Ohio State signs football legend’s son

By Brian Kollars | Thursday, February 11, 2010, 12:42 PM

This just in from Ohio State media relations:

Griffin Signs With Ohio State Football

Columbus native 19th to join Buckeye recruiting class

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Adam Griffin, a terrific all-around athlete from St. Francis DeSales High School in Columbus, Ohio, has signed a national letter-of-intent to attend The Ohio State University.

A 5-9, 185-lb. running back, defensive back and return specialist, Griffin helped DeSales advance to the 2009 state championship game. An all-district and all-Columbus metro selection playing for Coach Ryan Wiggins’ Stallions, the honor roll student is also a basketball starter at DeSales.

“Adam Griffin has a passion to be an Ohio State Buckeye,” says Coach Jim Tressel. “He will add a great deal to our football family on the field, in the locker room and on our campus. Adam clearly understands the privilege of being an Ohio State Buckeye.”

Adam is the son of Bonita and Archie Griffin; Archie, a Buckeye Hall of Famer and the only two-time winner of the Heisman Trophy, lettered from 1972-75 at Ohio State.

The Buckeyes begin spring practice April 1. The football spring game is April 24 at Ohio Stadium.

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Clarett files motion for early release

By Brian Kollars | Tuesday, February 9, 2010, 03:38 PM

Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O’Brien issued a press release today announcing that former Ohio State running back Maurice Clarett is looking to get out of jail early.

Excerpts from the release:

“Prosecutor Ron O’Brien was notified by Delaware Attorney Michael Hogue that as counsel for Maurice Clarett he has filed a Motion for Judicial release. Ohio law permits an inmate who has served a designated part of their sentence to apply to the sentencing judge for an early release from custody. Clarett became eligible … on Feb. 5 ,2010.

“On September 18, 2006 Clarett plead guilty to two felony offenses and was sentenced to 7 1/2 years imprisonment. Those offenses were Aggravated Robbery with a firearm for the Jan. 1, 2006 Robbery of two persons in the alley behind the Opium Lounge in downtown Columbus; and for Carrying a Concealed Weapon related to his Aug. 9, 2006 arrest after a car chase by police on the far East side of Columbus.

“Ohio law permits judicial release on Clarett’s 7 1/2 year sentence after he has served 3 1/2 years. …

“At the time of the plea it was understood that as a condition of judicial release Clarett would be required to successfully complete the Community Based Correctional Facility program. Upon release from that program Clarett is subject to community control supervision by the Court probation department.”

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Buckeyes’ class ‘versatile, humble and focused’

By Brian Kollars | Wednesday, February 3, 2010, 03:53 PM

This just in from OSU media relations:

Ohio State Football 2010 Signees

COLUMBUS - Eighteen of the nation’s top high school football players have signed to play at The Ohio State University, Coach Jim Tressel announced this afternoon.

“This has been a fun group to get to know and appreciate,” says Tressel. “They are versatile, humble and focused. Their high school programs were very important to them, and we are confident that their love will grow even deeper for Ohio State.”

The class includes nine players from Ohio, two from Pennsylvania and Florida, and one from Georgia, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and North Carolina. There are nine defensive and seven offensive players, one specialist and one player recruited as an athlete in the class.

“This is a group of 18 guys excited about joining the rich tradition of a great university with great athletic success,” says recruiting coordinator John Peterson. “Winning in the classroom and on the field is important to each of them. These are young men who have been active leaders in their communities and schools, and they will be able to continue that type of participation at Ohio State.”

OSU signees:

Darryl Baldwin, DE, 6-7, 260, Solon, Ohio/Solon

Drew Basil, K/P, 6-2, 195, Chillicothe, Ohio/Chillicothe

Corey Brown, WR, 6-1, 184, Upper Darby, Pa./Cardinal O’Hara

Christian Bryant, DB, 5-11, 178, Cleveland, Ohio/Glenville

David Durham, LB, 6-3, 225, Charlotte, N.C./Charlotte Christian

Taylor Graham, QB, 6-5, 225, Wheaton, Ill./Wheaton North

Chad Hagan, DB, 6-2, 227, Canonsburg, Pa./Canon-McMillan

Johnathan Hankins, DL, 6-3, 315, Dearborn Hts., Mich./Southeastern

Carlos Hyde, RB, 6-0, 235, Naples, Fla./Naples/FUMA

James Louis, WR, 5-11, 178, Delray Beach, Fla./Atlantic

Scott McVey, LB, 6-0, 225, Lyndhurst, Ohio/St. Ignatius

J.T. Moore, DE, 6-3, 235, Boardman, Ohio/Boardman

Andrew Norwell, OL, 6-6, 290, Cincinnati, Ohio/Anderson

Verlon Reed, ATH, 6-2, 190, Columbus, Ohio/Marion-Franklin

Bradley Roby, DB, 6-0, 180, Suwanee, Ga./Peachtree Ridge

Rod Smith, RB, 6-3, 220, Fort Wayne, Ind./Paul Harding

Jamel Turner, DE, 6-3, 215, Youngstown, Ohio/Fork Union

T.Y. Williams, WR, 6-7, 211, East Cleveland, Ohio/Shaw

Darryl Baldwin (DE, Solon HS, Solon, Ohio): Talented pass rusher with all the tools … all-Ohio, first team all-conference … NOC player of the year … team captain … recorded 25 TFL, nine sacks and scored three touchdowns for Coach Jim McQuaide’s 12-1 Comets … Solon won NOC title and advanced to regional finals … Cleveland Plain Dealer defensive player of year … Detroit Free Press Top 20 … Ohio All-Star Classic … also a three-year starter in basketball and track at Solon … honor roll, SADD and CASS mentor … son of Caron Baldwin

Drew Basil (K/P, Chillicothe HS, Chillicothe, Ohio): Versatile specialist who will bolster the kicking game … career long field goal of 47 yards; 13-13 on PAT as a senior … second team all-Ohio for Coach Bill Davidson … SEOAL special teams player of year … team captain for the Cavaliers … four-year starter … also played soccer and bowling at Chillicothe … National Honor Society, Spanish honorary, peer mediation, ping-pong club … son of Elaine and Brad Basil

Corey Brown (WR, Cardinal O’Hara HS, Upper Darby, Pa.): Two-time all-state speedster from Philadelphia … MVP of the Philadelphia Catholic League … three years all-conference, two years all-Delco … career numbers of 3,000 yards rushing, 1,500 yards receiving and 50 touchdowns scored for Coach Dan Algeo … UnderArmour All-America Game … Maxwell Award … Philadelphia Daily News PCL all-decade team … All-America sprinter who holds the Delaware Co. 200m record (21.4) … all-state, all-Delco and all-Catholic League in track … son of Delene Williams

Christian Bryant (DB, Glenville HS, Cleveland, Ohio): All-Ohio defender from Cleveland Glenville … Senate conference offensive player of year for Coach Ted Ginn Sr. playing quarterback, tailback, reciever, kicker and punter … 82 tackles, five interceptions (two for TD) for the 13-2 Tarblooders … Archie Griffin and Blue Chip awards … U.S. Army All-American Bowl … Ohio All-Star Classic … Cleveland Plain Dealer all-star … also ran track … honor roll student … son of Tonya Ellis and Ronnie Bryant

David Durham (LB, Charlotte Christian HS, Charlotte, N.C.): Athletic linebacker who helped Charlotte Christian to the state finals … 86 tackles, 9.5 sacks as a senior for Coach Jason Estep’s Knights … all-district at Westlake (Texas) High as a junior with 64 tackles, five sacks … Aloha Prep Bowl … Charlotte Observer Top 25 … NC-SC Shrine Bowl captain … also an all-state wrestler in Texas … son of Ken and Dani Durham … dad played football for Ole Miss

Taylor Graham (QB, Wheaton North HS, Wheaton, Ill.): Second-generation Buckeye signalcaller … knee injury curtailed his senior campaign for Coach Joe Wardynski’s Falcons … junior season was cut short by an ankle injury after 4 ½ games, passing for 460 yards and six scores … also a baseball and basketball letterman … National Honor Society … son of Kent and Courtney Graham … dad played quarterback for Ohio State (1990-91) and 11 seasons in pro football

Chad Hagan (DB, Canon-McMillan HS, Canonsburg, Pa.): Safety prospect from western Pennsylvania … second team all-state for Coach Guy Montecalvo’s Big Macs … first team all-Great Southern conference … Washington Observer-Reporter Elite 11 … East-West all-star game … also an all-conference basketball player … track letterman … son of Crystal Hagan

Johnathan Hankins (DL, Southeastern HS, Dearborn Heights, Mich.): Outstanding defensive tackle prospect … two-time all-state selection for Coach Donshell English’s 11-1 division champions … 85 tackles, 12 sacks as a senior … all-Detroit city, all-metro, Michigan Blue Chip playing on both sides of the football … four-year starter … Cityballers.com player of the year … also a shot putter … Drama Club … son of Louise and James Ward

Carlos Hyde (RB, Naples HS/Fork Union MA, Naples, Fla.): Power running back who shows lateral dexterity … spent autumn 2009 at Fork Union Military Academy playing for Coach John Shuman … rushed for 1,653 yards, 16 touchdowns as a senior for Coach Bill Kramer at Naples (Fla.) High … Naples Daily News Broxson Award as player of the year … Ft. Myers News-Press Southwest Florida player of the year … Golden Eagles were 2007 state champions and 2008 regional finalists … Super Prep Florida Top 75 … a basketball and track standout … mentor to elementary school students … son of Dermidra Hyde and Carlos Britton … enrolled at OSU in January

James Louis (WR, Atlantic HS, Delray Beach, Fla.): Speedy all-state receiver from Florida … accounted for 38 catches, 682 yards, 10 TD as a senior for Coach Andre Thaddies … two-time all-area … posted 56 receptions, 1,100 yards, 12 TD as a junior … three-year starter … UnderArmour All-America Game … Palm Beach Post Super 11 … also a track letterman … son of Vivianne Louis and Arnaut St. Fleur

Scott McVey (LB, St. Ignatius HS, Lyndhurst, Ohio): Hard-hitting linebacker from Cleveland St. Ignatius … all-state as a junior and senior for Coach Chuck Kyle … all-Northeast Lakes district … Cleveland Plain Dealer 2008 defensive player of year, recording 144 tackles, 18 sacks, 44 TFL, two interceptions … nominated for both Ohio all-star games … also runs the 110m high hurdles for the Wildcats … Latin and service clubs … son of Dave and Gina McVey

J.T. Moore (DE, Boardman HS, Boardman, Ohio): Defender who totaled 110 tackles, seven sacks, nine TFL as a senior … first team all-Ohio for Coach D.J. Ogilvie … all-Northeast Ohio and all-Federal League … Youngstown Big 22 team … three-year starter … Five Blocks of Granite award … nominated for Ohio All-Star Classic and Big 33 game … also a basketball letterman … honor roll student … son of Claudette and Darryl Moore

Andrew Norwell (OL, Anderson HS, Cincinnati, Ohio): All-Ohio lineman from Cincinnati Anderson … helped Coach Jeff Geisting’s Redskins to two state title games … senior season cut short by a leg injury … first team all-state, all-Southwest, all-FAVC conference … his teams had a three-year record of 37-6 … U.S. Army All-American Bowl nominee … also a basketball letterman … son of Julia and Ivar Norwell … brother Chris played at Illinois

Verlon Reed (ATH, Marion-Franklin HS, Columbus, Ohio): Versatile athlete who played quarterback, defensive back and receiver in Columbus City League … three-year starter for Coach Brian Haffele’s Red Devils … all-city, all-district, all-metro, all-state … passed for 1,714 yards, 18 touchdowns, rushed for 1,658 yards as a senior, helping team to state semifinal … 23-6 as a starter … four City League titles … basketball and track standout … son of Charlestina Roseboro and Verlon Reed Sr.

Bradley Roby (DB, Peachtree Ridge HS, Suwanee, Ga.): Cornerback prospect who earned all-state recognition as a DB, WR and athlete … all-region, all-Gwinnett County … 42 tackles, six interceptions, 29 catches for 526 yards as a senior … Gwinnett TD Club defensive player of year … scored 11 touchdowns for Coach Bill Ballard’s state quarterfinal club: five on receptions, two on punt returns and one each on a kick return, a rush, an interception and a fumble recovery … team captain … Atlanta TD Club Iron Man award … also a track and basketball standout … four-time scholar-athlete … DECA club, Ideals leadership … son of Betty and James Roby

Rod Smith (RB, Paul Harding HS, Fort Wayne, Ind.): Powerful tailback who totaled 1,000 career carries … player of the year as a senior for Coach Sherwood Haydock, rushing for 1,855 yards, 19 scores … SAC conference career rushing leader with 6,625 yards, 66 career touchdowns (eighth-best in Indiana prep history) … all-conference basketball standout … ran first leg of state runner-up 4x100 relay … son of Sophia and Roger Smith

Jamel Turner (DE, Fork Union MA, Youngstown, Ohio): Determined defender who spent his senior season at Fork Union (Va.) Military Academy … 66 tackles, two interceptions as a senior at FUMA, playing for Coach Mickey Sullivan … Virginia all-prep league team … recorded 23 sacks as a sophomore and 18 as a junior at Youngstown Ursuline … 2008 Ohio Division V state champions … also a track and basketball standout at Ursuline … son of Rachella Pendlton

T.Y. Williams (WR, Shaw HS, East Cleveland, Ohio): Tall, athletic receiver from Cleveland … 39 catches for 685 yards and 14 scores as a senior … second team all-state for Coach Rodney Brown’s Lake Erie League-champion Cardinals … all-Lake Erie League and all-district … junior season cut short by knee injury … also a basketball and track letterman … son of Vorise Williams and Tyrone Banks

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Coleman, Ballard signing autographs Thursday

By Brian Kollars | Tuesday, February 2, 2010, 03:21 PM

Three former Ohio State football players will be signing autographs at Cardboard Heroes at The Mall at Fairfield Commons on Thursday, Feb. 4, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Northmont graduate Kurt Coleman and Springboro grad Jake Ballard will be joined by Thaddeus Gibson at the signing.

Autographs will be $10 for individual signatures or $20 for all three players’ signatures.

Photos and mini helmets will be available for purchase.

For more info, call (937) 429-5299.

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Buckeyes to kick off 2010 season on weeknight

By Brian Kollars | Wednesday, January 13, 2010, 04:58 PM

This just in from The Associated Press:

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State’s 2010 season opener in football against Marshall has been moved up two days to a Thursday night. The game will be played Sept. 2 at Ohio Stadium.

Athletic director Gene Smith announced the change in an e-mail Wednesday.

Ohio State’s last non-Saturday regular season home game was in 1997, a season-opening 24-10 win over Wyoming that also was played on a Thursday evening. Kickoff time and television plans will be announced at a later date.

Smith says the Thursday night game avoids traffic and congestion problems on campus, allows fans and players to avoid the daytime heat and provides maximum national exposure.

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OSU’s Coleman to play in Senior Bowl

By Brian Kollars | Wednesday, January 13, 2010, 01:54 PM

This just in from Ohio State’s Sports Information Dept.:

Several Buckeyes To All-Star Games

Coleman, Cordle, Worthington, Pettrey among invitees

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Four members of Ohio State’s Rose Bowl champion football team have been invited to participate in post-season all-star contests.

Offensive lineman Jim Cordle and defensive lineman Doug Worthington have accepted invitations to play in the East-West Shrine Game, being held this season for the first time at the Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Fla. That Jan. 23 contest kicks off at 3 p.m. Eastern and will be televised by ESPN2.

All-America safety Kurt Coleman has accepted an invitation to the Under Armour Senior Bowl, played Jan. 30 at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Ala. That game kicks off at 4 p.m. Eastern and will be televised by the NFL Network.

Kicker Aaron Pettrey has been invited to the Texas vs. the Nation all-star game, to be played Feb. 6 at the Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas. Kickoff is 2 p.m. Eastern and the game will be televised by CBS College Sports.

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Rose Bowl encore on Big Ten Network

By Brian Kollars | Thursday, January 7, 2010, 01:34 PM

The good vibes from the Big Ten’s great bowl season are sticking around. The Big Ten Network will re-air all four of the conference bowl victories in the next week, topped off with a bowl wrap-up show at 10 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 14.

The Big Ten’s wins in the Rose, Orange, Capital One and Champs Sports Bowls came against opponents ranked in the top 15. No conference had posted four bowl victories against top-15 opponents in the same season since the Big Ten accomplished the feat in 1998-99.

The schedule:

Tonight, Jan. 7, 10 p.m. — Wisconsin’s 20-14 victory over No. 15 Miami in the Champs Sports Bowl. Check out Alter grad Chris Borland flying around on defense.

Friday, 11 p.m. — Ohio State’s 26-17 Rose Bowl victory over No. 7 Oregon. Terrelle Pryor was good, but he wouldn’t have been the game’s Offensive MVP without running back Brandon Saine (Piqua) and tight end Jake Ballard (Springboro).

Sunday, 11 p.m — Iowa’s 24-14 win over No. 9 Georgia Tech. It was just 49 degrees in Miami, but the Hawkeyes didn’t seem to mind.

Monday, 6 p.m. — Penn State’s 19-17 victory over No. 12 LSU in the Capital One Bowl. The Nittany Lions slugged it out with the mighty SEC, prevailing on a muddy field. This game wouldn’t have been as fun to watch had it been played on FieldTurf.

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