Sometimes a quiet sales pitch is the best kind.
In fact, it worked for George Ayers, an Ohio football player from 1947-1949. He never pressured his grandson, Ohio offensive lineman Dennis Thompson, to follow suit behind himself and Dennis' father, Denny, in playing football at Ohio.
But despite scholarship offers from North Carolina State, Georgia Tech, Stanford, Indiana and Boston College, Dennis also chose to become a Bobcat.
We didn't really push him or try to talk him into it
said Ayers, an insurance salesman. It just kind of snuck up on him. That's good sales.
However, it had been apparent to Dennis how much his whole family - not just his father and grandfather - loved Ohio. Dennis' mother, aunt and older sister also attended school at Ohio. Ayers' office at work has green carpet and white walls, and his mobile home is also green and white.
Despite all of the Bobcat influence, though, Dennis chose Ohio for other reasons.
That got my initial interest but I don't think that was the whole reason I came here. Dennis said. I don't think it'd be a good idea to choose something totally based on that. It sparked my initial interest. Then I actually got to spend some more down here with the players and coaches. That was actually what got me to come here.
No matter the reason why Dennis chose Ohio, Denny said the whole family, especially Ayers, was excited on signing day.
(Ayers) had a big party for him on signing day at his house Denny said. He was beside himself. As he said
he could hardly talk
and he's a salesman
so that really got to him.
Dennis had always been exposed to Ohio football. The whole family often went back to visit and watch games. That adoration made a good impression.
It shows (how much they enjoyed Ohio) with them coming back down here every year
every time they can
to Homecoming and to still be involved
Dennis said. My grandpa's a fan whether I'm here or not. That shows you they want to be down here.
Now they have more reason to revisit Athens. Denny attends every game now, home and away, while Ayers makes it to most games in his Bobcat motor home.
Dennis primarily has been a starter since his freshman season, but things have not always been easy. Dennis suffered a broken leg that required hospitalization and surgery that ended his season last year in the second game. He took off fall and winter quarters to rehab at home, re-enrolled in the spring. He received a medical redshirt that will allow him to play another season after this year.
Ohio coach Brian Knorr said Dennis' efforts to recover have earned the lineman a lot of respect.
He's really matured into a leader
especially going through that injury
Knorr said. People see how hard he's worked to come back
