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 ATHENS, Ohio -- The Ohio Bobcat football team announced its 2011 recruiting class at a National Letter of Intent Signing Day press conference Wednesday at Peden Stadium. Head coach Frank Solich was very excited about the group that will don the green and white for the first time next season. “This could be one of the better, if not the best class we have recruited so far,” he said.
The class of 2011 will bring in 24 fresh faces to the team next season, 12 of which will play on either the offensive or defensive line.
“Going into spring last year we knew those two areas were going to be big for us,” said Brian Haines, Recruiting Coordinator.
In addition to adding much needed depth in the trenches, the Bobcats also were able to get commitments from two quarterbacks, Ronnie Bell (Fayetteville, GA/Sandy Creek HS) and Derrius Vick (Lincoln, NE/Lincoln Southeast HS). Both are considered to be very athletic, and are able to beat defenses with both speed and throwing ability.
“We are wanting to have a balanced offense and throw the ball well,” said Solich. “These are the kind of guys that have movement as well as the ability to throw the ball.”
The recruiting class also boasts 11 players from the state of Ohio, which is very good considering all the competition between schools in the state according to Solich.
“We were able to attract players from our home state which is crucial,” he said. “If you look at where we are located that is never automatic.”
Of the 24 incoming players, 5 will be enrolled and eligible to take part in spring practices. Three (cornerback Mose Denton, tight-end Tyler Knight, and defensive lineman Brad Spivey) are junior-college transfers, while the other two (wide receiver Landon Smith, and cornerback Ian Wells) have graduated high school early and will be enrolled spring quarter. Solich and his staff feel that this is a nice advantage to see if some of the newcomers can help immediately.
As for the rest of the class, they will have chances to earn early playing time through summer camp as Solich feels many of the players can fit in somewhere in the system, especially on special teams.
On Signing Day, there is always the risk of losing players at the last minute to the other schools. According to Haines, however, there were no surprise departures away from the Bobcats, which he feels is a testament to the makeup of the recruits.
“We started off with a strong base: good student athletes with strong character. We targeted them and built strong relationships with their families. This is why we saw no surprises today.”
The plans for a new indoor practice facility, made possible by a $10 million donation by Robert and Margaret Walter was also a huge hit with recruits.
“We want our players working year round. The players want to do the same, too, once they get on campus. Being able to do so is huge, and (is) what you need as an athlete to excel in sports today.”
Solich also indicated that with a recruiting class like this, the Bobcats will continue to be competitive in the MAC for some time.
“I think everyone understands how important this day is in terms of what your program is going to be about in the future. There is no way that you can draw up X’s and O’s that are going to work without the players to get it done.”
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