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HEATH – The possibility of one, 10 or 20 football players meeting with their long-time school coach for the first time Thursday is why Licking County coaches were so committed to that day’s event.
The county’s first school football scouting assembly was held that day at four locations.
“I’m determined to give our guys the ability to take advantage of any and all opportunities they can get,” said Heath coach Tim Ward, who has hosted 8 of the schools at Swank Field. “With the new way of exhibiting The Windows Fit, it was a wonderful way to do it in one position and show our guys what’s out there. . . Not just Heath, I like to show Licking County. We have some smart football players here.
Each school had 40 minutes to perform 15 to 20 students in a series of drills in front of about 40 coaches from all levels of high school football, plus several from the Mid-American Conference.
“Growing up, if you live in Central Ohio, every single kid dreams of gambling at Ohio State,” Ward said. “Ohio is a home for high school football, so I tell our guys not to turn down any opportunities. When a coach needs to communicate with you, give them your full attention.
The speed and agility events included cone exercises and a 40-meter sprint. Players also participated in position-specific drills, one-on-one fights between receivers and defensive backs.
Granville and Watkins hosted players of their own later Thursday. Newark Catholic kicked off the event at 6:30 a. m. as an extension of its morning lift program. Coach Josh Hendershot’s time as a player at the University of Toledo and his work as a graduate assistant at then-University of Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh made him a valuable asset to the Green Wave as they sought an opportunity at the next level.
“It just motivates them,” Hendershot said. From a players’ standpoint, it’s very exciting to see a college coaching organization here. . . Hosting it where we are all noticed on the same day is pretty special.
Licking Heights coach Austin Drewyor most recently played at the College of Wooster, but the Hornets can rely on a wealth of knowledge. Josh, the son of assistant coach Jeff Boyer, has several Super Bowl rings from his time with Bill Belichick’s team in New York. England.
Reid Holskey, a graduate of the Heights, has been a starter for several years on the offensive line of champion MAC Miami (OH). Some existing Hornets may be on their way, as Jake Lopinto, notable in both directions, is among those who are attracting interest.
“For our older kids, we need to give them some exposure because we have valid students and we also have young kids who have a bright future,” Drewyor said. “It’s just about having fair conversations. Fair or not, D-I coaches have certain height requirements and measurable elements that must be achieved. It’s unfair to really smart football players, but it’s also the real world.
Social media has allowed athletes to showcase their accomplishments and skills, however, this combination is another way to get the attention of the coaching staff. Thursday’s performances can earn invitations to summer camps, which can serve as an opportunity for players on campus.
North Carolina alumnus Kyle Langenbrunner, who now plays for Baldwin-Wallace, stopped by his alma mater on Thursday to lend a hand to one of his current coaches and those who must follow in his footsteps.
“Just betting on the track and the school box is hard,” Hendershot said. “Whether it’s D3, D2 or D1, you have to work really hard. When you get there in the morning, you work hard and shop, you see the dividends. You can practice with seniors and the care they get, so that as freshmen, it only motivates them even more as they get older, because that’s anything that can be real.
Fit is the magic word when it comes to recruitment. As with DNA, no two players are exactly alike.
For Ward, locating the right spot is rarely a matter of the number of returning starters or win-loss records.
“For me, during my junior and senior years, I don’t forget that I was recruited from several schools, and as soon as I went to Wittenberg and entered their campus, I found myself at home,” Ward said. “I felt that connection. The school you attend, when you get there, you know.
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This article gave the impression to Newark Advocate: Combine Hangs a Carrot in Front of Licking County Football Stars