Top Five Class of 2016 Uncommitted High School Recruits in Ohio
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
Ohio produces talented college football recruits every year and the Class of 2016 is no different with high athletes from all across the Buckeye State going on to play college football all over the country next season.
Some notable football players to come out of Ohio, thriving first at Ohio State University before making it to the NFL, include former New England Patriots linebacker Mike Vrabel, Green Bay Packers linebacker A.J. Hawk, and current Carolina Panthers wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr.
Some top Class of 2016 recruits from Ohio include Elder (Cincinnati) offensive lineman Tommy Kraemer (Notre Dame), Moeller (Cincinnati) tight end Jake Hausmann (Ohio State), Wayne (Huber Heights) quarterback Messiah deWeaver (Michigan State), La Salle (Cincinnati) running back Jeremy Larkin (Northwestern), and North Ridgeville athlete DeMario McCall (Ohio State).
However there many top recruits in this area that are still weighing all their options before making one of the biggest decisions of their lives. These athletes are being looked at by college teams every day and have about three weeks before National Signing Day on Feb. 3 to make pick their college of choice.
Some top uncommitted recruits in Ohio include:
Brendan Ferns
6’2”, 215 pounds
Linebacker, Athlete
St Clairsville High School, St. Clairsville
2015 Defensive Stats: 118 total tackles, 10 tackles for a loss, 5 pass breakups, 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 2 Interceptions, 1 fumble recovery
2015 Offensive Stats: 154 rush attempts, 1,066 rushing yards, 18 rushing touchdowns; 27 receptions, 600 receiving yards, 4 receiving touchdowns
28 offers: Ohio State, West Virginia, Penn State, Oklahoma, Michigan
Official Visits: West Virginia January 15, Penn State January 22
Uses his strength and size to deliver hits on defense. Has great speed, footwork and vision which he uses on both sides of the ball. On offensive, he uses his size to break tackles. Can be described as a field general and has a very high football IQ.
Prince Sammons
6’8”, 280 pounds
Defensive End
Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy, Cincinnati
24 offers: Ohio State, Duke, Michigan State, Oregon
Uses his size and frame to dominate opposing offensive lineman. Has good speed to close in on ball carriers and uses his strength to wrap them up and not let them escape. Plays with good intensity and does not give up on any play.
Jonah Morris
6’4”, 196 pound
Athlete/Wide Receiver/Safety
Archbishop Hoban, Akron
12 offers: Notre Dame, Michigan State, Ohio State
Official Visits: Ohio State Jan. 15, Notre Dame Jan. 22
Runs a 4.40 in the 40 yard dash. Has a long athletic frame which he can use to wide receiver or safety. Has a good leaping ability which he uses to go up and catch the ball or knock it away. Very physical and plays with good intensity.
Malik Harrison
6’4”, 215 pounds
Athlete
Walnut Ridge, Columbus
10 offers: Ohio State, Wisconsin, Indiana
Official Visits: Wisconsin Oct. 31, Indiana Nov. 13, and Ohio State Jan. 15
2015 offensive Stats: Passing: 76-127 for 1,161 yards, 8 touchdowns; Rushing: 94 carries for 897 yards, 15 touchdowns; Receiving: 5 catches for 107 yards, 1 touchdown
2015 Defensive Stats: 40 total tackles, 7 tackles for a loss, 5 sacks
Announced on Jan. 3 via Twitter that he will make his decision on National Signing Day.
Has great athleticism and uses his size to break away from tacklers. Never gives up on a play as he plays hard until the whistle. Has a tremendous leaping ability to go up and snag a pass or leap over a defender. Throws with good accuracy both in the pocket and on the move.
Anthony Johnson
6’3”, 185 pounds
Cornerback
Euclid High School, Cleveland
11 offers: Illinois, Cincinnati, Penn State, Syracuse
Official Visits: Buffalo Jan. 15 and Massachusetts Dec. 4
Has tremendous vision and an eye for the ball. Uses his speed and athleticism to keep pace with receivers and break up passes. Has the ability to deliver big hits. Can make plays all over the secondary.
Photo credit: ohiostate.247sports.com; St Clairsville Linebacker Brendan Ferns