MAC Football

MAC Basketball

The View: Ohio University signed a class of 21 players from 11 different states. The highlight of this class is the talent of the DBs brought in which in my opinion, are tops this year in the conference and rival a mid to top Big Ten school. Frank Sanders is a great cover guy who turned down Northwestern, Wake Forest & Toledo to become a Bobcat. One recruiting service rated him a top-30 prospect in the state while Marcquis Parham and Bryant Jackson are under-rated DBs from the Buckeye state. I’ve witnessed Tremaine Suggs play before at Canton McKinley and I can testify that he is a game with good speed and a true tackler. Spencer Tatum & Thomas Wright are more DBs who have terrific skills to excel at this position in the MAC. DL Cole Wesley turned down Indiana to go OU and was listed as a top-10 defensive lineman in Ohio this past year. The two JUCO defensive linemen should play right away Aaron Bryant to become a force over the next few years. Matt Coppage is the marquee offensive lineman brought in Billy Johnson & Matt Mincy are quality prospects at LB. WR Aaron Maxwell is probably the prize recruit though. Coaches at OU convinced him that they are going to open up the offense more and that should be able to utilize his 4.4 speed. Street & Smith listed his as a top 30 DB in the country, but look for this playmaker to be on the offensive side of the ball and showcase his POY skills that delighted Paducah, Kentucky fans through his high school times. RB Brad Young is a wonderful find from small-town Wellston, Ohio. A first team all-state player, he rushed for over 2,000 yards as a senior and of 5,700 career yards with 92 TDs.

Analysis: I am still in shock on how good this class is considering how badly the Bobcats under-achieved with first year head coach Brian Knorr this past fall. Knowing that the Bobcats must face quality pass-happy offenses, Marshall, Miami, UCF & Kent in his own division, Knorr loaded up on terrific DBs to counter the offensive arsenal he will be facing. Also, other skilled players signed look like real gems down the line. Ohio could have done a little better with line and LB prospects, but time will tell if I am correct on that. Overall, I rate this class as VERY GOOD compared to other MAC schools this year. But once again, let me state that this is a wonderful class considering how disappointing Ohio played this past year.