Welcome Guest!
Create an Account
login email:
password:
site searchcontact usabout usadvertise with ushelp
Message Board
BobcatAttack.com Message Board
Ohio Football
Topic:  2014 Signing Day Wednesday

Topic:  2014 Signing Day Wednesday
Author
Message
L.C.
General User

Member Since: 8/31/2005
Location: United States
Post Count: 10,495

Status: Offline
  Message Not Read  2014 Signing Day Wednesday
   Posted: 2/4/2014 6:24:29 PM 
Here's a link to Signing Day Central.

This should be a class filled with playmakers. For those that haven't been lurking on the Recruiting Forum pages, here are some of the playmakers expected to sign:

QB - Joey Duckworth, was out for the season

Big Running Back - Maleek Irons 6'1", 205; 3204 yards rushiing, 45 TDs, 10.5/carry Junior year, 2744 yards, 31 TDs, 13.3/carry Senior Season

Speed Back - Papi White 5'9" 180, 3116 yards, 12.8 yards/carry, 4.45 40

All Purpose Back - Robbie Walker 5'9" 173; 926 yards, 5.3 yards/carry, 19 catches for 259 yards

WR - Herman Brunis 6'0, 170 lbs; 40 catches, 716 yards  5 TDs, really goes up after the ball, catches it even in traffic

WR/S - Chek Washington 5'11" 183; 67 receptions, 1190 yards 10 TDs, NW Division II offensive player of the year

WR - Andrew Meyer 6'1" 190; injured in preseason

WR/DB/QB - Tyler Jones 6'1" 185

Lots more players, too, on the line, on defense. Should be fun tomorrow.

Last Edited: 2/4/2014 6:37:59 PM by L.C.

“We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.” ― Epictetus

Back to Top
  
DallasCat
General User

Member Since: 4/23/2013
Location: Texas
Post Count: 81

Status: Offline
  Message Not Read  RE: 2014 Signing Day Wednesday
   Posted: 2/5/2014 1:57:56 AM 
I'm very excited about the future of our running game with this group. All 3 of the RBs look outstanding, though I imagine 1 (either Robbie Walker or Papi White) will play more as a slot receiver.

Also important to note that 2 of OL (McCray and Lowery) are 3 star  players, with Dudziak being only a couple thousandths of a point from being one himself.

Whats the story with Leavitt? If he was a 2013 recruit, why is he joining this season?
Back to Top
  
L.C.
General User

Member Since: 8/31/2005
Location: United States
Post Count: 10,495

Status: Offline
  Message Not Read  RE: 2014 Signing Day Wednesday
   Posted: 2/5/2014 6:38:08 AM 
I agree - I see Walker in the slot. Of the three, he has the best hands. I also see him as the punt returner/kick returner for the same reason. They are all very different backs, though, and all will play important, and different roles.

As for Leavitt, I don't know what the reason was, but for some reason he wasn't able to enroll last fall, and deferred enrollment, but still plans to be a Bobcat. A year ago Sebastian Smith deferred enrollment for health reasons, and entered a year later, so Leavitt isn't the first to do it.

“We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.” ― Epictetus

Back to Top
  
Bcat2
General User

Member Since: 7/6/2010
Post Count: 4,295

Status: Offline
  Message Not Read  RE: 2014 Signing Day Wednesday
   Posted: 2/5/2014 7:55:27 AM 
DallasCat wrote:
I'm very excited about the future of our running game with this group. All 3 of the RBs look outstanding, though I imagine 1 (either Robbie Walker or Papi White) will play more as a slot receiver.

Also important to note that 2 of OL (McCray and Lowery) are 3 star players, with Dudziak being only a couple thousandths of a point from being one himself.

Whats the story with Leavitt? If he was a 2013 recruit, why is he joining this season?


I am excited too. The team already has Daz and Dorian Brown. Bass and Carpenter returned kicks. Honestly, the way Carpenter looked on some kicks, he could have been a RB. Dorian has had a year to get bigger, stronger and faster. I am hoping he becomes a hybred of Boykin/Blankenship. It all starts with making the DC respect something up the gut then the outside running and down the field passing opens up. Now if Vick can study some Charlie Ward tapes from FSU.

"Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger men." JFK

Back to Top
  
GoCats105
General User

Member Since: 1/31/2006
Location: Seattle, WA
Post Count: 7,432

Status: Offline
  Message Not Read  RE: 2014 Signing Day Wednesday
   Posted: 2/5/2014 9:39:13 AM 
If I'm reading the signing day central page correctly, Duckworth was the first to send in his LOI. Of the first seven kids, six of them were from Ohio and it's only 9:40am.
Back to Top
  
L.C.
General User

Member Since: 8/31/2005
Location: United States
Post Count: 10,495

Status: Offline
  Message Not Read  RE: 2014 Signing Day Wednesday
   Posted: 2/5/2014 9:46:41 AM 
There are only a handful of this class not from Ohio. Walker is from DC area, Irons from Vancouver, Canada, Papi White from Texas.and Brunson from Michigan. It seems like a classic formula - take a core of excellent local players, and selectively add speed from around the country.

“We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.” ― Epictetus

Back to Top
  
GoCats105
General User

Member Since: 1/31/2006
Location: Seattle, WA
Post Count: 7,432

Status: Offline
  Message Not Read  RE: 2014 Signing Day Wednesday
   Posted: 2/5/2014 9:50:21 AM 
L.C. wrote:
There are only a handful of this class not from Ohio. Walker is from DC area, Irons from Vancouver, Canada, Papi White from Texas.and Brunson from Michigan. It seems like a classic formula - take a core of excellent local players, and selectively add speed from around the country.


Shouldn't this be the formula every year? This is the biggest group of Ohio kids that Frank and Co. have gotten to sign since he's been here. I feel like that's kind of bizarre given how long he's been here. I know Ohio is a recruiting hotbed for surrounding states as well, but we should be doing better than that in-state by now right?
Back to Top
  
L.C.
General User

Member Since: 8/31/2005
Location: United States
Post Count: 10,495

Status: Offline
  Message Not Read  RE: 2014 Signing Day Wednesday
   Posted: 2/5/2014 10:28:02 AM 
I agree that it should be the plan. In the early years, though, I don't think the facilities were competitive, and they didn't have as good of a football reputation.  Ohio has made progress, though, and I think the IPF was the last piece they needed to boost recruiting. Last year you started to see a trend to getting more players from Ohio, with 9 signees from Ohio. This year there may be something like 17 from Ohio, which is great because they are not only good players, they will also attract more fan support for Ohio across the state.

“We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.” ― Epictetus

Back to Top
  
GoCats105
General User

Member Since: 1/31/2006
Location: Seattle, WA
Post Count: 7,432

Status: Offline
  Message Not Read  RE: 2014 Signing Day Wednesday
   Posted: 2/5/2014 11:09:01 AM 
I guess with having eight other D1 programs in the state, it may take more than a few years to attract that talent away from them to get down here. It also helps that schools like PSU, Pitt, CMU, WMU, Indiana and UK have been down for the past few years. Just goes to show how many great football players come from Ohio. I agree about the attendance thing as well. Down the road, I think that's the only way Ohio gets a stadium expansion. Ohio has to recruit kids in-state and establish a foothold which will attract more fans to watch "their boys" play.
Back to Top
  
MedinaCat
General User

Member Since: 12/20/2004
Location: Lakewood, OH
Post Count: 743

Status: Offline
  Message Not Read  RE: 2014 Signing Day Wednesday
   Posted: 2/5/2014 11:12:17 AM 
GoCats105 wrote:
L.C. wrote:
There are only a handful of this class not from Ohio. Walker is from DC area, Irons from Vancouver, Canada, Papi White from Texas.and Brunson from Michigan. It seems like a classic formula - take a core of excellent local players, and selectively add speed from around the country.


Shouldn't this be the formula every year? This is the biggest group of Ohio kids that Frank and Co. have gotten to sign since he's been here. I feel like that's kind of bizarre given how long he's been here. I know Ohio is a recruiting hotbed for surrounding states as well, but we should be doing better than that in-state by now right?


Jason Arkley has an interesting article that address the points you cover.  Linking below:

http://www.athensohiotoday.com/sports/ohiouniversity/ohio-seeing-benefits-already-from-ipf/article_723ba9aa-547d-5d7b-b668-d69b951095d1.html

 
Back to Top
  
GoCats105
General User

Member Since: 1/31/2006
Location: Seattle, WA
Post Count: 7,432

Status: Offline
  Message Not Read  RE: 2014 Signing Day Wednesday
   Posted: 2/5/2014 11:51:29 AM 
MedinaCat wrote:
GoCats105 wrote:
L.C. wrote:
There are only a handful of this class not from Ohio. Walker is from DC area, Irons from Vancouver, Canada, Papi White from Texas.and Brunson from Michigan. It seems like a classic formula - take a core of excellent local players, and selectively add speed from around the country.


Shouldn't this be the formula every year? This is the biggest group of Ohio kids that Frank and Co. have gotten to sign since he's been here. I feel like that's kind of bizarre given how long he's been here. I know Ohio is a recruiting hotbed for surrounding states as well, but we should be doing better than that in-state by now right?


Jason Arkley has an interesting article that address the points you cover.  Linking below:

http://www.athensohiotoday.com/sports/ohiouniversity/ohio-seeing-benefits-already-from-ipf/article_723ba9aa-547d-5d7b-b668-d69b951095d1.html

 


The recruiting arms race is a fascinating study for any graduate-level student. Ohio goes from what, 6-8 kids a year from Ohio and almost IMMEDIATELY after the IPF goes up, that number doubles. Just incredible.
Back to Top
  
Mark Lembright '85
General User

Member Since: 8/22/2010
Location: Highland Heights, OH
Post Count: 2,460

Status: Offline
  Message Not Read  RE: 2014 Signing Day Wednesday
   Posted: 2/5/2014 12:01:56 PM 
GoCats105 wrote:
MedinaCat wrote:
GoCats105 wrote:
L.C. wrote:
There are only a handful of this class not from Ohio. Walker is from DC area, Irons from Vancouver, Canada, Papi White from Texas.and Brunson from Michigan. It seems like a classic formula - take a core of excellent local players, and selectively add speed from around the country.


Shouldn't this be the formula every year? This is the biggest group of Ohio kids that Frank and Co. have gotten to sign since he's been here. I feel like that's kind of bizarre given how long he's been here. I know Ohio is a recruiting hotbed for surrounding states as well, but we should be doing better than that in-state by now right?


Jason Arkley has an interesting article that address the points you cover.  Linking below:

http://www.athensohiotoday.com/sports/ohiouniversity/ohio-seeing-benefits-already-from-ipf/article_723ba9aa-547d-5d7b-b668-d69b951095d1.html

 


The recruiting arms race is a fascinating study for any graduate-level student. Ohio goes from what, 6-8 kids a year from Ohio and almost IMMEDIATELY after the IPF goes up, that number doubles. Just incredible.


Good point about the arms race. I think it shows how far behind Ohio was in terms of football facilities in the eyes of potential recruits.  Ohio is just getting an IPF now.  As I recall, I believe a majority of MAC teams already have an IPF.  So Ohio's been a little bit behind the curve as far as that's concerned and potential recruits saw that.
Back to Top
  
L.C.
General User

Member Since: 8/31/2005
Location: United States
Post Count: 10,495

Status: Offline
  Message Not Read  RE: 2014 Signing Day Wednesday
   Posted: 2/5/2014 12:07:28 PM 
Five bowl games didn't hurt, either, but clearly the IPF was a huge factor, and you can see it in two places. One is the huge increase in in-state recruits. The second is the timing of recruits. Here's a table that I had posted on the recruiting forum, and it isn't complete, but you can see the difference immediately if you look at the last two years. This is the timing of verbals:
              By June    Jul      Aug     Sept      Oct       Nov       Dec       Jan       Feb
2005           0            0         0          0           0          0           0         20         6
2006           0            0         0          0           0          3           1           9         6
2007           0            0         0          1           1          1           4           5         9
2008           0            0         0          0           0          0           9           2         9
2009           0            0         0          2           0          3           2           3        11
2010           0            2         1          2           1          0           0           3         7
2011           2            2         3          0           0          0           0           4         5
2012           0            0         0          4           1          1           4           5         4  
2013           1           10
2014           5 .           8        3

Suddenly, the last two years Ohio has starting getting early verbals. This is significant because Ohio each year sends out 100-150 offers to their first choices, and then waits to see how many of those accept. Then, after the season, in December-January, they look around for other players that can fill the remaining spaces. Most years nearly the entire class was filled in the last 45 days, from mid-December on. Now they are getting a high acceptance rate from their first choices, and this year most of the class was filled by August.

Arkley's article is great, and his perspective is similar to mine. One place I differ - he expects 14 players from Ohio. I expect 17. We'll know before the day is out.

Edit - As of now 20 players are either signed or enrolled, including 14 from Ohio. I am still looking for 5 more, including three from Ohio, Connor Brown (TE), Pierce Royster (K), and Tyler Jones (S). Two important ones remain from out of state, Papi White (Oklahoma), and Maleek Irons (Canada).


Last Edited: 2/5/2014 12:39:01 PM by L.C.

“We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.” ― Epictetus

Back to Top
  
Casper71
General User

Member Since: 12/1/2006
Post Count: 3,090

Status: Offline
  Message Not Read  RE: 2014 Signing Day Wednesday
   Posted: 2/5/2014 1:45:29 PM 
We all love the OHIO kids and it shows we are progressing in our recruitment in State.  However, if we don't recruit FL, VA, NC, GA, etc we are not gonna keep up with the Jones's and we are gonna miss out on some speed guys that are really necessary to keep moving forward.
Back to Top
  
shabamon
General User



Member Since: 11/17/2006
Location: Cincinnati
Post Count: 6,846

Status: Offline
  Message Not Read  RE: 2014 Signing Day Wednesday
   Posted: 2/5/2014 1:58:36 PM 
The team's twitter says the list published on the website is the final list. Names not listed include Frueauf and Royster. Do preferred walk-ons still sign?

In watching our recruits' tape, the one thing that sticks out to me is how versatile a lot of them are. Most of our players look like they have played on both sides of the ball. Several of them have experience as returners. Even Bonnstetter, the punter, has experience as a QB and DB.
Back to Top
  
MedinaCat
General User

Member Since: 12/20/2004
Location: Lakewood, OH
Post Count: 743

Status: Offline
  Message Not Read  RE: 2014 Signing Day Wednesday
   Posted: 2/5/2014 2:31:26 PM 
L.C. wrote:

Arkley's article is great, and his perspective is similar to mine. One place I differ - he expects 14 players from Ohio. I expect 17. We'll know before the day is out.


As of 2:30, the count is still 16 from Ohio.  So if we are playing horsehoes, LC is closest and wins.  If we are on the Price is Right, Arkley is the winner. 

Either way, I am looking forward to see the immediate and long term impact of this class!

Last Edited: 2/5/2014 2:32:01 PM by MedinaCat
Back to Top
  
L.C.
General User

Member Since: 8/31/2005
Location: United States
Post Count: 10,495

Status: Offline
  Message Not Read  RE: 2014 Signing Day Wednesday
   Posted: 2/5/2014 2:39:45 PM 
Haha, 16 it is, unless you count Leavitt, a leftover from last year who will join the team this fall. Add in preferred walkons Royster (Hudson) and Frueauf (Moeller) and Ohio got quite the haul from in-state this year.

“We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.” ― Epictetus

Back to Top
  
TWT
General User



Member Since: 12/20/2004
Location: Alexandria, VA
Post Count: 5,169

Status: Offline
  Message Not Read  RE: 2014 Signing Day Wednesday
   Posted: 2/5/2014 5:37:38 PM 
L.C. wrote:
Haha, 16 it is, unless you count Leavitt, a leftover from last year who will join the team this fall. Add in preferred walkons Royster (Hudson) and Frueauf (Moeller) and Ohio got quite the haul from in-state this year.

The impressive part about it is those guys had offers form other MAC schools for a full scholarship and instead would rather take a chance as a preferred walk on with Ohio. Miami, Kent and Akron had very weak classes this year in state while BG (MAC Champs) and Ohio (5 straight bowls) did the signing.

Most Memorable Bobcat Events Attended
2010 97-83 win over Georgetown in NCAA 1st round
2012 45-13 victory over ULM in the Independence Bowl
2015 34-3 drubbing of Miami @ Peden front of 25,086

Back to Top
  
TWT
General User



Member Since: 12/20/2004
Location: Alexandria, VA
Post Count: 5,169

Status: Offline
  Message Not Read  RE: 2014 Signing Day Wednesday
   Posted: 2/5/2014 6:02:23 PM 
L.C. wrote:
Five bowl games didn't hurt, either, but clearly the IPF was a huge factor, and you can see it in two places. One is the huge increase in in-state recruits. The second is the timing of recruits. Here's a table that I had posted on the recruiting forum, and it isn't complete, but you can see the difference immediately if you look at the last two years. This is the timing of verbals:
              By June    Jul      Aug     Sept      Oct       Nov       Dec       Jan       Feb
2005           0            0         0          0           0          0           0         20         6
2006           0            0         0          0           0          3           1           9         6
2007           0            0         0          1           1          1           4           5         9
2008           0            0         0          0           0          0           9           2         9
2009           0            0         0          2           0          3           2           3        11
2010           0            2         1          2           1          0           0           3         7
2011           2            2         3          0           0          0           0           4         5
2012           0            0         0          4           1          1           4           5         4  
2013           1           10
2014           5 .           8        3

Suddenly, the last two years Ohio has starting getting early verbals. This is significant because Ohio each year sends out 100-150 offers to their first choices, and then waits to see how many of those accept. Then, after the season, in December-January, they look around for other players that can fill the remaining spaces. Most years nearly the entire class was filled in the last 45 days, from mid-December on. Now they are getting a high acceptance rate from their first choices, and this year most of the class was filled by August.

I think what happens a lot in the MAC with the average lifespan of a coaching staff around 4 years is that the new coach on a block tends to have an advantage because you can't negatively recruit against an offense ran at a school for example if the staff has never played a down of football yet in that uniform. The 4th class by Solich seems like a step back for the program only to take it up a notch after that with it becoming a long term program. One area where I disagree with your analysis is the IPF as a huge factor. When a recruiting sales pitch starts it begins with attaching the player to a future position on the team, watching us play on ESPN to see what the schemes are. Then its about meeting some of the staff and having confidence in the program. The IPF is something to show on the visit but its not like overall its an incredible facilities package at Ohio. Its more about if you like Athens, the role and the coaching staff. Do you want to play right away and on a good team? That is why McCray switched according to an article. There are MAC schools out there like Miami that are cupcake payday schools with only 5 games at home. Ohio takes football seriously and schedules itself to make a bowl every year. That is the kind of program if I'm a player that I want because of the extra TV appearances for making a bowl or a MAC title game.

Most Memorable Bobcat Events Attended
2010 97-83 win over Georgetown in NCAA 1st round
2012 45-13 victory over ULM in the Independence Bowl
2015 34-3 drubbing of Miami @ Peden front of 25,086

Back to Top
  
TWT
General User



Member Since: 12/20/2004
Location: Alexandria, VA
Post Count: 5,169

Status: Offline
  Message Not Read  RE: 2014 Signing Day Wednesday
   Posted: 2/5/2014 6:57:22 PM 
Papi White is a clone of Noel Devine. Both him an Irons have great moves and a true gamers and not just speed guys. Papi needs some work on his running technique yet to maximize. Devine was enough to transform West Virgina from a 7 or 8 win program to Top 10 overnight with a Fiesta Bowl win so I'm hoping for that (lol).

Most Memorable Bobcat Events Attended
2010 97-83 win over Georgetown in NCAA 1st round
2012 45-13 victory over ULM in the Independence Bowl
2015 34-3 drubbing of Miami @ Peden front of 25,086

Back to Top
  
Doc Bobcat
General User

Member Since: 12/20/2004
Post Count: 4,280

Status: Offline
  Message Not Read  RE: 2014 Signing Day Wednesday
   Posted: 2/5/2014 7:08:29 PM 
Uncle Wes wrote:
Papi White is a clone of Noel Devine. Both him an Irons have great moves and a true gamers and not just speed guys. Papi needs some work on his running technique yet to maximize. Devine was enough to transform West Virgina from a 7 or 8 win program to Top 10 overnight with a Fiesta Bowl win so I'm hoping for that (lol).


Great comparison......but as I sit here drinking green koolaid he looks like Barry Sanders.
Back to Top
  
OhioCatFan
General User



Member Since: 12/20/2004
Location: Athens, OH
Post Count: 14,744

Status: Offline
  Message Not Read  RE: 2014 Signing Day Wednesday
   Posted: 2/5/2014 7:45:26 PM 
Doc Bobcat wrote:
Uncle Wes wrote:
Papi White is a clone of Noel Devine. Both him an Irons have great moves and a true gamers and not just speed guys. Papi needs some work on his running technique yet to maximize. Devine was enough to transform West Virgina from a 7 or 8 win program to Top 10 overnight with a Fiesta Bowl win so I'm hoping for that (lol).


Great comparison......but as I sit here drinking green koolaid he looks like Barry Sanders.


After I twisted my ankle on the ice this afternoon, I'm taking meds that make me hallucinate and literally see the form of Jim Brown in an Ohio uniform.  

The only BLSS Certified Hypocrite on BA

"It is better to be an optimist and be proven a fool than to be a pessimist and be proven right."

Note: My avatar is the national colors of the 78th Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry, which are now preserved in a climate controlled vault at the Ohio History Connection. Learn more about the old 78th at: http://www.78ohio.org

Back to Top
  
Doc Bobcat
General User

Member Since: 12/20/2004
Post Count: 4,280

Status: Offline
  Message Not Read  RE: 2014 Signing Day Wednesday
   Posted: 2/5/2014 7:50:02 PM 
OhioCatFan wrote:
Doc Bobcat wrote:
Uncle Wes wrote:
Papi White is a clone of Noel Devine. Both him an Irons have great moves and a true gamers and not just speed guys. Papi needs some work on his running technique yet to maximize. Devine was enough to transform West Virgina from a 7 or 8 win program to Top 10 overnight with a Fiesta Bowl win so I'm hoping for that (lol).


Great comparison......but as I sit here drinking green koolaid he looks like Barry Sanders.


After I twisted my ankle on the ice this afternoon, I'm taking meds that make me hallucinate and literally see the form of Jim Brown in an Ohio uniform.  


Huh....6'2"-240 pound RB who runs about a 4.4 forty and when he goes down acts like he's hurt so the D isn't worried about him?

Hmmmmm...send me some of that stuff.
Back to Top
  
DesertDog
General User

Member Since: 12/27/2004
Post Count: 25

Status: Offline
  Message Not Read  RE: 2014 Signing Day Wednesday
   Posted: 2/5/2014 9:07:45 PM 
Coach Solich was a great running backs coach at Nebraska so hopefully he can take these great recruits and make them even better.

I think finally having an IPF has made a tremendous difference in recruiting the last two years.  Any ideas what the next advancement in the arms race (at least in the MAC) will be?
Back to Top
  
fsohio09
General User

Member Since: 7/31/2007
Location: Marysville, OH
Post Count: 66

Status: Offline
  Message Not Read  RE: 2014 Signing Day Wednesday
   Posted: 2/5/2014 9:56:17 PM 
DesertDog wrote:
I think finally having an IPF has made a tremendous difference in recruiting the last two years.  Any ideas what the next advancement in the arms race (at least in the MAC) will be?


Scoreboards.
Back to Top
  
Showing Replies:  1 - 25  of 36 Posts
Jump to Page:  1 | 2    Next >
View Other 'Ohio Football' Topics
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             



WHO'S ONLINE
There are 245 Active Visitors on BobcatAttack.com
245 Guests
0 Registered Users
There are no other users looking at this page.




Copyright ©2025 BobcatAttack.com. All rights reserved.  |  Privacy Policy  |  Terms of Use
Partner of USA TODAY Sports Digital Properties