Caleb Troop

* December 30th

-  For the next week or so I will occasionally be shamelessly plugging my new radio show, but for good reason to all Ohio Bobcats fans.

-  There is a new page devoted to “The Sportsfan” on my website, and I for one am pretty pumped about it because it is unique.  It will air Monday through Friday from 6 to 7 pm on 970 WATH-AM in Athens and will feature yours truly, Jimmy Smith, and a cast of others.  Live out of the listening area?  No problem, you can always listen online at Athensi.com.

-  So why is this show going to be great?  Because nowhere else is there a live, local, call-in sports show EVERY NIGHT OF THE WEEK talking sports in Athens.

-  I encourage all of you who have been e-mailing me asking me recruiting questions or asking me for more to give it a listen.  Hopefully I won’t disappoint.

-  Where else can YOU ask Athletic Director Kirby Hocutt a question?  On January 24^th (tentative date) Hocutt will be in-studio taking your calls and my questions about anything athletics.  Want the latest on the football schedule?  Ding.  Hocutt has agreed to come in-studio for a half-hour once a month on “The Sportsfan”.  I for one am thrilled.  It says a lot about the Ohio A.D., folks.

-  We are also working on a weekly segment with the Voice of the Bobcats, Warren Swain.  Stay tuned for that.

-  The Sylvia Crawley Coaches Show will air every Monday from 6 to 6:30 for the rest of the women’s basketball season.

-  You’ll get your sampling of regional and national sports, of course, but I really want this show to be able to reach out to the diehard Ohio Bobcat fan.  There are plenty of them out there that deserve a voice, and I plan to give it to them.

- So forgive me for the shameless plug, but I really do encourage all you readers out there to tune in.  You’ll get plenty of Ohio football recruiting info and breaking news on “The Sportsfan” in January and early February.

-  Keep those e-mails for the show coming, and get those questions ready.  It should be a fun ride, jump aboard.

-  Check out “The Sportsfan” show page on my site for day-by-day details of the program.  Now back to recruiting.

 

 

* December 30^th

-  Lima High School (OH) running back Ryan Nathan has narrowed his choices down two to schools.  “He is still considering Pitt and Air Force at this time,” head coach Darnell Collins said.  “I think they are the leading two candidates at this time.”  Ohio is the only school to have offered the 5-8, 180-pounder although Air Force is close to offering.  “I think Ohio is kind of off the board,” added Collins.  “They (Ohio) said they didn’t know if he really fit in to what they wanted to do.  They were looking at another tailback.” 

-  Collins noted that the recruiting breakup was a mutual one between Ohio and Nathan.  Nathan, a two-star Rivals.com recruit, runs a 4.69 40-yard dash and could play cornerback in college.

-  Ohio’s break in talks with the Lima tailback must mean the ‘Cats are close to getting a verbal from someone else in the backfield.  The only other running back to be offered by Ohio to my knowledge is Carlin Isles, although he could be in line for a position change to corner as well.

-  Two-star OLB Jon Sharp (6-3, 211) from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is favoring D-IAA Richmond right now, and Army is still in the picture.  In a recent article on Rivals.com, he didn’t even talk about Ohio.  He has offers from several MAC schools, but not from Ohio.

 

* December 29th

-  I first told readers about Friendly H.S. (MD) two-star inside linebacker Eteyen Edet (6-2, 235) back on December 17^th on the Bobcat Blog.  He now has a visited scheduled for Ohio in the next few weeks.  One of the main concerns about Edet was his ability to academically qualify.  “He’s not far away (from qualifying),” said offensive coordinator Marcus Berry on Friday.  Edet scored an 830 on the test, and his GPA is currently in the 2.1 or 2.2 range.  He is scheduled to take a night class starting in January to try and boost that GPA up. “He’s got a good chance of qualifying.”

-  As for football, Edet has now narrowed down his choices.  “The schools that we are looking at right now are Ohio University, Louisville, Michigan State and North Carolina,” said Berry, who also pointed out an offer from Dave Wannstedt and Pittsburgh is coming shortly.  “He doesn’t want to go sit behind nobody.  That’s why we are really only attacking schools that need backers,” added Berry.  “(Ohio Linebackers) Coach (Ross) Els is just going after him hard.” 

-  As for Edet’s teammate, three-star offensive lineman Quinton Sales (6’2, 280), things are on hold with several big name programs, forcing Sales to look back at the Mid-American Conference and Conference USA type schools.  Offers from Illinois, Syracuse, Wake Forest, and UCONN are on hold, according to Berry.  “That shouldn’t be happening,” argued Berry.  “He just wants to go where he is wanted.” 

-  Those offers from the big schools are on hold, Berry believes, partly because of his lack of height.  But Berry disagrees with the argument that Sales is too small, pointing out the fact that Sales just turned 17 in November.  Also, Sales has an older brother who is 6’9.  Sales might not be done growing.

-  There are no academic problems with Sales, he is cleared for college.  He is ranked as the 13^th best center in the nation by Rivals.com (Link).  “If Ohio University gets him they’re getting a steal.”

 

* December 28^th

- ILB Dominique Gaston from Oradell Bergen Catholic, New Jersey, might soon become a Bobcat, if the Ohio coaching staff decides they want the 6-1 205 pound linebacker.  “I still have nothing yet,” Gaston said.  I hope to receive one soon from Ohio.  I had talked to Coach Dixon a couple of days ago and if (Ohio) would offer I would sign on the spot.”  Gaston had 107 tackles this past fall, and runs a 4.7 40-yard dash.

-  I talked with Greg Fuller from H.D. Woodson High School today and received updates on many of his division I prospects:

-  Rivals.com is reporting three-star CB TaVon Wilson (6-0, 180) committed to Illinois while Scout.com is reporting Wilson gave a verbal to Maryland.  So which is it?  “He looks like he is leaning towards Illinois,” Fuller said.

-  Two-star Safety Craig Wilkins has an offer from Old Dominion and it looks like he is leaning there.  But Fuller said that Illinois recruiting coordinator Kevin Locksley has shown increased interest in the 6-0, 187-pounder.  It doesn’t sound like Ohio is in the picture, however.

-  Outside Linebacker Evan Frierson (6-2, 220) is still looking strongly at Ohio, Fuller said.  “Evan hasn’t decided yet…He’s going to take those visits.” Those visits include trips to Ohio and UNC in January.  Frierson is a two-star prospect.  Illinois and Michigan State have also entered the picture.  Frierson would be a nice pick-up for Ohio, but he won’t be an easy one.

-  Another Woodson linebacker, Josh Stover (6-4, 223), has always been in love with Ohio.  So has he committed?  Not yet, according to Fuller.  “He’s taking his visits as well because there are some other schools that have offered him.”  What makes his situation peculiar is that those other schools are smaller, D-IAA schools.  Right now, Stover is set on visiting Ohio and Akron, both of which have offered.  “He wants to play D-IA but he’s still going to take his visits…Dealing with inner city kids, they have to be comfortable where they go…He’s not taking (Ohio) off (his list).” 

-  Stover has the size, but his 4.78 40-yard dash speed could result in a move to the inside backer spot, in my speculating opinion

-  Sticking with the linebacker theme, Bobcats fans should start to familiarize themselves with OLB Dion Guy (6-3, 217), who now has an offer from Ohio.  Guy is a two-star prospect who has the speed (4.61 40-yard dash) and athleticism (33 inch vertical) to play at the next level.  Fuller said Guy has a visit set up with UNC, who has offered.  Fuller also thinks Guy is scheduled to visit Ohio, but he could not confirm that.  An offer from Michigan State could be forthcoming.

- OL DeAngelo Lucas still has a sole offer from Howard University while DT Malcolm Davis has no D-IA offers.  Both do not appear to be on Ohio’s board at this point.

- More later.

 

* December 27^th

-  Finneytown (Cincinnati) WR Von Wise (6-3, 200) picked up his first D-I offer from Eastern Illinois.  Wise reportedly runs a 4.49 40-yard dash.  He had 51 catches for 1,073 yards and 10 touchdowns this past fall.

-  Rivals.com three-star offensive lineman Quinton Sales told Rivals he plans to take a visit to Ohio sometime in the near future.  Sales (6-2, 280) is out of Friendly High School and is a teammate of two-star LB Eteyen Edet, who is also looking at Ohio.  Keep an eye on both of these prospects.

- Athlete Jerel Coles (5-10, 180) out of Brandywine, Maryland, has long been offered by Ohio.  But in a Rivals.com article on December 20^th, he said he thinking about a variety of options.  Due to a lack of interest Coles said he might go to prep school next year.  He holds offers from Ohio, Eastern Michigan, Richmond, James Madison, Delaware and Old Dominion.

-  Take another safety off the list:  Zach Albin (5-11, 185) stayed home and committed to Southeast Louisiana earlier this month.  He had not been offered by Ohio.

-  I’ll try to have updates on WR Marques Parker, RBs Carlin Isles and Ryan Nathan, Athlete Ethan Wetzel, and LBs Eteyen Edet and Josh Stover in the next week or so.  Check back soon.

 

* December 24^th

-  I was going to take a few days off for the holidays and leave the recruits alone, but when news happens, you can’t dismiss it.

-  Safety/Linebacker Daniel Urias (6-2, 220) checked in on Monday with bad news for Bobcats fans.  The JUCO recruit from Mission Viejo (CA) Saddleback C.C. had an offer from Ohio and Urias wanted to sign with the ‘Cats.  But a unique situation would have left Urias having to pay for one quarter of an education since no early scholarships were open.  Urias said he understood the situation but has moved on.  “I told (cornerbacks) coach (David) Brown that I couldn’t afford classes on my own, so I signed with Idaho State,” Urias said adding, “But I truly want to thank all of the staff for a great trip and all their hospitality.”

-  More to come after the holidays.  Keep those e-mails coming with questions about recruiting or anything Ohio Bobcats sports.  Go ‘Cats!

 

* December 21st

-  Thanks to all who sent e-mails with questions for QB Boo Jackson.  I tried to weave them all in to the interview.  Click Here to Listen to the Interview

-  A bit of a postscript on that interview: The QB that Memphis snagged in place of Jackson?  Rivals.com 3-star pro-style QB Arkelon Hall (6-2, 215) from Visalia (CA) College of the Sequoias.  The JUCO prospect runs a 4.70 40-yard dash, according to Rivals.com.  Scout.com rates him a 4-star prospect.

 

* December 20th (Updated 4:20 CDT)

-  A phone interview with Rivals.com 2-star recruit and new Ohio Bobcats wide receiver Bakari Bussey:  Click Here to Listen  I apologzie in advance for the poor audio quality.  That will be fixed in the future.

-  There was a report surfacing online Tuesday about 3-star JUCO QB Boo Jackson (Read the article here).  So was Jackson going to stay with his verbal word and sign with Ohio?  The answer is yes.  I just spoke with Jackson on the phone and asked him about the report.  “No, I’m already signed and committed,” Jackson said.  “That (article) was a long time ago.  It was supposed to be put out a long time ago.”  Jackson signed his letter of intent today.  In maybe one of the biggest understatements of this decade, Jackson said the Ohio coaching staff was happy.  “They were very excited.” 

-  So what’s next for Jackson?  “Today I am going out to eat with my family for signing with Ohio.”  Tomorrow he hits the phone again with yours truly for an interview.  Expect our interview to be up mid-to-late afternoon. 

-  Again, shoot your questions, comments or complaints to me about the Bussey interview and the forthcoming Jackson interview.  ctroop@TroopSports.com 

-  I’ve received a few e-mails regarding my Monday column in The Athens News (Click Here to Read the Article).  A few noted the financial aspect of the Ohio Bobcats basketball team playing Kansas on the road this past Saturday.  I’ve learned through the Ohio University Athletic Department that the ‘Cats earned 65,000 dollars for their trip to Kansas City.  The contract between the two schools was signed on December 11, 2006, and the buyout would have been 65,000 dollars if either school decided to withdrawal.

-  5-8, 17-pound CB Brandon Wilkerson (Cass Tech, MI) has picked up an offer from Grand Valley State.  He is on the Bobcats board, but right now no offer has come his way.  Wilkerson added that Minnesota is starting to recruit him, too.  “I haven’t set up any official visits yet, but I plan to next month,” Wilkerson said.  “I had a great season this past fall. Teams already knew about me, so I wasn’t really tried like that, but when I was, I intercepted it or knocked it down.”  Wilkerson runs a 4.4 40, and he had 56 tackles and three interceptions his junior season.

-  I asked Columbus DeSales WR Kenny Stafford (6-3, 180) if the recent signing verbal from Bakari Bussey has changed the way Ohio has gone after him.  He said, from what he can tell, nothing has changed.  Stafford currently has offers from Indiana, Ohio, Akron, Kent State, and Buffalo.  Several bigger programs are starting to look at the two-star wide out, including Cincinnati, West Virginia, Purdue and Michigan State.

-  More to come, including an update on QB Boo Jackson.

 

 

* December 19^th

-  I spoke with former Ohio defensive line coach Carl Pelini, who recently accepted the defensive coordinator role at Nebraska under head coach and brother Bo Pelini.

-  I asked Pelini if he thought the6-6 season this past fall from the ‘Cats should be considered a success:  “Going into the season perhaps not, but looking back on it, we had our ups and downs.   We were beat up.  There was a point in the year where we were starting a true freshman at middle linebacker, one of the most important positions in our defense.  We were playing new guys all over our secondary.  Mike Mitchell out, or playing with a broken hand when he was in.  Especially the injuries at linebacker hurt us.  Brad Bower fighting a back injury all year, then Theo going down, and all that.  Looking back on it, I’d say, yeah, it was pretty remarkable.  Maybe not the 6-6 was remarkable, but as we finished the year and beat a really good Bowling Green team and then came back and handled a good Miami team—two teams that were at the top of our division.  So I’m proud of what we did last year.”

-  Did Pelini think his brother would get a head coaching gig? “Every year he’s been rumored for jobs…I had a feeling that this might be his year as well as their defense has played.  As much national press that he’s been getting, I thought that his opportunity would be coming this year.”

- Was Carl expecting to become part of the staff?  “I tried not to think too much about it.  I just did my job, and I knew that my opportunity would come some day.  I really didn’t sit around waiting for the call.”

- I also asked Pelini if he though Cornhuskers fans might be upset to see that their new defensive coordinator at Nebraska was the head coach’s brother and that he helped coach a defense at Ohio that let up 29.9 ppg last season:  “That’s ridiculous.  That is statistical talk.  With as many injuries as we had and kind of a rebuilding year on defense, to go 6-6—you can throw out 30 points a game all you want—the bottom line is look at college football in general with the spread offenses and the rules changes this year…I mean who is going to know his system better than I am?  We’re going to work closely together.”

-  Pelini said he was in charge of recruiting in northeast Ohio as well as most of Pennsylvania.  As has been documented, Ohio has done quite well in Pennsylvania recently.  The 2007 class had four members from the state, and thus far the 2008 class has four (DL Neal Huynh, DL Matt Johnson, LB Brandon Weaver and LB Alphonso Lewis).  How responsible was Pelini for those commitments?  “I make first contact, but like anything else, the evaluation is done by the position coach.  A lot of the calls are actually made by the position coach.  As you go through the recruiting process the position coach and the defensive coordinator makes the decision…They have those Rivals.com coaches rankings that just kind of drive me crazy at times because there is so much more that goes into (it) than one guy recruiting this kid.”

-  Pelini has heard about the recent verbals from Torrance El Camino C.C. (CA) prospects QB Boo Jackson and S Hilton Dawson.  “I was on El Camino’s campus shortly after they committed and congratulated them, and said hi to them, and told them I worked at Ohio last year.  But I did not know them prior to that.  You got a good recruiting staff there (at Ohio).  Ohio is in for good things.”  So why was Pelini on the El Camino campus a few days ago?  The #1 rated JUCO player, 5-star DE Simi Kuli has unofficially re-opened his recruitment after committing to Nebraska in October before Bill Callahan was fired.

-  As for Pelini’s replacement as the defensive line coach at Ohio?  While Pelini would not release names, he knows demand is high for the position.  “They’ve gotten a lot of interest in the job.  I know that because I’ve had 15 or 20 calls from candidates who were interested in my job and were calling me to make a call for them, or what not.” 

 

 

* December 18th (6:50 CDT)

-  A couple of quick additional notes on Urias (See story below for more info).  He informed me he would be playing outside linebacker, not safety, if he went to Athens to play for the Bobcats.  A time table for the final outcome of this tricky situation?  Two weeks.

 

* December 18th (4:45 CDT)

- Mission Viejo (CA) Saddleback Community College Safety Daniel Urias (6-2, 220) has committed to Ohio.  But as Scout.com first reported, the commitment might not stay with the ‘Cats.  So what’s the deal?  Well, from what I understand, it’s a tricky situation, and Urias helped me make it a little bit less complicated a few minutes ago.  “As of now, I am committed, but the scholarship wouldn’t be available until July,” said Urias, who graduates in December.  Urias says he cannot afford to pay for what I believe would be Ohio University’s spring quarter.  A scholarship would open up for the summer school session for Urias once the ‘Cats 2008 football class graduates and loses scholarship eligibility.  Waiting until July to start practicing would severely hurt Urias’ chances to compete for a starting role.  “At this point in the game I just want something concrete where I know I’ll be in spring ball and able to compete for my spot.”

-  So what is option number two?  “The other school is Idaho State, and they’ve been holding a scholarship for me all along. They sent the papers in the mail yesterday, so it’s something I’m thinking about,” Urias added.  “I really hope the coaches (at Ohio) can figure something out because they are all super good guys, and I’d love to play for them.

- Urias is a 3-star Scout.com recruit; however, Rivals.com gives him no stars.  He reportedly runs a 4.55 40-yard dash and has a third offer from Akron.

- I spoke with Terry Smith, head coach of Gateway High School in Monroeville, Pennsylvannia on Monday.  Offensive lineman Eric Warning (6-3, 255) has offers from Ohio, Temple and Bowling Green.  The two-star recruit is scheduled to visit Athens sometime in January.  “He likes Ohio.  I’d say they are in the top one or two.  Once he goes and visits he is hoping it is what he thinks it is, and if it is that is probably where he would like to go.”

-  H.D. Woodson (D.C.) linebacker Evan Frierson has already been offered by Ohio, and a visit is scheduled for January 4^th.  But will Frierson even make that visit?  He just returned from a weekend visit to Illinois and, according to Rivals.com, he loved it.  I wouldn’t be surprised if he commits there in the next couple of days.

-  Two Bowling Green High School (KY) products won’t be making their way to Athens.  6-4, 217-pound TE Ryan Wallace, a 2-star Rivals.com recruit, has narrowed his choices down to Colorado, Louisville, Rutgers and Wake Forest in that order.  He has been on the BobcatAttack.com recruiting database.  His teammate, three-star WR D.L. Moore (6-4, 180) committed to South Carolina last night after he narrowed his choices down to South Carolina, Purdue and Colorado.  It is uncertain whether the ‘Cats will go after another receiver, but count those two off the list.

 

* December 18th (11 a.m CDT)

-  I need your input, Bobcat fans.  I’m currently setting up an interview with 3-star Ohio recruits QB Boo Jackson and S Hilton Dawson.  What do you want to hear from them?  What would you like me to ask?  What’s that one tough question that needs to be brought to the table?  Let me know!  Shoot me an e-mail at ctroop@TroopSports.com.  Thanks! 

-  I don’t know if ‘Cats fans realize how big of a signing these two men are.  Besides the fact that they play positions where the ‘Cats desperately need upgardes, just look at it from a “stars” standpoint.  Since 2002 the ‘Cats have now only received committments from five players who are rated with 3-stars, according to Rivals.com (Ernie Hodge, Alan Goff and Horace Hubbard are the other three from the 2006 class).

-  More recruiting updates as they become available.

 

* December 17th (11 p.m. CDT)

- Old news to those in tune with old Bobcat Blogs, but Nebraska and new head coach Bo Pelini officially announced his coaching staff tonight.  As expect, Bo’s brother Carl Pelini, is on the staff.  Carl Pelini was the defensive line coach for the ‘Cats last season, and he will serve that some post as well as the Defensive Coordinator role in Lincoln.   http://www.lawpundit.com/blog/2007/12/new-husker-head-football-coach-bo.htm

* December 17^th

- Garfield Heights WR Anthony Steplight has heard from a few D-1 schools, tons of D-II schools and the NAIA level schools.  I spoke with head coach Chuck Reisland on Monday, who didn’t give much of an update.  Reisland said he hasn’t heard from Ohio in a while, but that the ‘Cats coaching staff loved Steplight’s skills when they saw him at a few summer camps.  Right now Steplight does not have a D-1 scholarship. The recent verbal of Bakari Bussey will probably end Ohio’s recruitment of Steplight.

-  Bedford, Ohio, running back Brian Darden (5-9,196) still has no D-1 offers.  However, the tailback does have visits set up.  So, what about Ohio?  Darden says he hasn’t heard much from them since the summer.  While Darden says Ohio was first on the list, he says he is “not sure if they’re interested anymore.”  I would expect the ‘Cats have focused their RB recruiting on Ryan Nathan (Lima) and Carlin Isles (Jackson).

-  I spoke with Friendly H.S. (Fort Washington, MD) offensive coordinator Marcus Berry again on Monday.  It sounds like WR Carlos Davis (5-10,150) is out of the picture thanks to the Bakari Bussey verbal.  “I think they are done at receiver as far as what they are bringing in from what I understand,” said Berry. “I don’t think they are targeting Carlos anymore.”  I reported earlier this month that Davis was leaning towards Eastern Michigan.  Davis has offers from EMU, Ohio, Temple, Northwestern and James Madison.

-  Davis’ teammate at Friendly is still in the picture, however.  Offensive lineman Quinton Sales (6-2, 280) has offers from Buffalo, Eastern Michigan, Akron, and Ohio, and he is getting looks from Syracuse, Illinois and Wake Forest, according to Berry.  Sales visited Buffalo last weekend and has four visits schedule in January.  “Everything is kind of on hold on Quinton,” Berry said.  “I think [Ohio] want[s] to see if they’ve got something else, or what have you.  But Quinton would be a good guy for them to get because he fits in real well with their scheme. Plus, he can play center, guard, and tackle.”

-  It sounds like Sales has Ohio on top of his board, but Ohio is focusing their attention on another big target before they fully welcome Sales.  That’s the impression I get.  “He really likes Ohio.  He really likes their scheme,” Berry said adding, “He likes the school and everything.  I think they’ll have a good chance of getting him, but he and his mom have to go see the place and everything.” 

-  Here’s a name Bobcats fans need to hear and remember: Rivals.com two-star recruit Eteyen Edet (E-TAY-IN E-DIT).  This under-the-radar middle linebacker from Friendly High School is extremely high on the ‘Cats list, and deservedly so.  Edet is a 6-2, 235-pound linebacker with 4.6 40-yard dash speed, and the ‘Cats offered him several weeks ago.  “The reason why he is considering Ohio is because he really likes the way coach [Ross] Els has gone after him.  He has been very straight forward with him,” Berry said.  According to Berry, Edet was first offered by Ohio, but now Louisville, Pitt, UNC and Michigan State have offered him as well.  According to Rivals.com, NC State has also offered, and schools like Boston College, Illinois, Maryland, Tennessee, and Maryland are on his watch list.

-  Edet is scheduled to visit Ohio and UNC the first two weekends of January. “He is going to take a visit to Ohio because of coach Els,” Berry said.  Berry also noted that Edet wants to be a four-year starter, and is aware Ohio has a need at linebacker.

-  Edet was 1^st team All-State this fall after amassing 115 tackles, 23 of them for loss, as well as six sacks and three interceptions. “He’s the best MIKE linebacker we have ever had, and we’ve had three MIKE linebackers play D-1 football.”

-  One caveat behind Edet, proving that no story is too good to be true.  Edet was not good academically his freshman and sophomore years in high school.  But he transferred to Fork Union high school as a junior and then to Friendly his senior year.  The grades rose both years. “It’s going to be a real struggle for him to qualify, but I think he’s got a chance.”

-  Speaking of the transfer situation, the kid has a unique story.  He did not want to have to move back to New York with his mom, but his family could not financially afford to keep him at Fork Union for his senior year.  So Edet moved in with his Aunt, who lives two blocks from Friendly, then transferred to the school and tore it up on the football field.

-  “The big thing is he wants to play right away.   Ohio has a big need [at linebacker].  They gave him love from the very beginning.  See, everybody else kind of dragged their feet on offering him,” Berry noted. “Literally, they watched the film and [Els] offered him the same day.”

 

 

*December 16^th

-  The Bobcats coaching staff picked up a committment this morning, arguably their biggest yet.

-  I heard from 6-2, 190-pound quarterback Boo Jackson (Torrance El Camino C.C.) early this afternoon.  Jackson, a 3-star Rivals.com and 4-star Scout.com recruit, was on a flight back to California from a weekend visit to Ohio.  “Just visited the university and loved it,” Jackson said. “[I] committed this morning with coach Solich and the gang.” Jackson started 10 games for the Warriors completing 60% of his passes.  He threw for 2,235 yards and 23 touchdowns compared to just four interceptions,.  That effort was good enough to be named the Offensive Player of the Year in the Mission Conference.  ”[Ohio commit] Hilton [Dawson] has been in my ear a lot, so we are both looking forward on coming out here.”    

-  Hopefully I’ll have more reaction from Jackson once he gets back to California.  Possibly a three way interview with Dawson, Jackson, and yours truly.

-  Jackson turned down an offer from Memphis.  He told me he has his 40-time down to 4.55.

-  One thing is now for certain: Theo Scott will have some competition when practices start up in the spring for the starting quarterback position.

-  After a slow start, this Bobcats 2008 recruiting class truly is shaping up to be the best yet. It has been probably the best seven-day span of recruiting for the ‘Cats under Frank Solich.

-  More to come.

 

* December 14^th

- Another verbal, reaction to the Bakari Bussey verbal, insight on St. X standout Danny Milligan, Ohio is looking for a new defensive line coach, and much more.

-  The Bobcats have received a verbal commitment from Altoona Area, Pennsylvania, product Alphonso Lewis.  Lewis is a 6-3, 205-pound outside linebacker who reportedly runs a 4.5 40-yard dash.  “I shut down my recruiting like three weeks ago…I already verbal(ed) to Ohio,” Lewis said late Thursday night.  Lewis becomes the third member of the 2008 class from the state of Pennsylvania.  According to Scout.com, Lewis visited Ohio on November 17^th. More information to come as I receive it.

-  Ohio Bobcats defensive line coach Carl Pelini has been rumored to be part of the new coaching staff for his brother, Bo Pelini, up at Nebraska.  One recruit I spoke to solidified this rumor.  We’ll hear more about safety Ryan Nathan in a few moments.  The Warren Howland High School product is being recruited by a handful of schools, including Ohio.  “I am being recruited by [Ohio] but it’s going slow because the man who was my recruiter was Carl Pelini, and he just moved to Nebraska to coach with his brother, so I need to find out who my new recruiter is,” Nathan said.  Nebraska is expected to name their coaching staff as a whole in the following days.  No official word is coming from the Ohio University athletic department, but from everything that has been said, it sounds like Car Pelini is off to Lincoln.

 

-  St. Xavier standout Danny Milligan did it all on the field this year.  He had 49 catches and 10 receiving and four rushing touchdowns this past year to go along with his punt return duties.  But his future might be with his leg, where he kicked 40 career field goals, a state record.  Milligan also averaged 40 yards per punt.  What’s the latest as it pertains to his recruitment to Ohio?  “I am being recruited but no offer yet; however, there is a good chance. There is also a very good chance for a visit in January,” Milligan said adding, “I have no offers from anywhere, and I think that is what is going be the deciding factor in it all.”

-  One report had Milligan going to Stanford but, according to Milligan, “Stanford is not a choice.”  Milligan said Cincinnati, Louisville, Indiana, West Virginia, Western Michigan, and a few others are after the utility athlete.  “In college I hope to do it all as well, and I’m looking for a coach that allows me to do so.”

-  I had a chance to catch up with Bakari Bussey’s head coach at Lakota West, Larry Cox.  Bussey was the first wide receiver to commit to the Bobcats earlier this week.  “I really think it is a good deal for him,” said Cox.  “More than anything I know he’s going to a good program with good people.  It’s something that he wants.”

-  Cox talked about the impact of Bakari’s father, Barney Bussey, who played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Cincinnati Bengals in his 10 years as an NFL defensive back.  “Just because of his experience of going through it, he obviously plays a big card,” Cox said.  While Bakari and his mother Beverley were certain on Ohio, Barney was the last to sign off.  “Dad was the one who they really had to sell,” Cox said adding, “Dad was dragging a little bit and wanting to keep talking about things.  I think in the end it was one of those things where Ohio just kept sending coaches in the house to talk and talk and talk.” 

-  Cox talked about the relentless Ohio coaching staff throughout our conversation.  But, at the end of the day, Bakari could see himself in a Bobcat uniform.  “I just think Bakari really likes it there,” Cox said.  “That’s the thing.  Barney finally came to the realization that it is something that he can see his son really liked it.”

-  As for Bakari’s teammate, cornerback DJ Brown, Miami (OH) has recently offered him.  Brown plans to visit Miami (OH) soon.  BobcatAttack.com is reporting that Brown also has an offer from Bowling Green.  “I know he is still on Ohio’s radar.  I talked to coach Burrow last night,” Cox said.  “Now all of the sudden since Miami has thrown the offer out, people will pick up more interest I’m sure.”

-  Safety Ryan Nathan from Warren Howland is in the middle of a big recruiting process.  The 5-11, 185-pound safety has narrowed his choices down to eight schools, but, according to Nathan, all of the following and more are looking at the Ohio native: Miami (OH), Cincinnati, Kent State, Akron, Pitt, Buffalo, Eastern Michigan, Youngstown State, Iowa, North Carolina, Toledo, Coastal Carolina, and Woffard.  “I’m still very interested in OU but have only visited once. Recruiting is a slow and annoying process but we’ll see what happens. I’ll say OU is in my top eight choices, though, and in those top eight none are higher than the other.”

 

-  Danny O’Holleran is a 5-10, 175-pound safety from North Platte, Nebraska.  O’Holleran has no D-1 offers yet, but said a few are a work in progress.  O’Holleran said he is hoping to play defensive back in college.  He was a two-way starter his junior and senior seasons at North Platte.  This past season he had two interceptions and 30 tackles, including 433 kick return yards.  O’Holleran noted that in his junior year he was at tailback, but this season with his 4.5 40-yard dash speed he played the slot receiver.  “I am interested in playing for the Bobcats. My brother, Jack O’Holleran, played for Coach Solich at Nebraska. I have heard many good things about him as a coach and a person.”

- Rustin Dring is 6-0, 190 pounds, and is looking for some D-1 offers.  The Kearney, Nebraska product has planned a visit to San Diego State University, and he has already visit The University of Nebraska at Kearney and the University of Nebraska at Omaha (not to be confused with the Cornhuskers in Lincoln).  As a running back, Dring ran for 1,180 and 1,286 yards his junior and senior seasons, respectively.  He is the career rushing leader and touchdown king at Kearney with over 2,700 yards and 39 TDs.   Right now, he is more projected to play defense, where he had 79 total tackles this season.  Dring said right now he squats 440 pounds, benches 285 pounds, and cleans 310 pounds.  No word on how hard the Bobcats are recruiting Dring.

- Mentor Lake Catholic (OH) offensive lineman Chad Hounshell committed to Central Florida, according to Rivals.com.  Hounshell (6-5, 302) was on Ohio’s board, and was ranked as the 39^th best prospect in Ohio according to Rivals.

 

*December 12^th Part 2

- Bakari Bussey has committed to the Bobcats.  “I committed to Ohio last night at around 9:30.  My dad gave me the ok.  He told me he was comfortable with the coaches and everything, and he thinks that I would fit well into their football program,” said Bussey.  Bussey is a 6-2, 195-pound wide out from Lakota West High School.  He runs a 4.4 40-yard dash and turned down Miami (OH) and Toledo.  More to come about this signing.

-  I spoke with Youngstown Ursuline head coach Dan Reardon today.  Reardon has two D-1 recruits and it looks like neither of them will suit up for the Bobcats next year.  Justin Brown is a 6-2, 255-pound TE/DE with offers from Ohio, Toledo and Bowling Green.  Brown is scheduled to visit Illinois in January, with a possible offer following.  Harold Coates has been heavily recruited as 3-star prospect.  The 6-2, 310-pound offensive lineman has offers from NC State, Marshall and several MAC schools, according to Reardon.  While both players are still wide open, Reardon doesn’t see Ohio in the picture.  “I don’t know how hard they are being recruited by the Bobcats,” Reardon said adding, “Neither of them have a visit scheduled.  To be honest with you, OU really has not been on the radar.  They really haven’t pursued.”

-  Two-star Cincinnati LaSalle lineman prospect Chandler Burden (6-4, 280) committed to Kentucky in the fall.

-   Cincinnati LaSalle running back Kendall Owens (5-8, 195) does not have an offer from Ohio.  LaSalle head coach Tom Grippa said that Penn State and Eastern Kentucky have offered his star tailback, but right now everyone is waiting to see if Owens gets academically cleared.  According to Grippa, Owens runs a 4.4 40-yard dash.

-  According to Rivals.com, LB Steve Gardiner out of Dublin Coffman in Ohio has narrowed his choices to Ohio State, West Virginia, Pittsburgh, and Northwestern.  The ‘Cats are out the running for this three-star recruit.

-  Expect Colerain corner back Ravelle Sadler to commit to a school in the coming days.  Sadler plans to graduate early and enroll at his college choice in January.  Sadler is coming off a strong recent visit to Kent State, according to Rivals.com.  It sounds like if Sadler gets an offer from Rutgers, he might choose the bigger school.  If not, it’s between Ball State, Central Michigan, Ohio and Kent State, with Kent holding the lead.

-  I spoke with Lima High School high school Darnell Collins on Wednesday about his star running back, Ryan Nathan.  Nathan is listed at 5-8, 180 pounds, and currently it sounds like Ohio, Pittsburgh and Air Force are the three main schools.  Nathan visited Pitt a few weeks ago, and Collins said that Air Force was at Lima High School on Tuesday.  Collins thinks both Pitt and Air Force will soon offer. “He’s just kind of weighing his options right now to see what’s going to be the best fit for him,” Collins said.  Nathan visited Ohio during the season.  “I think it is a possibility,” Collins said of Nathan playing for Ohio in 2008.  “He wants the opportunity to contribute as soon as possible.  So that is going to weight heavy on his decision, too.”  Nathan could see a position change in college to cornerback.  “He has the feet and the hip movement for that position also,” Collins said.

 

* December 12^th

-  Dominic Surace, a 6-0, 245-pound fullback out of Twinsburg, Ohio, is starting to get several looks.  He said Ohio, Akron, Youngstown State, Toledo, Davidson, Princeton, Marshall, and Bowling Green are the ones on his list, and he has visited all of those except Marshall.  Surace runs a 4.8 40-yard dash, benches 420 pounds, squats 525 pounds, and runs a 4.48 pro agility.  Overall he claims a 3.85 GPA with a 27 on his ACT.  While Surace said there are no offers currently on the table, he thinks once he gets his game tapes in to college coaches things will start to change.

-  At 5-11, 185 pounds, St. Edward High School product Mike Schweisthal is garnering some college attention, too.  Schweisthal has no D-1 offers yet, but said that there are several schools in the picture including Western Michigan, Akron, Dayton, and Albany to name a few.  The safety did say he plans to visit Rochester University in January.  He also added that a strong engineering program is something he will consider in his college process. Schweisthal says he is currently running a 4.5 40-yard dash.  “I was in on a total of 58 tackles 27 of which were solos and 5 pass deflections (this season),” Schweisthal said.

-  One position that will be interesting to watch is running back.  How many players will the Bobcats sign in the backfield with the young depth of Vince Davidson, Donte Harden, and L.J. Flintall?  Time will tell.  Gary Thornton, a 5-8, 200-pound back out of Rayen High School in Youngstown, Ohio, could be on the ‘Cats list.  Rayen rushed for 934 yards on 150 carries (6.2) including eight TDs.  Thornton’s lone offer is from Army, which he plans to visit in January.  “I’m very wide open,” Thornton said adding, “and waiting to see what other (D-1)’s come through for me.”  Thorton’s QB, Sal Battles, recently committed to Kent State.

-  According to BobcatAttack.com’s recruiting database, Joseph Pearson is getting looks from Ohio.  Pearson, a 6-1, 215 pound DE from North Carolina, said that his lone D-1 offer right now is from Coastal Carolina A&T.  His 40 time is 4.82.

-  6-1, 180-pound dual-threat QB Buddy Leathley is has offers from Temple, Rhode Island and Albany so far.  While Ohio is still recruiting the New York native, plenty of other schools are looking at him, too, including Richmond, Youngstown State and Appalachian State.  “I may go to prep for year because I got on the radar late and want to see if I can get offered by some bigger school,” said Leathley, who runs a 4.6 40-yard dash according to Rivals.com.

-  Will Fleming is three-star recruit out of Hoban High School in Akron, Ohio.  The 6-4, 196-pound safety has plenty of offers, but for some reason Ohio is not one of them.  Fleming said he has offers from Akron, Hawaii, Miami (OH) and Boise State.    “I have already taken visits to Akron, and I’m visiting Boise State this weekend. I also plan to visit Michigan State and West Virginia if they offer like they are saying,” said Fleming.  Will’s father, Jim, is the defensive coordinator for the Zips, which could have impacted Ohio’s recent decent to stay away.  “I was being recruited by coach [Carl] Pelini over the summer and was interested but I think they thought if I go to the MAC I was automatically going to Akron.”

-  Visits are happening all over the nation.  Looks like Akron had some solid recruits on their campus last weekend:  http://zipsnation.org/forums//index.php?showtopic=8185

-  I don’t know about other Ohio Bobcats fans out there, but ‘Cats coaches ought to be busting their tails to get after Dominick Britt, a 3-star QB recruit who recently de-committed to Cincinnati, according to Rivals.com.  Right now Britt has offers from Pitt, WVU, Akron, EMU and Kent State.  Where is Ohio?

-  South Charleston, West Virginia native Deion Spurlock can do it all.  The 5-10, 180-pound athlete threw and rushed for 1,500 yards this past fall for South Charleston High School.  While probably too short to play on the offensive side of the ball in college, Spurlock is getting plenty of looks in the secondary.  Spurlock claims a 4.48 on his 40-yard dash, one of the many reasons West Virginia, Purdue, Ohio, Coastal Carolina and others are recruiting him.  While no offers are on the table at this point, that could soon change after a few visits.

 

* December 10^th

- Here are a few more recruiting updates:

- Dominique Gaston, an inside linebacker out of New Jersey, told me while he has no official offers, he is interested in Ohio University and wants to make a visit.  Gaston said he had 107 tackles, three sacks, three fumble recoveries and an interception for a TD this past season.  All-State has not yet been named, but he was first team All-Bergen County.  Keep an eye on the 6-1, 205 pounder.

-  Another QB the Bobcats were looking at was Sean Bedevelsky.  At 6-0, 190 pounds, Bedevelsky threw for 3,305 yards and 31 touchdowns for Brunswick High School in Ohio.  Bdevelsky has no D-1 offers, and he thinks he knows why.  “[Schools] were recruiting me but said I was too short to play QB at a D1 college so they are not going to offer me,” said Bedevelsky.  The senior lead northeast Ohio in passing this year and says he is currently setting up visits with D-II and D-III schools.

- Center Rich Bell (Salisbury, CT) committed to Ohio in September, but even at that time he and his father admitted the verbal commitment was soft.  So is Bell still going to Ohio?  “Yeah, man, I’m 100% about my commitment,” Bell said late Sunday night.

-  Berchard Hines is a 5-11, 185-pound safety, a position you have to believe the ‘Cats will be looking to get a several solid players.  Hines reportedly runs a 4.5, and he said right now he does not have any D-1 offers but Ohio, Indiana and Syracuse are looking at him.  Like many high school senior prospects, he is setting up his visits.  “I’m going to visit Ohio, and I’m very interested,” Hines said Sunday evening.

- A Nebraska recruit checked in as well.  Trent Goodman has no offers or visits lined up, but the FB/LB hopes to garner the attention shortly.  He is reportedly on several colleges’ boards.  Goodman is 5-10, 210 pounds and runs a 4.7 40-yard dash. Goodman said 113 tackles and five sacks on defense and had over 400 yards of total offense this past season playing for Omaha Westside High School.  He was named to the All-State team recently.

- Andrew Taglianetti, a 5-10, 175-pound WR from Central Catholic High School in Pittsburgh, was reportedly on the ‘Cats list.  Taglianetti said that while he has offers from Pitt, Louisville, Toledo and Towson, he hasn’t heard much recently from Ohio.  Taglianetti runs a 4.44 40-yard dash.  He said this past season he had 77 rushes for 1,048 yards and 11 TDs.  As a receiver he had 13 catches for 399 yards and three TDs.  And on defense?  Taglianetti managed 35 tackles, 3 fumble recoveries and five interceptions.  Also Taglianetti went to the ‘Cats  camp last summer, it sounds like Ohio has fallen out of love with the Pittsburgh athlete.

-  Shaker Heights product Chris Browne was an Ohio prospect but he might be headed to Southern in Louisiana.  Browne is 6-3, 270-pounds as a lineman recruit but recently Browne said Ohio, “ain’t showing me a lot of love.”

-  Plenty more to come.

 

* December 6^th

-  I’m back with more updates:

(Updated 2 p.m.)

-  Hudson High School football coach Tom Narducci talked to me about two of his recruits this afternoon. Alex Gedeon is a 6-2, 210-pound safety.  He has not been offered by Ohio but it might not matter.  Gedeon is scheduled to visit Harvard, Princeton, and Yale all within the next month.  Coach Narducci said he would more than likely end up in the Ivy League.  Mike Niam is Hudson’s other D-1 prospect.  The 6-2, 215-pound linebacker has no D-1 offers but has several D-II and D-1AA offers already on the table.  Narducci said Ohio recruiting coordinator Pete Germano was at Hudson a little while back and an offer for Niam might be coming soon.

-  I spoke with the coach at Howard D. Woodson High School today and listen up Bobcat fans. Coach Greg Fuller has seven potential D-1 prospects on his team, five of which have already been offered.  I’ll run them all down:

Craig Wilkins is a 6-0, 185-pound safety getting courted by Ohio University.  Wilkins has multiple D-1 offers but not yet from Ohio.  Fuller did say Wilkins will take a visit, and he said he thinks Ohio will offer soon.

Evan Frierson is a 6-2, 215-pound linebacker with speed.  He has offers from Illinois, Temple, and Akron.  He does plan to take a visit to Ohio.

Tavon Wilson is a cornerback who is getting looked at by Ohio along with Boston College, Maryland, Akron, UNC, and Illinois.  He has not yet been offered by the ‘Cats.  One D.C. area report says that Wilson has committed to Maryland.

Dion Guy is another linebacker who has offers from Illinois, UNC, and Michigan State.  Ohio is looking at him as well.

Of any of the players on this list from Woodson H.S., the most likely to commit to Ohio is linebacker Josh Stover.  Stover has offers from Ohio along with Akron and UNC.  He is big (6-4, 225) and runs a 4.6 40-yard dash, according to Fuller.  He had 53 tackles this year and Fuller said he was an extremely intelligent football player.  “He can be a coach on the field,” said Fuller adding, “Stover definitely is looking hard at (Ohio).”

-  Other Woodson H.S. products being looked at by Ohio are offensive lineman DeAngelo Lucas (6’6, 350 pounds) and defensive tackle Malcolm Davis (6’2, 260 pounds).  Both have yet to gain a D-1 offer.

-  None of the players are package deals according to Fuller, whose squad made it to the D.C. championship game this season despite starting 0-3 (Their defensive let up 14 points the whole season).  So between Guy, Stover, and Frierson who is the best linebacker? Fuller could not give an answer.  Fuller did express the importance of education in the college search.

- Another name to look out for is Korey Neal (6-2, 267), an offensive lineman out of St. John’s High School in D.C.

 

* December 5^th

-  A few recruiting updates for everyone:

-  6-4, 185-pound quarterback Orhian Johnson is not looking at Ohio much anymore.  I spoke with his Gulfport Boca Ciega High School head coach Stevy Thomas today and he said that Johnson had narrowed down his choices to Ohio State, Tennessee, and Indiana.  Johnson is a 3-star recruit by Rivals.com and reportedly runs a 4.51 40-yard dash to go along with his 40 inch vertical leap.  Count him out.

-  I have yet to hear back from Colerain head coach Tom Bolden.  The ‘Cats are looking at several of Bolden’s players including offensive lineman Evan Borchers, cornerback Ravelle Sadler and QB Doug Reynolds.  BobcatAttack.com reports that Sadler has been offered by Ohio.

-  Sticking with the QB talk, I had a chance to chat with Centerville H.S. head coach Ron Ullery.  The Bobcats are looking at QB David Fleming and tailback James Cravens.  Fleming has been looked at by several Mid-American Conference teams, but no one has offered yet.  Cravens picked up his first offer recently from Ball State.  Ullery was adamant in stating that many coaches are missing out on Fleming who, despite his size (5-10, 190), is a legit prospect.  Ullery coached ‘Cats DE Jameson Hartke at Centerville.  Ullery pointed that Hartke, too, was an under-the-radar high school player.   Ullery did say that defensive coordinator Jimmy Burrow had visited the school a few weeks ago.

-  Ullery said that defensive lineman Drew Serruto was also on the ‘Cats recruiting list.

-  One of the best athletes in the state has to be Jackson High School running back Carlin Isles out of Massillion, Ohio.  I spoke with his head coach Thom McDaniels today.  Get this: McDaniels was told by Akron coaches that Isles ran a 4.19 40-yard dash while at their Akron camp.  Isles’ size (5-8, 156) might mean a position change in college.  He has been offered by a few MAC schools including Akron and Ohio.

-  I spoke with Northern Iowa Area Community College WR Marques Parker earlier today as well.  Parker is a 6-1, 180-pounder who had 52 catches for 734 yards and four TDs this season.  He has narrowed his list down to Ohio, TCU, Utah and Oklahoma State.  It is still wide open right now but he does plan to visit all four schools soon.

-  Carlos Davis is another WR prospect for the Bobcats.  Friendly High School (MD) offensive coordinator Marcus Berry said that Davis had visits set with Eastern Michigan and James Madison.  Davis is a 5-10, 170 pounder that reportedly runs a 4.47 40-yard dash.  Don’t get your hopes up on this guy.  Davis comes from a high-flying offense in high school and really likes the four and five wide out style of play from EMU.  Also, Berry said that Davis was not that open to playing another position at the next level.  Still, the recruit’s search is still wide open and he does plan to visit Ohio University.  Berry has known ‘Cats receivers coach Dwayne Dixon for a while.  “He is really interested in Ohio University,” said Berry.

-  Also, offensive tackle Jeff Fell, a 6-5, 270 pound prospect out of New Jersey, committed to Yale.  He had offers from both Yale and Ohio but chose the Ivy League school.  “I couldnt turn down a yale education,” said Fell adding, “I went to the Yale-Harvard game and loved it up there.”  Fell committed over Thanksgiving weekend to the Bulldogs despite the fact that his sister attends Ohio.

 

-  More to come in the next couple of days.

 

 

* December 3rd

 

-  I found it very interesting to see how the votes broke down in the USA Today Coaches Poll.  The USA Today released who voted for whom in the college football poll that makes up of 33.3% of the BCS Rankings. 

 

-  I thought Frank Solich voted pretty fairly.  Solich’s Top 10 was as follows: Ohio State, Oklahoma, LSU, Georgia, USC,  Virginia Tech, Missouri, Kansas, West Virginia, Hawaii.

 

 

* December 3rd

 

- I spoke with Ohio Bobcats Volleyball head coach Geoff Carlston at length Saturday afternoon for my column that will appear in Monday’s edition of The Athens NEWS.  I figured I would share a few audio clips from our conversation.

 

-  I asked Carlston about his overall review of the 2007 season.  Click Here to Listen

 

-  Because of the losses to Miami (OH) in the MAC Tournament title game and the first round loss to Purdue in the NCAA Tournament, does Carlston consider this season a dissapointment overall?  Click Here to Listen

 

-  Does Carlston feel his program is disrespected by the lack of attention and coverage from the local media?  Click Here to Listen

 

-  Carlston talked about the rapidly increasing community support from fans in Athens.  Click Here to Listen

 

-  With a large amount of wins comes an easier time recruiting, right?  Click Here to Listen

 

-  What is in store for the 2008 season?  Click Here to Listen

Filed under: 2007 Bobcat Blog, December '07 Blog Notes |