After beating Athens 27-7 Friday night, it was clear that the Jackson Ironmen proved better than their seventh seed in Division III, Region 12 indicated. They appear to be a very dangerous team as the playoffs continue.
Two players on Jackson stood out: quarterback and defensive back Austin Osborne and running back and linebacker Drew Irvin. Both are two-way starters and are getting some attention on the recruiting trail.
Osborne is a 5-foot-9, 170-pound athlete who transferred from Wellston last year, where he was listed as a cornerback. Jackson is using his skills more by playing him at the quarterback position as well as defensive back. According to ESPN.com, Osborne ran a 4.63 40-yard dash and a 4.28 20-yard shuttle while recording a 27-inch vertical leap at a recruiting camp.
Irvin, at 6-foot-2, 230 pounds, tore up the Athens defense Friday with 176 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. He was a workhorse, carrying the ball 27 times.
Osborne added 136 yards and a touchown on 14 carries.
Athens simply had no answer for the duo, and most other Division III teams might not either.
as506610@ohiou.edu
