star? (Kurt Coleman) - Rivals PREMIUM
March 14, 2005
Are Bucks in driver's seat for Ohio star?
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Bill Kurelic
BuckeyeSports.com Recruiting Analyst *
Clayton (Ohio) Northmont defensive back Kurt Coleman is the latest player from the Buckeye state to receive a scholarship offer from Ohio State. Are the Buckeyes in the driver's seat?
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Focus '06: DeSmet Duo (Paddy Mullen) - Scout PREMIUM
Focus '06: DeSmet Duo
By Josh Clark
Date: Mar 14, 2005
There will be strong competition in 2005 as to whom headlines the Midlands Class of 2006. Certainly, no teammates will be ranked as high as the DeSmet duo of Paddy Mullen and Munir Prince. After making an initial commitment as a sophmore, is Prince once again wide open? To spin the wheel, could Mullen be making a decision sooner than later? Scout.com caught up with head coach Pat Mahoney to get the latest.......
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Top DB Myron Rolle On Michigan - Scout PREMIUM
Top DB Myron Rolle On Michigan
By Don Hoekwater
Date: Mar 14, 2005
The GoBlueWolverine.com interview with defensive back Myron Rolle of The Hun School in Princeton, N.J., continues today. Rolle, possibly the nation's No. 1 prospect, talks about his relationship with the Michigan staff and why the Wolverines are on the final list of schools at which he is considering spending his college career. Also, he tells the story behind the recent photo of him wearing Michigan clothing.
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ScoutTV - Lee Tilley (OL) - Scout
ScoutTV - Lee Tilley (OL)
By Jamie Newberg National Recruiting Analyst
Date: Mar 14, 2005
One of the top offensive line prospects from the midwest is Lee Tilley. This massive tackle is impressive on film. Check out his video highlights.
Lee Tilley, 6-7 and 311 pounds, is a huge tackle prospect from Springfield (Ohio) South High School. Tilley is currently sitting on scholarship offers from Cincinnati, Georgia, Nebraska, West Virginia, N.C. State, Indiana and Kansas and others.
Tilley is a prospect who shows what you want to see in an offensive tackle. He has long arms, wide body and quick feet. Tilley is already an advanced pass blocker as he plays in a system that is built around the pass. He is raw but has all the tools to be an outstanding OL at the next level.
Here are two video highlight packages on Tilley.
Video 1 - Watch Video
Video 2 - Watch Video
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Connor Smith Weighing All Options - Scout PREMIUM
Connor Smith Weighing All Options
By Dave Biddle
Date: Mar 14, 2005
Cincinnati Colerain offensive tackle Connor Smith will likely make his decision this summer, but says he does not have a leader at this point. We caught up with Smith for the latest on his situation.
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On The Lighter Side, Part One (Justin Boren) - Scout PREMIUM
On The Lighter Side, Part One
By Gary Housteau
Date: Mar 14, 2005
Justin Boren is one of the top-rated prep players in Ohio and is one of three offensive linemen who have already received an offer from Ohio State. His father Mike Boren, also from Ohio, was a star linebacker for Michigan. Could his son actually play for Ohio State or will Justin follow in his dad's footsteps and go to Michigan as well? Justin Boren will make an official commitment probably in June so fasten your seat belt until then.
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[URL=http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050313/SPT0301/503130451/1069/spt03]Schoenhoft tips in winner again - Cincinnati Enquirer
Schoenhoft tips in winner again
By Carey Hoffman
Enquirer contributor
DAYTON - Rob Schoenhoft might be headed to Ohio State on a football scholarship, but basketball is his more immediate ticket to Columbus.
St. Xavier's star quarterback has become the man of the moment for Bombers basketball.
For the second straight Saturday on the University of Dayton Arena floor, his last-second basket delivered a huge victory.
Last Saturday, a Schoenhoft layup with two seconds left secured an upset of the second-ranked team in Ohio, Springfield South.
This week, his tip-in with less than two seconds remaining gave the Bombers a 41-39 win over Centerville in the Division I regional final.
St. X (20-5) advances to the Final Four in Division I for a titanic showdown with GCL rival Moeller in the state semifinals at 8:30 p.m. Friday at Ohio State's Value City Arena.
"This is unbelievable," said Schoenhoft. "It's great to be going upstate, and we get to play Moeller, who put us out in the second round in football."
St. X won the Division I basketball title in 2000, when the current seniors were eighth-graders. Guard Johnny Wolf, now St. X's all-time leading scorer, went to every game.
"This is awesome. Last year was so disappointing, losing in our first tournament game," Wolf said. "We made this our goal, and I think last year actually helped, because we've taken all that anger and it's helping us."
St. X led only twice against Centerville.
The Bombers scored the first basket of the game, to go up 2-0, and the last on Schoenhoft's tip-in.
St. Xavier (20-5) - Scales 1 2 4, J. Wolf 4 2 10, Gedeon 2 2 7, Sweeney 1 2 4, Schoenhoft 3 4 10, N. Wolf 1 2 5, Gibler 0 1 1. Totals: 12-31 15-23 41.
Centerville (23-3) - Ashworth 0 5 5, Jolley 1 2 5, Couvion 1 0 2, Grote 4 4 15, Johnson 2 3 7, Koop 0 5 5. Totals: 8-21 19-25 39.
Ooops, bad link. Try this:
Schoenhoft tips in winner again[/b] - Cincinnati Enquirer
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Duck dips himself in orange sauce: Lindset commits to Vols(Brandon Warren-among others) - The Daily Times
Duck dips himself in orange sauce: Lindset commits to Vols
2005-03-16
by John Brice
of The Daily Times Staff
Call it sympathy for the mailman.
Dustin Lindsey was tired of all the mail. And the Alcoa running back knew it was only going to get worse.
So Lindsey, MVP of the Tornadoes' Class 2A state championship last December, did his best Monday afternoon to slow the mail flow. He verbally committed to the University of Tennessee and head coach Phillip Fulmer.
``I was getting like nine or 10 letters a day,'' said Lindsey, who shattered the school's single-season record with 42 rushing touchdowns and finished just one shy of the state standard. ``Now, I won't have to be walking around with my backpack full of letters. It was getting stressful.''
Lindsey, perhaps better known as ``Duck,'' becomes the third player to give a verbal commitment for the Vols' 2006 class. Lee Smith, of Powell, and Jacques McClendon, of Chattanooga Baylor, both committed last month.
Tennessee's 2005 recruiting class was a consensus top three haul, and some services rated the group as the nation's best. Alcoa coach John Reid, who's mentored Lindsey's rise to prep stardom, said the decision of the Volunteer staff to issue Lindsey an early offer spoke volumes.
``Tennessee just had the best recruiting class in the nation,'' Reid said. ``For them to offer Dustin and Brandon (Warren) early tells you something.
``But bigger was the fact that the Tennessee coaches were interested in Dustin off the field as a young man. That meant a lot to him. I'm really proud for him.''
Lindsey displayed an uncanny ability to run around, through and past opposing defenses in amassing 2,300 yards and 42 touchdowns on the ground in 2004. But Lindsey hardly relished extending his courtship by some of the nation's premiere programs, including reigning champ Southern Cal and Louisville.
Giving his commitment to UT and getting as much of the process behind him as possible relieved Lindsey.
``It felt like my teammate (offensive lineman) Martin White just got off my shoulders,'' Lindsey cracked Monday night following Alcoa's baseball game against Maryville. ``It's a big relief. I'm ready to relax now.''
Opposing defenses haven't been able to relax since Lindsey burst onto the scene as a freshman in 2002. The bruising, 6-foot-1, 210-pound tailback has chewed through opponents for at least 1,000 yards in each of his three varsity campaigns. Lindsey has likewise been a defensive terror from his position at linebacker, and his sack in the state championship against Huntingdon sealed the Tornadoes' wild victory.
But Lindsey expects to play running back at Tennessee, where he'll miss being a teammate of friend Gerald Riggs Jr. by one season.
``Gerald just told me that I needed to go wherever I was comfortable,'' Lindsey said. ``He told me to go where I thought I would fit best. But he did put in a good word for me at Tennessee.''
Lindsey spoke with UT running backs coach Trooper Taylor after giving his commitment to Fulmer.
``Coach Taylor is a good guy,'' he said. ``He seems like a real exciting guy. After I met with coach Fulmer, I walked into (Taylor's) office and said, `Trooper, I'm one of yours.'''
Lindsey was recruited by UT defensive line coach Dan Brooks, a Maryville resident whose son Rhett was a starting tackle on the Rebels' 2004 Class 4A title team.
``Coach Brooks was really good,'' Lindsey said. ``He's helped me a lot. I'm very excited.''
As Lindsey narrowed his options, Reid told him it only made sense to look in his backyard first.
``Coach Fulmer and those coaches have done a great job,'' Reid said. ``They're a top 10 program consistently. I told Dustin he should look at UT first. You can't really go wrong with a top 10 program in your backyard.''
Warren, the Tornadoes' freakishly talented tight end/defensive end, has elicited offers from LSU, Ohio State, UT, Clemson and Louisville, among others. Likewise, quarterback Joei Fiegler has garnered considerable NCAA D-I attention with North Carolina, Clemson, Georgia, Southern Miss, Notre Dame and Indiana among his suitors.
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Punchers can't solve Bearcats (Jeff Cumberland) - This Week
Punchers can't solve Bearcats
Thursday, March 17, 2005
By JARROD ULREY
ThisWeek Staff Writer By Lorrie Cecil/ThisWeek
If there's one thing the Brookhaven High School boys basketball team has learned through its years of dominating City League-North Division and central Ohio opponents, it is that losing to Mifflin is not tolerated.
The Bearcats have learned it so well that it's become a mini-tradition of sorts: Their only loss in 2002, when they won the Division I state championship, was 80-78 in overtime to the Punchers, but they've won 18 of the last 19 meetings between the schools.
Although several of Brookhaven's juniors have been key contributors in a few cases the last two years, junior Cameron Campbell said they know it's not a goal to beat Mifflin; it's an expectation.
"We don't lose to Mifflin," said Campbell, who has had some of his best games against the Punchers this season, including in a 71-57 win in a Division I regional semifinal March 10 in the Fairgrounds Coliseum when he had 10 points and helped hold Mifflin's Cordaryl Ballard to 14. "That's what you don't do at Brookhaven. You just can't."
The Punchers fell at the regional level for the third consecutive season, and the final result of the semifinal rarely was in doubt. Brookhaven built an 18-9 lead in the first quarter and never led by fewer than five the rest of the way.
Mifflin trailed 48-38 going into the fourth quarter, made it 48-40 on a basket by Eric Hutson with 7:22 left and 48-43 on a 3-pointer by Jordan Edwards with 6:53 remaining, but the Bearcats scored the next eight points.
Senior Jamelle Cornley was held to nine points in a 56-39 loss last Saturday to Cincinnati Moeller in a regional final at the Fairgrounds as Brookhaven finished 21-5, and Ballard was held about eight points under his scoring average in his final prep game as the Punchers finished 17-5.
The Bearcats also beat the Punchers 85-75 on Dec. 10 and 85-82 on Jan. 21.
"Our goal collectively was to cut Cordaryl's scoring in half," said Brookhaven coach Hali Robinson, whose team committed 37 turnovers but got 19 points and 12 rebounds from Cornley and 17 points and 12 rebounds from Jeff Cumberland as it held the Punchers to 22 of 72 shooting. "Defensively, anytime you can hold Cordaryl's production down to about half, we did a good job."
Ballard, who finished with more than 1,200 points for his career and played varsity since midway through his freshman season, was joined in the senior class by Terrance Woods, Juawan Spann, Hutson, Royal Porter and Edwards.
The Punchers are expected to return juniors Phillip Morris and DeShon Brooks and sophomore Terrence Pearson.
Coach Gene Caslin said the team likely will move down to Division II next year.
"I've got to take my hat off to my kids," Caslin said. "We had six seniors and they've given it to me all four years. Division I was tough in the district this year, and we've just got to keep plugging away next year. Our first game next year (in the league) will be us playing Brookhaven at Brookhaven, but at least Cornley will be gone."
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Bearcats' plans all fouled up (Jeff Cumberland) - This Week
Bearcats' plans all fouled up
Moeller posts 56-39 win in regional title game
Thursday, March 17, 2005
By JARROD ULREY
ThisWeek Staff Writer By Lorrie Cecil/ThisWeek
During postgame handshakes after the Brookhaven High School boys basketball team's 56-39 loss to Cincinnati Moeller in a Division I regional final last Saturday that snapped its 29-game winning streak in the Fairgrounds Coliseum, Crusaders coach Carl Kremer whispered a few extra words to senior Jamelle Cornley.
... Jeff Cumberland, a 6-6 junior, and 6-7 juniors Julian Young and Jamal Dublin likely will share the load in the post next year...
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Two Big Ten schools high on Hunter's list (Jeremiha Hunter) - Rivals PREMIUM
March 16, 2005
Two Big Ten schools high on Hunter's list
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Bill Kurelic
Rivals100.com *
Manheim (Pa.) Central linebacker Jeremiha Hunter has scholarship offers from over two dozen schools. Who does Hunter name as his favorites?
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All-American can also play running back (Micah Johnson) - Rivals PREMIUM
March 16, 2005
All-American can also play running back
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Jeffrey Lee
AuburnSports.com *
There is no debating that Ft. Campbell (KY) prospect Micah Johnson is one of the elite recruits in the nation. He's listed as an inside linebacker and defensive end, but what many are forgetting, is that he can run the football, too.
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(Lee) Tilley still learning - Rivals PREMIUM
March 16, 2005
Tilley still learning
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Josh McCuistion
SoonerScoop.com *
In basketball Lee Tilley was almost undoubtedly known as a space-eater in the paint. With his 6-foot-7, 292-pound frame it is not hard to imagine him posing out and creating shooting space through some of the most brutal screens ever witnessed. With all of that being said, it's not his basketball talents that have mail flooding in this spring.
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Coleman lands third Big Ten offer (Kurt Coleman) - Rivals PREMIUM
March 16, 2005
Coleman lands third Big Ten offer
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Bill Kurelic
Rivals100.com *
Clayton (Ohio) Northmont defensive back Kurt Coleman has an impressive list of schools that have offered a scholarship including three from the Big Ten.
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(J.B.) Walton continues to draw offers - Rivals PREMIUM
March 16, 2005
Walton continues to draw offers
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Mark Thomas
MDVarsity.com *
Lackey OL J.B. Walton continues to receive offers from major college football programs across the country. As a junior he was a Consensus All-State offensive line selection. As a senior, he is a major, national recruit and will be a story to follow all season long.
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The Mr. Football jinx? - Bucknuts
The Mr. Football jinx?
By Dave Biddle Assistant Editor
Date: Mar 16, 2005
Ohio's Mr. Football award is a prestigious honor, but is there a jinx associated with it? Today, Bucknuts.com examines the 18-year history of the award. We look back on the gridiron careers of all the recipients and where they are at today.
It’s the ultimate honor for a high school football player in Ohio.
Or is it the ultimate jinx?
The Mr. Football award has been given annually to Ohio’s best player since 1987. The results have been mixed, but the majority of Mr. Football winners never panned out as college gridiron stars. There are exceptions, of course, but most of the players never quite lived up to the label.
1987: Ronald “Buster” Howe, Zanesville
The inaugural winner of the award was Buster Howe, a 5-11, 182-pound all-purpose star.
As a senior in 1987, he rushed for 1,795 yards (6.9 yards per carry and scored 34 touchdowns. As a single wing back, he added 431 passing yards. He also had eight interceptions, three field goals, 38 extra points and averaged 40.9 yards per punt.
Yes, he could do it all.
Howe was a member of John Cooper’s first recruiting class at Ohio State. He was recruited as a running back, but never carried the ball for the Buckeyes.
Howe was a Prop 48 casualty in 1988 and had to sit out his first season at OSU.
As a sophomore in 1989, things didn’t get much better.
“It just didn’t work out for me,” Howe told Bucknuts.com. “I didn’t get any playing time. I was just sitting back waiting.”
As a junior in 1990, Howe was approached by the coaching staff about a possible move to defense. Robert Smith was joining the team and Carlos Snow was also on the roster (although he would miss the entire 1990 season with an injury).
“Yeah, they wanted me to play DB, but that was a totally different situation,” Howe said. “They recruited me as a running back, but they wanted me to play defense. I hadn’t played defense since high school. Offense was always my thing.
“I think I just got off on the wrong foot with the new coaching staff and they never gave me a chance. I returned a couple of kickoffs, and that was it.”
Howe says he and Cooper never discussed the lack of playing time.
“Actually, he didn’t communicate well at all,” Howe said. “It was just one of those things. But that’s all right. It’s in the past.”
Howe, who wore the No. 37 at OSU, left the school for good after the 1990 season and returned to Zanesville. He decided not to transfer to another college.
“No, that was it for me,” he said.
Today, Howe, 35, is married and is the proud father of five girls. He works for the city of Zanesville and seems happy with his life after football.
And he will always have the distinction of being the first Mr. Football winner in Ohio – a state known for its outstanding high school football.
“Yeah, that’s something I still take a little bit of pride in,” Howe said. “It’s an honor not everyone can receive. I don’t think about it too much, but now my girls know about it and they like to kid and joke me about it.”
Howe never considered getting into coaching. “No, I just enjoy the sport now,” he said. “I follow the Buckeyes a little bit.”
1988-89: Robert Smith, Euclid
Tailback Robert Smith is the only two-time winner of the Mr. Football award.
As a junior at Euclid in 1988, the 6-2, 185-pound Smith rushed for 1,564 yards (8.8 yards per carry) and averaged 31 yards per punt return on 10 returns.
As a senior in 1989, the 6-2, 195-pound Smith rushed for 2,042 yards (10 yards per carry) and 31 touchdowns.
He finished his prep days with 5,038 career yards and 67 career touchdowns.
Smith signed with Ohio State and was a national star as a freshman. He broke the OSU freshman rushing record with 1,126 yards in 1990. He seemed destined to be the next great running back at the school.
However, in preseason camp of 1991, Smith quit the team, claiming that the coaching staff cared little about academics. He said that offensive coordinator Elliot Uzelac was at the root of the problem and said that he would not consider returning to the team unless Uzelac was removed.
Smith sat out the entire 1991 season, but returned in 1992 (yes, Uzelac was gone) and rushed for just under 900 yards for the Buckeyes.
Although he was still a sophomore eligibility-wise, he declared for the NFL draft in 1993. Smith was selected in the first round by the Minnesota Vikings and went on to enjoy an impressive eight-year career in the NFL.
His best year was his final season in the league, 2000. Smith rushed for 1,521 yards (5.2 per carry) and seven touchdowns. He also had 36 receptions for 348 yards and three scores, and was named to the NFC’s Pro Bowl team.
Smith amassed 6,818 career rushing yards in the NFL (4.8 yards per carry) and 32 career touchdowns.
1990: Bobby Hoying, St. Henry
Quarterback Bobby Hoying made it 4-for-4 for Ohio State in terms of signing Ohio Mr. Football award recipients.
As a senior in 1990, the 6-4, 210-pound Hoying was 105-of-180 passing (58 percent completion percentage) for 1,736 yards. He had 20 touchdown passes and just five interceptions. He also had 201 rushing yards, four rushing touchdowns, and added seven interceptions as a safety.
Hoying was a three-year starter at OSU, taking over the controls in 1993 as a third-year sophomore.
He was decent his first two years, but really came on as a senior in 1995. Hoying set a then-OSU single-season record with 3,269 passing yards (later broken by Joe Germaine in 1998 with 3,330) and also set the school mark with 29 touchdown passes.
Hoying also holds the OSU career record for touchdown passes (57) and is second behind Art Schlichter for the career passing yards record at OSU. Schlichter had 7,547 yards and Hoying had 7,232.
Hoying was a third round selection by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1996. He played seven seasons in the NFL – three with the Eagles and four with the Oakland Raiders.
Hoying’s best professional season was 1997 when he started six games for the Eagles. He was 128-of-225 passing (56.9 percent) for 1,573 yards. He added 11 touchdowns and six interceptions.
Today, Hoying is working in commercial real estate in Columbus. He is part of a firm that includes former OSU basketball player Rick Smith and former OSU quarterback Greg Frey.
1991: Derek Kidwell, Fostoria
Quarterback/defensive end Derek Kidwell led Fostoria to the 1991 Division II state championship. The 6-4, 225-pound Kidwell was 85-of 144-passing for 1,526 yards, 15 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He added 379 rushing yards and five TD’s.
Defensively, he had 44 tackles, two sacks and four fumble recoveries.
Kidwell decided to go to Bowling Green, but ran into some trouble with the law before his college career began.
Days before his high school graduation in 1992, Kidwell and three of his friends were arrested for vandalism for trashing Fostoria High School. They smashed plate glass doors, threw beer bottles, and mangled signs.
Vandalism was a fourth degree felony at the time and Kidwell spent seven days in jail and was barred from participating in graduation ceremonies.
Kidwell did play Bowling Green, but could never get his football career on track in college.
Following graduation, he became an assistant high school football coach and teacher. He eventually landed the head coaching job at Hopewell-Loudon. Prior to the 2004 season, he moved on to Fremont Ross where he is the head football coach today.
1992: Marc Edwards, Norwood
Fullback/linebacker Marc Edwards rushed for 1,721 yards and 26 touchdowns as a senior at Norwood in 1992. The 6-2, 220-pound Edwards also racked up 113 tackles.
He signed with Notre Dame and was a two-year starter for the Fighting Irish. He had 1,591 career rushing yards and 27 career touchdowns at ND.
Edwards was a second round draft pick by the San Francisco 49ers in 1997. He is now with the Jacksonville Jaguars and will be entering his ninth season in the league this fall (has also played for the Browns and Patriots).
Edwards has just 405 career rushing yards (3.3 per carry) and three touchdowns. But he has made his mark as a good receiver out of the backfield. He has 157 career receptions for 1,235 yards (7.9 per reception) and eight touchdowns.
1993: Curtis Enis, Mississinawa Valley
Tailback Curtis Enis was a dominate player on the small-school level. As a senior in 1993, he rushed for 2,764 yards (10.8 yards per carry) and 37 touchdowns. The 6-3, 232-pound Enis had 440 yards and seven touchdowns in one game.
He signed with Penn State and was an All-Big Ten selection as a junior and senior, rushing for over 1,000 yards each year.
Enis was the No. 5 overall selection of the 1998 NFL Draft, taken by the Chicago Bears. He tore his left ACL as a rookie and played just three seasons in the league.
Enis had 1,497 career rushing yards (3.3 yards per carry) and four touchdowns in the NFL.
H actually had a decent season in 1999, rushing for 916 yards (3.2 per carry) for the Bears.
1994: Charles Woodson, Fremont Ross
As a senior in 1994, the 6-1, 190-pound Woodson rushed for 2,028 yards and 38 touchdowns. He had a total of 2,596 all-purpose yards.
Woodson is the only Ohio Mr. Football award winner to sign with Michigan. He is the Benedict Arnold of the list.
Woodson started three years as a defensive back at UM. He also returned kicks and played a little bit of wide receiver.
Woodson had 18 career interceptions at Michigan and 182 career tackles. He also had five career offensive touchdowns and one punt return touchdown (against OSU in 1997).
Woodson led Michigan to a share of the national championship in ’97 (Nebraska was co-champs) and edged Tennessee quarterback Peyton Manning for the Heisman Trophy.
Woodson left UM after his junior season and was the No. 4 overall pick of the 1998 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders as a cornerback.
He has been selected to the Pro Bowl four times and has 16 career interceptions.
1995: Andy Katzenmoyer, Westerville South
Linebacker/fullback Andy Katzenmoyer was the clear choice for the ’95 Mr. Football award. As a senior, he had 88 tackles (53 solos), 16 tackles-for-loss, eight sacks and six forced fumbles. He added 250 rushing yards and five touchdowns.
Katzenmoyer signed with Ohio State and wasted no time in making an impact for the Buckeyes. He started his first game as a freshman in 1996, helped lead OSU to a Rose Bowl victory and was named the Big Ten’s Freshman of the Year.
The “Big Kat” was a three-time first-team All-Big Ten selection. He won the Butkus Award and was a first-team All-American as a sophomore in 1997.
He finished his OSU career with 256 tackles (197 solo), 50 tackles-for-loss, 18 sacks and six interceptions.
He declared for the NFL Draft following his junior season and was selected by the New England Patriots in the first round in 1999.
Katzenmoyer played three seasons with the Patriots, but had to cut his pro career short due to a neck injury.
1996: Derek Combs, Grove City
Tailback Derek Combs rushed for 2,042 yards (9.5 yards per carry) and 24 touchdowns as a high school senior in 1996. The 6-1, 185-pound Combs added 20 receptions for 400 yards.
He signed with nearby Ohio State, but didn’t see much playing time until his senior season in 2000. As a senior, Combs took over as the starting tailback and led the Buckeyes with 863 rushing yards and five touchdowns.
Combs was a seventh round pick by the Oakland Raiders in the 2001 NFL Draft. He was selected as a defensive back and played two seasons in the NFL – 2002 with the Raiders and 2003 with the Green Bay Packers. He also played two seasons in NFL Europe with Amsterdam.
1997: Tony Fisher, Euclid
Tailback Tony Fisher rushed for 2,130 yards and 40 touchdowns as a senior in 1997 and broke Smith’s school records in the process.
The 6-1, 200-pound Fisher decided to sign with Notre Dame, where he had an up-and-down career.
He started 20 career games for the Irish, but never gained more than 783 yards in a season.
Fisher had career college statistics of 384 carries, 1,849 yards (4.8 ypc) and 15 touchdowns.
He hooked on as an undrafted free agent with the Green Bay Packers in 2002 and has enjoyed a solid NFL career up to this point as one of Ahman Green’s backups.
In three years with the Packers, Fisher has 707 rushing yards (4 ypc) and three touchdowns. He has really made his mark as a third down back, catching 77 career passes for 553 yards and four touchdowns.
In 2004, Fisher enjoyed his best NFL season with 38 receptions for 277 yards and two touchdowns.
1998: Ryan Brewer, Troy
Tailback/defensive back Ryan Brewer rushed for 2,856 yards and 40 touchdowns as a senior in 1998. The 5-9, 200-pound Brewer had two interceptions on defense, averaged 44 yards per punt and made four field goals.
Despite his impressive resume, he was not offered a scholarship by Ohio State. In fact, most big schools ignored him because of his size.
Brewer signed with South Carolina and became a versatile slot back/kick returner for the Gamecocks. He saved his best for Ohio State in the 2001 Outback Bowl – Cooper’s final game at OSU’s coach – leading the Gamecocks to a victory over OSU. He also tasted victory against OSU in the 2002 Outback Bowl, Jim Tressel’s first bowl game at OSU.
As a senior at South Carolina in 2002, Brewer had 28 receptions, 299 yards and one touchdown.
After graduating, he played two seasons in NFL Europe.
Today, he is married and owns a business in South Carolina.
1999: Brandon “Bam” Childress, Bedford Chanel
All-purpose standout Bam Childress had 41 receptions for 754 yards and 11 touchdowns as a senior in 1999. He added over 700 yards on punt returns and over 600 yards on kickoff returns.
Defensively, he only had seven passes thrown his way in 14 games. One was completed for a three yard gain, two were intercepted, two were batted down at the line, and two were overthrown.
Childress signed with OSU as a cornerback, but was moved to receiver when Tressel took over.
He finally got a chance at meaningful playing time as a senior in 2004, but did not play much the second half of the season. He finished the year with 17 receptions and 205 yards (12.1).
2000: Jeff Backes, Upper Arlington
Tailback Jeff Backes helped lead Upper Arlington to the 2000 Division I state championship. The 5-9, 180-pound Backes rushed for a state record 3,353 yards as a senior and added 44 touchdowns.
He turned down a scholarship offer from Ohio State and signed with Northwestern.
He is now a starting cornerback for the Wildcats. As a junior in 2004, he had 45 tackles and one interception. He is also a dangerous special teams returner and led the Big Ten in 2004 with a 30.3-yard average on kickoff returns. He also averaged 12.8 yards per punt return and had one punt return for a touchdown.
2001: Maurice Clarett, Warren Harding
Tailback Maurice Clarett said prior to his senior season in 2001, “They already have my name on that Mr. Football trophy, I just have to go pick it up.”
As it turns out, he was right.
The 6-0, 230-pound Clarett rushed for 2,194 yards and 38 touchdowns as a senior. He finished his prep days with 4,675 career yards and 65 touchdowns.
Clarett was named USA Today’s national high school offensive player of the year and became OSU’s first commitment of the strong 2002 recruiting class.
He started his first game as a freshman and quickly established himself as one of the top players in the nation. He rushed for 1,230 yards, scored 16 touchdowns and broke Smith’s freshman rushing record at OSU.
Clarett helped lead the Buckeyes to the national championship in 2002. However, the 31-24 double-overtime victory over Miami in the Fiesta Bowl would prove to be his final game in an OSU uniform.
He was suspended prior to the 2003 season for six games for accepting improper benefits. When OSU found out he lied during the investigation, it decided to suspend him for the entire season.
Therefore, Clarett decided to try and make himself available for the 2004 NFL Draft. It was originally ruled that he was eligible for the draft, but a judge later overturned that decision and Clarett was forced to sit out his second straight year of football.
He is eligible for the 2005 NFL Draft.
2002: Ben Mauk, Kenton
Quarterback Ben Mauk rewrote Ohio’s prep record book in 2002.
He was 390-of-631 passing (61 percent) for 6,228 yards and 72 touchdowns – all state records. He also rushed for 1,252 yards and 15 touchdowns.
For his career, the 6-1, 200-pound Mauk threw for a record 17,223 yards and 175 touchdowns.
He signed with Wake Forest and redshirted his first season.
As a freshman in 2004, he was 49-of-94 passing (52.1) for 572 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions. He added 295 rushing yards (5.1 per carry) and one touchdown.
Mauk split time with starter Cory Randolph last year and the two will battle for the starting job this fall. Randolph will be a senior.
2003: Ray Williams, Cleveland Benedictine
Tailback Ray Williams rushed for 2,099 yards (8.1 per carry) and 27 touchdowns as a senior in 2003.
The 5-11, 185-pound Williams had over 6,000 career rushing yards. He eventually signed with West Virginia, but never played a down for the Mountaineers.
In a tragic story, Williams, along with high school teammates Lorenzo Hunter and Jon Huddleston, used phony guns to rob two men on April 16, 2004.
One of the victims – Rodney Roberts – drew a real weapon and shot Hunter four times and killed him. A grand jury ruled that Roberts acted in self defense.
Hunter, who was 16 at the time, was one of the top WR prospects in the state.
Williams pleaded guilty to aggravated robbery and involuntary manslaughter and is currently serving a prison sentence.
2004: Tyrell Sutton, Akron Hoban
Tailback Tyrell Sutton is the most recent recipient of the Mr. Football award.
He rushed for 3,241 yards and 38 touchdowns as a senior in 2004. He also racked up 9,426 career rushing yards, a state record.
The 5-9, 180-pound Sutton decided to sign with Northwestern. Schools like Ohio State and Michigan stepped up late, but most of the big schools shied away from Sutton early in the recruiting process because of his size.
“Northwestern was with me from the beginning,” Sutton said. “They were loyal to me and I think that’s the best place for me.”
So, will Sutton be the next Mr. Football to make it big, or will he be the next to feel the Mr. Football jinx?
Hoban coach Ralph Orsini is obviously hoping it’s the former.
“I think Tyrell is going to do really well at Northwestern,” he said.
Winning the Mr. Football award was one of the goals Sutton set and everyone associated with the Hoban program was happy to see him pull it off.
“We talk about the Mr. Football award and what it means,” Orsini said. “We talk about how difficult it is to win it in a talent-rich state like this. We talk about how special it is.”
But is Orsini concerned that Sutton could be the next Mr. Football winner that is unable to live up to the label?
“Not at all,” he said. “You can’t worry about that stuff. Tyrell found a good fit for him and I think he’ll do well.”
* Looking ahead, Akron Garfield running back Chris Wells is one of the early favorites to win the 2005 Mr. Football award. He has given a verbal commitment to Ohio State.
So, there you have it. Players such as Smith, Hoying, Woodson, Katzenmoyer and Enis all had outstanding college careers. But overall, the Mr. Football award is anything but a guarantee of future success.
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In either sport, Schoenhoft's clutch for St. X - Cincinnati Enquirer
In either sport, Schoenhoft's clutch for St. X
By Carey Hoffman
Enquirer contributor
Robby Schoenhoft compares his role on the St. Xavier basketball team to that of being an offensive lineman in football.
Fine, except linemen almost never get their hands on the ball in football, and if they do, they never get to enjoy the kind of end-of-game glory that has left Schoenhoft's fingerprints all over St. X's drive to the Division I state tournament.
St. X will meet Moeller at 8:30 p.m. Friday at Ohio State's Value City Arena in a Division I state semifinal. After what has transpired in the past two weeks, eyes will turn to see where Schoenhoft is should the outcome come down to one final St. X possession.
"Robby's had some great opportunities in the past few games, and he's taken advantage of them," St. X coach Scott Martin said.
Two weeks ago, his layup with two seconds remaining gave St. X a 49-47 upset of the state's No. 2 Division I team, Springfield South, in a district final. Last Saturday, he came up with a tip-in with less than two seconds remaining to propel the Bombers past Centerville in the regional final 41-39.
Altogether, he has won three of St. X's 20 victories in basketball this season on last-second shots, to go with three football games that were won on last-minute drives during which Schoenhoft lived up to his billing as St. X's star quarterback.
"Quarterbacks have to have a lot of poise, because running backs and receivers are going to be looking into your eyes in the huddle to see if your confident," Schoenhoft said. "I'm just trying to show that same focus on the basketball court late in the game that I showed on the football field."
The 6-foot-6, 230-pounder earned a scholarship to Ohio State for football, and he holds no misconceptions about what has earned him the chance to be an end-of-game hero in basketball.
It's St. X's all-time leading scorer, guard Johnny Wolf.
"What's happened is pretty much attributed to Johnny, because people don't want him to get that last shot that's going to beat them. I'm just fortunate enough to be on a team with a guy like that," Schoenhoft said.
Schoenhoft is content to set screens and rebound and await those offensive opportunities that come his way.
"The main thing about Robby is that he's been on varsity for three years and he's smart enough to wait until there's an opportunity for his ability to take over," Martin said.
Schoenhoft has had a respectable senior year, averaging 6.5 points and five rebounds a game.
"I think he's been really good in understanding what they need out of him," Moeller coach Carl Kremer said. "He's a smart player with a knack for being in the right place at the right time, and he's not afraid to do the little things."
Schoenhoft would like to see a couple of more fantastic finishes before his basketball career ends.
"Basketball has always been a little bit easier than football," Schoenhoft said. "I've been lucky to play on a team with Johnny, and I've learned how to play off him so I can score a few points. The funny thing is that there really wasn't that much attention that I noticed during football. After the last three games, I've gotten a lot more attention in school from people than I ever did in football."
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Will Bucks take a look at Hamilton TE? (Blake Mulder) - Rivals PREMIUM
March 16, 2005
Will Bucks take a look at Hamilton TE?
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Bill Kurelic
BuckeyeSports.com Recruiting Analyst *
Hamilton (Ohio) Badin's Blake Mulder is receiving mail from many Big Ten schools as well as others. The Buckeyes have not been in contact yet, but that doesn't mean Ohio State is not at the top of Mulder's list.
<font color="#b90000">Tuesday, March 15, 2005</font> Recruiting News - 03/15/05
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(Dorin) Dickerson awaiting interest, offer from PSU - Rivals PREMIUM
March 15, 2005
Dickerson awaiting interest, offer from PSU
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BWI staff
BlueWhiteIllustrated.com *
Dorin Dickerson, the West Allegheny High School standout, is one of Pennsylvania's top football players and, arguably, it's best athlete. He has offers from Michigan, Ohio State, Pittsburgh, Wisconsin, LSU and Boston College, in addition to a number of MAC schools.
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OSU-UM battle for star PA linebacker? (Jeremiha Hunter) - Rivals PREMIUM
March 15, 2005
OSU-UM battle for star PA linebacker?
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Bill Kurelic
BuckeyeSports.com Recruiting Analyst *
Manheim (Pa.) Central linebacker Jeremiha Hunter has scholarship offers from over two dozen schools including Ohio State and Michigan. The Bucks and Wolverines are among his top three choices, and Hunter says he has been to Ohio State once and that will probably not be his last time in Columbus.
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Nebraska Invading SEC Country (Cody Faulkner) - Scout PREMIUM
Nebraska Invading SEC Country
By Brandon Cavanaugh
Date: Mar 15, 2005
Nebraska has gone after quite a few sons of former Cornhuskers, but now it appears that they are branching out to the children of other program’s athletes. NU has located a young man from Indiana who has a connection to the SEC who has a very open mind about where he would like to end up for his college years.
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Cats Offer California Running Back (James Montgomery) - Scout PREMIUM
Cats Offer California Running Back
By Andrew Friedman
Date: Mar 15, 2005
The Wildcats are offering a plethora of players early again this recruiting cycle, as they did last cycle. One of the latest beneficiaries of a Universtiy of Arizona scholarship extension is running back James Montgomery from Rancho Cordova HS in Cordova, California. The tailback is now up to four offers and the Cats are high on his list.
<font color="#b90000">Monday, March 14, 2005</font> Recruiting News - 03/14/05
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DeAndre McDaniel - Scout
Biography:
DeAndre McDaniel had a productive year on both sides of the ball as a junior. From his wide receiver position, he hauled in 27 catches for 657 yards and six touchdowns. At safety, McDaniel had 53 tackles, eight interceptions, and he returned three of those for touchdowns.
Scouting Report: While McDaniel says that he prefers safety, he certainly plays the wide receiver position like he loves it. He has strong hands and good acceleration once he has caught the ball. He is not afraid of contact with or without the ball, and will go over the middle or lay a solid crack back block.*
At safety, McDaniel also has a good nose for the ball as evidenced by his eight interceptions. At 6-1 and 180 pounds, he might be best suited to play on the defensive side of the ball as wide receivers keep getting bigger and bigger. He's the type of athlete that can have a terrific career on either side of the ball. The priority will be to get him on campus and not worry about where to play him yet.
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Falcons back to work with hopes of 2A state title (Micah Johnson) - The Leaf Chronicle
Falcons back to work with hopes of 2A state title
Jimmy Trodglen
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Aside from the mandatory two week dead period, football at Fort Campbell is a year-round sport.
Shortly after the Falcons were eliminated by Glasgow in the second round of the 2A state playoffs in mid-November, head coach Shawn Berner began an assessment of the talent returning, and what was needed to move deeper into the playoffs.
This epitomizes the type of off-season commitment that's made Fort Campbell the best football program in the area, and one of the best 2A football teams in the state of Kentucky. Fort Campbell has won consecutive district titles, has compiled a 21-4 record over the past two seasons, and has two former players at Kentucky, and nearly a dozen others scattered across the different divisions below I-A football.
On the same day spring sports begin in Tennessee, Berner and 60 Falcons will hold their first day of spring football practice.
Winning district titles, and reaching the second or quarterfinal round of the playoffs may be enough for most schools, but not Fort Campbell.
Fort Campbell wants a state championship. The last time the school played for one was 25 years ago.
Berner's fervor to direct the Falcons to a state title is realistic, thanks to one of the strongest senior-to-be classes ever at Fort Campbell.
Leading this highly-touted group is the nation's most-coveted defensive talent, 6-foot-5, 265 pound linebacker Micah Johnson.
Johnson's name and credentials are listed on every recruiting Web site, and he's received offers from Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, USC, Georgia, Clemson, Maryland, Stanford, Kentucky, Louisville and Tennessee. That list will grow between now and National Signing Day next February.
Johnson has been a machine in the weight room. He's bench pressing 405 pounds, dead-lifting 650, squatting 530, and his power clean is 285.
Johnson's notoriety is on defense, but there are a handful of schools, including Ohio State and Michigan State, that want him in their offensive backfield.
Johnson plays halfback in Fort Campbell's offset-I formation offense.
The talent pool, however, doesn't stop with Johnson.
Free safety Leonard Gordon, who will get a serious look at quarterback during spring practice, has already been offered by Kentucky, and offensive tackle Orlando Misaalefua is one of Kentucky's top offensive line prospects. Kicker Nate Johnson is getting some late looks, and Larry Robinson has been invited to a Nike camp.
Despite the firepower, Fort Campbell has plenty of questions to answer before its season-opener with Paducah Tilghman.
The Falcons have holes on the offensive line, plus Berner, who doubles as the QB coach, will watch to see if Gordon is the right option to replace graduating quarterback Mark Hays.
The Kentucky 2A state football championship isn't until December, but the quest for the Falcons begins today.
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(Jeff) Cumberland names co-favorites - Rivals PREMIUM
March 14, 2005
Cumberland names co-favorites
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Bill Kurelic
Rivals100.com *
Columbus (Ohio) Brookhaven tight end Jeff Cumberland talks about a scholarship offer from a Big Ten school, and names the two schools that sit at the top of his list.
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Are Bucks in driver's seat for Ohio star? (Kurt Coleman) - Rivals PREMIUM
March 14, 2005
Are Bucks in driver's seat for Ohio star?
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Bill Kurelic
BuckeyeSports.com Recruiting Analyst *
Clayton (Ohio) Northmont defensive back Kurt Coleman is the latest player from the Buckeye state to receive a scholarship offer from Ohio State. Are the Buckeyes in the driver's seat?
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Focus '06: DeSmet Duo (Paddy Mullen) - Scout PREMIUM
Focus '06: DeSmet Duo
By Josh Clark
Date: Mar 14, 2005
There will be strong competition in 2005 as to whom headlines the Midlands Class of 2006. Certainly, no teammates will be ranked as high as the DeSmet duo of Paddy Mullen and Munir Prince. After making an initial commitment as a sophmore, is Prince once again wide open? To spin the wheel, could Mullen be making a decision sooner than later? Scout.com caught up with head coach Pat Mahoney to get the latest.......
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Top DB Myron Rolle On Michigan - Scout PREMIUM
Top DB Myron Rolle On Michigan
By Don Hoekwater
Date: Mar 14, 2005
The GoBlueWolverine.com interview with defensive back Myron Rolle of The Hun School in Princeton, N.J., continues today. Rolle, possibly the nation's No. 1 prospect, talks about his relationship with the Michigan staff and why the Wolverines are on the final list of schools at which he is considering spending his college career. Also, he tells the story behind the recent photo of him wearing Michigan clothing.
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ScoutTV - Lee Tilley (OL) - Scout
ScoutTV - Lee Tilley (OL)
By Jamie Newberg National Recruiting Analyst
Date: Mar 14, 2005
One of the top offensive line prospects from the midwest is Lee Tilley. This massive tackle is impressive on film. Check out his video highlights.
Lee Tilley, 6-7 and 311 pounds, is a huge tackle prospect from Springfield (Ohio) South High School. Tilley is currently sitting on scholarship offers from Cincinnati, Georgia, Nebraska, West Virginia, N.C. State, Indiana and Kansas and others.
Tilley is a prospect who shows what you want to see in an offensive tackle. He has long arms, wide body and quick feet. Tilley is already an advanced pass blocker as he plays in a system that is built around the pass. He is raw but has all the tools to be an outstanding OL at the next level.
Here are two video highlight packages on Tilley.
Video 1 - Watch Video
Video 2 - Watch Video
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Connor Smith Weighing All Options - Scout PREMIUM
Connor Smith Weighing All Options
By Dave Biddle
Date: Mar 14, 2005
Cincinnati Colerain offensive tackle Connor Smith will likely make his decision this summer, but says he does not have a leader at this point. We caught up with Smith for the latest on his situation.
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On The Lighter Side, Part One (Justin Boren) - Scout PREMIUM
On The Lighter Side, Part One
By Gary Housteau
Date: Mar 14, 2005
Justin Boren is one of the top-rated prep players in Ohio and is one of three offensive linemen who have already received an offer from Ohio State. His father Mike Boren, also from Ohio, was a star linebacker for Michigan. Could his son actually play for Ohio State or will Justin follow in his dad's footsteps and go to Michigan as well? Justin Boren will make an official commitment probably in June so fasten your seat belt until then.
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[URL=http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050313/SPT0301/503130451/1069/spt03]Schoenhoft tips in winner again - Cincinnati Enquirer
Schoenhoft tips in winner again
By Carey Hoffman
Enquirer contributor
DAYTON - Rob Schoenhoft might be headed to Ohio State on a football scholarship, but basketball is his more immediate ticket to Columbus.
St. Xavier's star quarterback has become the man of the moment for Bombers basketball.
For the second straight Saturday on the University of Dayton Arena floor, his last-second basket delivered a huge victory.
Last Saturday, a Schoenhoft layup with two seconds left secured an upset of the second-ranked team in Ohio, Springfield South.
This week, his tip-in with less than two seconds remaining gave the Bombers a 41-39 win over Centerville in the Division I regional final.
St. X (20-5) advances to the Final Four in Division I for a titanic showdown with GCL rival Moeller in the state semifinals at 8:30 p.m. Friday at Ohio State's Value City Arena.
"This is unbelievable," said Schoenhoft. "It's great to be going upstate, and we get to play Moeller, who put us out in the second round in football."
St. X won the Division I basketball title in 2000, when the current seniors were eighth-graders. Guard Johnny Wolf, now St. X's all-time leading scorer, went to every game.
"This is awesome. Last year was so disappointing, losing in our first tournament game," Wolf said. "We made this our goal, and I think last year actually helped, because we've taken all that anger and it's helping us."
St. X led only twice against Centerville.
The Bombers scored the first basket of the game, to go up 2-0, and the last on Schoenhoft's tip-in.
St. Xavier (20-5) - Scales 1 2 4, J. Wolf 4 2 10, Gedeon 2 2 7, Sweeney 1 2 4, Schoenhoft 3 4 10, N. Wolf 1 2 5, Gibler 0 1 1. Totals: 12-31 15-23 41.
Centerville (23-3) - Ashworth 0 5 5, Jolley 1 2 5, Couvion 1 0 2, Grote 4 4 15, Johnson 2 3 7, Koop 0 5 5. Totals: 8-21 19-25 39.
Ooops, bad link. Try this:
Schoenhoft tips in winner again[/b] - Cincinnati Enquirer