National signing day is similar to Christmas for most coaches, whose wish lists of recruits finally become reality and they now have the next four-plus years to mold young men in their own image.
This year is especially important for the Bobcats, as Wednesday’s class for Ohio football’s future will signal a change in philosophy, especially on the offensive side of the ball.
In years past, fans have become accustomed to seeing a power-oriented offense that focused on grinding down the opponent. Although I don’t foresee a change in the run-first offensive strategy, there will be a change in the way it’s done.
The Bobcats are now focusing their attention on getting game-breaking, versatile athletes that have the potential of lining up at multiple positions. So, you may be seeing a more explosive offense in the coming seasons from Ohio.
Here are some of the names you should be looking for as they sign Wednesday and hit the field next season.
The class of 2014 starts at the top, where coach Frank Solich has secured a commitment for quarterback Joey Duckworth.
He is most prolific quarterback recruit that the Bobcats have secured in Solich’s tenure rated as the Louisville, Ohio-native received interest from schools such as Cincinnati, Illinois, Indiana and Pittsburgh before committing to Ohio in May.
Duckworth doesn’t have a strong arm, but he does have incredible accuracy when throwing to open receivers. He is a change from what Bobcat fans are used to seeing, as Duckworth plays with his arm instead of his legs much like former Boise State quarterback Kellen Moore.
And he is just one of the many talented athletes in this year’s class for Ohio.
Oklahoma running back Papi White is another hopeful signee after he rushed for more than 3,000 yards last season by using bursts of speed to blow by defenders. White is also a solid pass catcher, and you may look to see him in a Daz Patterson-type role for the Bobcats working out of the slot position.
The backfield was a major priority for Ohio’s recruiting as they lost two greats in Beau Blankenship and Ryan Boykin. To go along with the speed and elusiveness of White, the Bobcats added the top player in Canada, Maleek Irons.
Despite coming from north of the border, Irons is indeed a legitimate D-I running back as he garnered late attention from some bigger schools.
Look for these three to headline the explosive class that will change the course of the program’s history.
@kovarandrew
ak840511@ohiou.edu
