Monday, March 10, 2014

Football Players at OHSAA Indoor Track State Meet

The OHSAA Indoor Track State Meet has really grown in popularity the last few years. The University of Akron hosts the event. The facilities are tremendous and the people do a tremendous job working the meet. Special thanks to Carey, Ohio's John Nickel for helping me to get credentials.
    Talked for just a few minutes with Lakewood St. Ed's, Shaun Crawford (2015). May not be the tallest cat around, but is strong, compact, and fast. Finished 4th in the 60m dash. Last year I saw hit a wide receiver from Moeller. May have knocked that receiver out. A 5'9 guy with speed and toughness. Headed to Michigan.
      Track star Thomas Worthington's Jalen Wells finished second in the 400 with a time of 49.3. Liked him as a football player, track may be his ticket. Scholar shipped as a WR, but he can run.
      Michigan State bound, Vayante Copeland is a special person to me, both as a football player and person. Ran the lead leg in the victorious 4X400m relay and the third place 4X200m relay. Getting bigger and stronger, and, of course, faster. College coaches should have given more love, sooner.
      Denzell Ward (2015) WR/DB from Nordonia High School looked good in the long jump. Jumped 21'1. I really like his potential as a top CB prospect, but need to in him camp and with pads on. Liked him last fall.
       I did not realize that James Daniels (2015) from Warren Harding High School was such an explosive shot put guy. Almost 6'4, but carrying about 280. Needs to firm up his body, but he is powerful. Put the shot 55'10. Uses the glide technique, which impressed me. He is a top 6 OL guy for me in the Class of 2015. One of the guys that made my trip worthwhile.
       Although he did not place, Glenville's Erick Smith (O-State bound) qualified in the triple jump. Joked with him about my rating him the best player in the 2015 Class. He said that I told him that last summer. Anyway, I would go to war with him.
        Stayed long enough in the afternoon, to watch Parris Campbell (O-State bound) win the 60m dash in the D-2, D-3 Finals. His time 6.85 would have placed him 2nd in the big school division. Just a thought. Another favorite of mine, he has been playing basketball all year and has not properly trained for track. Amazing speed and competitiveness.
        Another shot putter who is also a 2015 football recruit is Robert Landers from Wayne High School. Guessin 6'1-280. Powerful and really good balance. Offensive lineman, but could play some defense next fall. Like his attitude.
        Although he did not make it to the finals, Ethan Tucky (2016) from Delaware Hayes High School looked strong. Plays LB at Hayes. Listed 6'1-210, but may be a little bigger. Needs to improve athleticism, closes well. Will be a high rated prospect in the Ohio Class of 2016.
         Austintown Fitch's, Darrin Hall (2105) ran on a relay. Possibly the top RB in the Ohio Class of 2015, he seems to get bigger every time I see him. Big and powerful. More of a straight line runner, but he is getting more flexible.
         I took some names of more football players who were at the meet. Too early to put their names out. Sophomore Caleb Anthony could be a rising star at Centerville High School. Watched him return kicks and punts last year. Really like his play making ability.
        Apologize for missing somebody. I will not miss anyone during outdoor track.

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