ATHENS, Ohio – As a part of National Signing Day, Ohio head football coach Frank Solich announced the addition of 21 student-athletes that will join the Bobcats which includes 19 high school players and two junior college players.
The class includes . . .
The class includes . . .
. . . eight different positions, including four players that will play in the secondary and nine players on either the offensive or defensive line. The group also includes players from 10 different states and one international player. This includes two players from Ohio. In the last seven years, Ohio has recruited 73 in-state players.
Marlin Brooks | DB | 5-10 | 165 | Fr. | Miami, Fla. | Coral Gables Senior High
Prior to Ohio: Recorded 17 tackles and four pass breakups as a senior…also recorded two tackles for loss and 437 receiving yards for six touchdowns while leading Coral Gables Senior High to a 12-2 record and a third round playoff berth as team captain…two-star recruit by Scout.com
Personal: Son of Jennifer Marin and Nathaniel Brooks...has two brothers, Wayne (16), and Nathaniel, (25)
Kaieem Caesar | DL | 6-2 | 280 | Fr. | Cache, Okla. | Cache
Prior to Ohio: Played wide receiver, defensive end, tight end and fullback at Cache High School…recorded 236 yards while racking up 66 tackles and eight sacks…Named First Team All-State his senior year...earned All-District first team DE and WR...served as captain for one season…led his team to a 6-5 season with a playoff appearance his senior year…Named Class All-Star…also played basketball and ran track…two-star recruit by Scout.com
Personal: Godson of Margaret Perry...born Nov. 9, 1998…planning on majoring in business.
Willie Cherry | WR | 6-1 | 197 | Fr. | Wichita Falls, Texas | Rider
Prior to Ohio: Played quarterback and wide receiver at Rider High School…holds three letters from Rider in football, basketball and track...earned All-State honors...led his team to a 5-6 season and a playoff appearance his senior year…served as captain for two years…earned MVP offensive player of the year...participated in “Teens make a difference”
Personal: Son of Willie Cherry Sr...Born Nov. 9, 1998.
Marcus Coleman | DL | 6-5 | 290 | Upper Marlboro, Md. | Riverdale Baptist
Prior to Ohio: Three-star recruit by 247sports.com…No. 27 ranked player out of the state of Maryland…No. 98 defensive lineman in the country…led Riverdale Baptist to a 7-5 record…recorded 215 tackles, 17 sacks and one interception and four fumble recoveries…named All-Metro as a junior and was the Defensive Player of the Year as a junior and senior…lettered three times in football, once in track & field and once in baseball…
Personal: Son of Tonya Coleman…born July 17, 1998.
Isiah Cox | WR | 5-11 | 175 | Fr. | Jasper, Ala. | Walker
Prior to Ohio: Played wide receiver, defensive back and running back at Walker High School…had 993 yards and 24 touchdowns… three-time Big Play Player of the Year recipient...earned All-State twice...won wide receiver of the year award…served as captain for one season, leading his team to a 4-6 record…recorded 384 yards in one game which is second all-time in the state of Alabama
Personal: Son of Alfreda and Cameron Cox... born March 11, 1999…plans to major in exercise science
Tariq Drake | DB | 6-1 | 165 | Fr. | Leavittsburg, Ohio | Labrae
Prior to Ohio: Four-year letterwinner at LaBrae high school where he led his team to back-to-back state playoff appearances for the first time in school history. Was named All-Country, First Team All-Conference, First Team All-Neo Inland District as a junior and senior while being named second Team All-State and WKBN Big 22 award winner as a senior. Was a Trumbull County Player of the Year Nominee as a senior, also scored 11 touchdowns and rushed for 418 yards. Finished his career with the second most career receiving yards (1,586) and second most receptions (105) while also ranking third in most receptions in a season (46). Also logged 69 tackles, six tackles for loss, one forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, seven pass breakups and four interceptions one of which he returned for a touchdown as a senior.
Personal: Son of Charmaine and Chris Drake, born March 12, 1999.
Alvin Floyd II | DB | 5-11 | 175 | Fr. | North Miami Beach, Fla. | North Miami Beach
Prior to Ohio: Played wide receiver and safety at North Miami Beach Sr. High School…averaged 24 yards a catch with five touchdowns and recorded 50 solo tackles and four interceptions his senior year…selected to Miami Dolphins’ Dack vs Broward All-Star high school game...led team to a 6-4 season and a playoff appearance his senior year andw on a district title…served as captain for three years...part of a Volunteer Teen Committee.
Personal: Born Nov. 6, 1998...planning on majoring in exercise physiology…son of Latrina and Alvin Floyd.
Brevin Harris | WR | 6-4 | 185 | Fr. | Creston, Ohio | Norwayne
Prior to Ohio: Played wide receiver and corner back at Norwayne High School. Had 234 rushing yards, 891 receiving yards and 556 kick return yards during his career including 755 receiving yards and 289 return yards as a senior. Recorded four career interceptions and was named Second Team All-State, First Team All-District and First Team All-Conference as a senior. Led team to a 11-2 record and WCAL Championship while finished as the regional runner-up his senior year. Four-year letterwinner in football and track, also lettered twice in basketball.
Personal: Son of Kyle Tackett, has one brother, Kaleb Harris (21). Born April 28 1998, planning on majoring in Animal Nutrition.
Steven Hayes | OL | 6-4 | 290 Dacula, Ga. | So. | Hutchinson Community College
Prior to Ohio: Named First Team All-JayHawk and Second Team All-American at Hutchinson Community College as a true freshman.
Personal: Born June 9, 1997. Son of Steven and Jennifer Hayes, plans to major in Criminal Justice.
Samson Jackson | OL | 6-6 | 300 | Fr. | Tarpon Springs, Fla. | Palm Harbor University
Prior to Ohio: First Team All-Big County Preps, Second Team All-Pinellas County, Third Team All-Tampa Bay, and was also a Pinellas County All-Star. Recorded 100 pancake blocks during his high school career including 60 as a senior. Was on Honor Roll and an Honor Student in the Center for Wellness and Medical Professions.
Personal: Born November 10, 1998, son of Trivie and Samuel Jackson. Plans to major in Nursing.
Drew Keszei | QB | 6-1 | 200 | Fr. | Fort Wayne, Ind. | Homestead
Prior to Ohio: Played quarterback at Homestead High School. Passed for 2,748 yards and had 3,521 yards of total offense while also rushing for 773 yards in 2015. Was named 2015 Second Team All-Conference and the 2015 First Team All-State. Served as team captain and four-year honor roll student.
Personal: Born Jan. 8, 1999, son of Jim and Jill Keszei. Plans on majoring in business.
Brett Kitrell | OL | 6-4 | 280 | Fr. | Ashland, Neb. | Ashland-Greenwood
Prior to Ohio: Four-year letterwinner at Ashland-Greenwood where he was named All-State twice including being named the captain of the All-State squad. Twice named Offensive Lineman of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year. Was a Super State and Super Six Top Players in the State selection. Shrine Bowl nominee and served as captain for two years.
Personal: Son of Barry and Amy Kitrell. Father Barry played fullback for Coach Solich at Nebraska. Born Jan. 26, 1999 and plans on majoring in exercise science.
Hagen Meservy | OL | 6-3 | 280 | Fr. | Tulsa, Okla. | Jenks
Prior to Ohio: Played at Jenks High School and was on the All-State OFBCA list. Named to the OFBCA All-Star and the Vype top 100 players in state twice. Second Team All-World by the Tulsa World, three-time lineman of the week recipient. Led his team to an 11-1 season with a trip to the state semi-finals his senior year.
Personal: Son of Ranny and Angie Meservy. Born Feb. 25, 1999.
K.J. Minter Jr. | WR | 6-3 | 210 | Fr. | Gainesville, Fla. | North Marion
Prior to Ohio: Played quarterback at North Marion High School earning three varsity letters. Threw for 1,246 yards and 13 touchdowns while also rushing for 886 yards and 13 touchdowns. Passed for 3,301 career yards and 24 touchdowns and rushed for 1,250 yards and 25 touchdowns. Named Offensive Player of the Year as a senior after being named First Team All-Area. Was a Second Team All-Area selection as a junior and honorable mention as a sophomore.
Personal: Son of Kenneth Minter senior and Yonne Baskin, born Nov. 15, 1997.
De'Vante Mitchell | DB | 5-10 | 195 | Fr. | Kissimee, Fla. | Champagnat Catholic
Prior to Ohio: Was a captain for four years on his high school team. First Team All-State, as well as First Team All-County. Led Champagnat Catholic to the State Championship game. Finished his career with 140 total tackles, 25 passes defended, 10 interceptions, 10 forced fumbles and seven blocked punts.
Personal: Born October 13, 1997, son of Michell Dolce and James Mitchell.
Ayoola Ogun-Semore | DL | 6-5 | 240 | Fr. | Dacula, Ga. | Mill Creek
Prior to Ohio: Two-year letter winner at Mill Creek High School. Had 66 career tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 12 sacks and two touchdowns during his career at Mill Creek. Named Second Team All-Region and All-County and was an honorable mention All-County and All-State selection. Led his team to a 13-1 record as a senior including a No. 3 ranking in Georgia.
Personal: Son of Ade Gabriel Ogunsemore and Wonmie Ogunsemore. Born Nov. 2, 1998, plans to major in Mechanical/Chemical Engineering.
T.J. Robinson | LB | 6-0 | 210 | Fr. | Jacksonville, Fla. | Trinity Christian Academy
Prior to Ohio: Four-year letterwinner at Trinity Christian Academy where he earned Class 3A All-State Honorable Mention. Led his high school to an 11-3 record and served as captain as a junior and a senior.
Personal: Son of Candice and Terry Robinson, born April 20, 1999. Played high school football with current Bobcat Javon Hagan. Plans to major in sports management.
Julian Ross | RB | 5-10 | 190 | Fr. | Kansas City, Mo. | Staley
Prior to Ohio: Four-year letterwinner at Staley High School. 2016 Simone Award winner. KC Star All-Metro Player of the Year and KC Star All-Metro First Team running back. First Team All-USA Missouri running back, First team All-State, First Team All-District. Conference Player of the Year, First Team All-Conference and led his team to Conference and District Championships while the team advanced to the State Semifinals. Had 3,300 rushing yards and 56 touchdowns as a senior including 2,257 yards and 41 touchdowns his senior year. Set records for most career touchdowns, most rushing yards in a single game, most touchdowns and most yards in a season.
Personal: Son of Dana Carter, has five brothers. Born Nov. 18, 1998, planning on majoring in criminology.
Nathan Rourke | QB | 6-2 | 215 | Jr. | Ontario, Canada | Fort Scott CC
Prior to Ohio: Played one year at Fort Scott Community College where he played in all 11 games last season leading the Greyhounds to a 4-7 record...threw for 2,367 yards and 18 touchdowns. Rushed for three touchdowns and was named First Team All-KJCCC. Played his senior year of high school at Edgewood Academy in Elwood, Ala. going 13-0 and winning the AA Alabama State Championship. Threw for 3,779 yards and 59 touchdowns while rushing for seven more touchdowns as a senior.
Personal: Born May 24, 1998, pursuing a major in secondary education and integrated social studies. Son of Larry and Robyn Rourke.
Jylton Tusha | OL | 6-5 | 290 | Fr. | Jacksonville, Fla. | University Christian
Prior to Ohio: Two-time state champ at University Christian school in Jacksonville, Fla...Blue & Grey All-American. First Team All-State, ESPN ranked 14th-best center in the country. Listed as the No. 15 tackle in Florida by scout.com. Included in Florida Times Union Top 40 players. Two-year captain where he led his team to a 11-3 record as a junior and 10-2 record as a senior.
Personal: Son of Anton and Gjyljana. Pursuing a major in criminal justice, nickname is the Albanian Bear.
Juan Watkins | DL | 6-4 | 220 | Fr. | Lusby, Md. | Patuxent
Prior to Ohio: Awarded Maryland All-State Associated Press DE his junior and senior seasons. Calvert Recorder All-County Team DE as a sophomore, junior and senior. Led Patuxent High School to a State Championship as a junior. Recorded 278 tackles during his career including 60 tackles for loss and 19 sacks. Had 54 catches for 930 yards and eight touchdowns as a tight end.
Personal: Son of Juan and Monique Watkins. Plans to major in Sports Management, born Aug. 21, 1999.
Prior to Ohio: Recorded 17 tackles and four pass breakups as a senior…also recorded two tackles for loss and 437 receiving yards for six touchdowns while leading Coral Gables Senior High to a 12-2 record and a third round playoff berth as team captain…two-star recruit by Scout.com
Personal: Son of Jennifer Marin and Nathaniel Brooks...has two brothers, Wayne (16), and Nathaniel, (25)
Kaieem Caesar | DL | 6-2 | 280 | Fr. | Cache, Okla. | Cache
Prior to Ohio: Played wide receiver, defensive end, tight end and fullback at Cache High School…recorded 236 yards while racking up 66 tackles and eight sacks…Named First Team All-State his senior year...earned All-District first team DE and WR...served as captain for one season…led his team to a 6-5 season with a playoff appearance his senior year…Named Class All-Star…also played basketball and ran track…two-star recruit by Scout.com
Personal: Godson of Margaret Perry...born Nov. 9, 1998…planning on majoring in business.
Willie Cherry | WR | 6-1 | 197 | Fr. | Wichita Falls, Texas | Rider
Prior to Ohio: Played quarterback and wide receiver at Rider High School…holds three letters from Rider in football, basketball and track...earned All-State honors...led his team to a 5-6 season and a playoff appearance his senior year…served as captain for two years…earned MVP offensive player of the year...participated in “Teens make a difference”
Personal: Son of Willie Cherry Sr...Born Nov. 9, 1998.
Marcus Coleman | DL | 6-5 | 290 | Upper Marlboro, Md. | Riverdale Baptist
Prior to Ohio: Three-star recruit by 247sports.com…No. 27 ranked player out of the state of Maryland…No. 98 defensive lineman in the country…led Riverdale Baptist to a 7-5 record…recorded 215 tackles, 17 sacks and one interception and four fumble recoveries…named All-Metro as a junior and was the Defensive Player of the Year as a junior and senior…lettered three times in football, once in track & field and once in baseball…
Personal: Son of Tonya Coleman…born July 17, 1998.
Isiah Cox | WR | 5-11 | 175 | Fr. | Jasper, Ala. | Walker
Prior to Ohio: Played wide receiver, defensive back and running back at Walker High School…had 993 yards and 24 touchdowns… three-time Big Play Player of the Year recipient...earned All-State twice...won wide receiver of the year award…served as captain for one season, leading his team to a 4-6 record…recorded 384 yards in one game which is second all-time in the state of Alabama
Personal: Son of Alfreda and Cameron Cox... born March 11, 1999…plans to major in exercise science
Tariq Drake | DB | 6-1 | 165 | Fr. | Leavittsburg, Ohio | Labrae
Prior to Ohio: Four-year letterwinner at LaBrae high school where he led his team to back-to-back state playoff appearances for the first time in school history. Was named All-Country, First Team All-Conference, First Team All-Neo Inland District as a junior and senior while being named second Team All-State and WKBN Big 22 award winner as a senior. Was a Trumbull County Player of the Year Nominee as a senior, also scored 11 touchdowns and rushed for 418 yards. Finished his career with the second most career receiving yards (1,586) and second most receptions (105) while also ranking third in most receptions in a season (46). Also logged 69 tackles, six tackles for loss, one forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, seven pass breakups and four interceptions one of which he returned for a touchdown as a senior.
Personal: Son of Charmaine and Chris Drake, born March 12, 1999.
Alvin Floyd II | DB | 5-11 | 175 | Fr. | North Miami Beach, Fla. | North Miami Beach
Prior to Ohio: Played wide receiver and safety at North Miami Beach Sr. High School…averaged 24 yards a catch with five touchdowns and recorded 50 solo tackles and four interceptions his senior year…selected to Miami Dolphins’ Dack vs Broward All-Star high school game...led team to a 6-4 season and a playoff appearance his senior year andw on a district title…served as captain for three years...part of a Volunteer Teen Committee.
Personal: Born Nov. 6, 1998...planning on majoring in exercise physiology…son of Latrina and Alvin Floyd.
Brevin Harris | WR | 6-4 | 185 | Fr. | Creston, Ohio | Norwayne
Prior to Ohio: Played wide receiver and corner back at Norwayne High School. Had 234 rushing yards, 891 receiving yards and 556 kick return yards during his career including 755 receiving yards and 289 return yards as a senior. Recorded four career interceptions and was named Second Team All-State, First Team All-District and First Team All-Conference as a senior. Led team to a 11-2 record and WCAL Championship while finished as the regional runner-up his senior year. Four-year letterwinner in football and track, also lettered twice in basketball.
Personal: Son of Kyle Tackett, has one brother, Kaleb Harris (21). Born April 28 1998, planning on majoring in Animal Nutrition.
Steven Hayes | OL | 6-4 | 290 Dacula, Ga. | So. | Hutchinson Community College
Prior to Ohio: Named First Team All-JayHawk and Second Team All-American at Hutchinson Community College as a true freshman.
Personal: Born June 9, 1997. Son of Steven and Jennifer Hayes, plans to major in Criminal Justice.
Samson Jackson | OL | 6-6 | 300 | Fr. | Tarpon Springs, Fla. | Palm Harbor University
Prior to Ohio: First Team All-Big County Preps, Second Team All-Pinellas County, Third Team All-Tampa Bay, and was also a Pinellas County All-Star. Recorded 100 pancake blocks during his high school career including 60 as a senior. Was on Honor Roll and an Honor Student in the Center for Wellness and Medical Professions.
Personal: Born November 10, 1998, son of Trivie and Samuel Jackson. Plans to major in Nursing.
Drew Keszei | QB | 6-1 | 200 | Fr. | Fort Wayne, Ind. | Homestead
Prior to Ohio: Played quarterback at Homestead High School. Passed for 2,748 yards and had 3,521 yards of total offense while also rushing for 773 yards in 2015. Was named 2015 Second Team All-Conference and the 2015 First Team All-State. Served as team captain and four-year honor roll student.
Personal: Born Jan. 8, 1999, son of Jim and Jill Keszei. Plans on majoring in business.
Brett Kitrell | OL | 6-4 | 280 | Fr. | Ashland, Neb. | Ashland-Greenwood
Prior to Ohio: Four-year letterwinner at Ashland-Greenwood where he was named All-State twice including being named the captain of the All-State squad. Twice named Offensive Lineman of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year. Was a Super State and Super Six Top Players in the State selection. Shrine Bowl nominee and served as captain for two years.
Personal: Son of Barry and Amy Kitrell. Father Barry played fullback for Coach Solich at Nebraska. Born Jan. 26, 1999 and plans on majoring in exercise science.
Hagen Meservy | OL | 6-3 | 280 | Fr. | Tulsa, Okla. | Jenks
Prior to Ohio: Played at Jenks High School and was on the All-State OFBCA list. Named to the OFBCA All-Star and the Vype top 100 players in state twice. Second Team All-World by the Tulsa World, three-time lineman of the week recipient. Led his team to an 11-1 season with a trip to the state semi-finals his senior year.
Personal: Son of Ranny and Angie Meservy. Born Feb. 25, 1999.
K.J. Minter Jr. | WR | 6-3 | 210 | Fr. | Gainesville, Fla. | North Marion
Prior to Ohio: Played quarterback at North Marion High School earning three varsity letters. Threw for 1,246 yards and 13 touchdowns while also rushing for 886 yards and 13 touchdowns. Passed for 3,301 career yards and 24 touchdowns and rushed for 1,250 yards and 25 touchdowns. Named Offensive Player of the Year as a senior after being named First Team All-Area. Was a Second Team All-Area selection as a junior and honorable mention as a sophomore.
Personal: Son of Kenneth Minter senior and Yonne Baskin, born Nov. 15, 1997.
De'Vante Mitchell | DB | 5-10 | 195 | Fr. | Kissimee, Fla. | Champagnat Catholic
Prior to Ohio: Was a captain for four years on his high school team. First Team All-State, as well as First Team All-County. Led Champagnat Catholic to the State Championship game. Finished his career with 140 total tackles, 25 passes defended, 10 interceptions, 10 forced fumbles and seven blocked punts.
Personal: Born October 13, 1997, son of Michell Dolce and James Mitchell.
Ayoola Ogun-Semore | DL | 6-5 | 240 | Fr. | Dacula, Ga. | Mill Creek
Prior to Ohio: Two-year letter winner at Mill Creek High School. Had 66 career tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 12 sacks and two touchdowns during his career at Mill Creek. Named Second Team All-Region and All-County and was an honorable mention All-County and All-State selection. Led his team to a 13-1 record as a senior including a No. 3 ranking in Georgia.
Personal: Son of Ade Gabriel Ogunsemore and Wonmie Ogunsemore. Born Nov. 2, 1998, plans to major in Mechanical/Chemical Engineering.
T.J. Robinson | LB | 6-0 | 210 | Fr. | Jacksonville, Fla. | Trinity Christian Academy
Prior to Ohio: Four-year letterwinner at Trinity Christian Academy where he earned Class 3A All-State Honorable Mention. Led his high school to an 11-3 record and served as captain as a junior and a senior.
Personal: Son of Candice and Terry Robinson, born April 20, 1999. Played high school football with current Bobcat Javon Hagan. Plans to major in sports management.
Julian Ross | RB | 5-10 | 190 | Fr. | Kansas City, Mo. | Staley
Prior to Ohio: Four-year letterwinner at Staley High School. 2016 Simone Award winner. KC Star All-Metro Player of the Year and KC Star All-Metro First Team running back. First Team All-USA Missouri running back, First team All-State, First Team All-District. Conference Player of the Year, First Team All-Conference and led his team to Conference and District Championships while the team advanced to the State Semifinals. Had 3,300 rushing yards and 56 touchdowns as a senior including 2,257 yards and 41 touchdowns his senior year. Set records for most career touchdowns, most rushing yards in a single game, most touchdowns and most yards in a season.
Personal: Son of Dana Carter, has five brothers. Born Nov. 18, 1998, planning on majoring in criminology.
Nathan Rourke | QB | 6-2 | 215 | Jr. | Ontario, Canada | Fort Scott CC
Prior to Ohio: Played one year at Fort Scott Community College where he played in all 11 games last season leading the Greyhounds to a 4-7 record...threw for 2,367 yards and 18 touchdowns. Rushed for three touchdowns and was named First Team All-KJCCC. Played his senior year of high school at Edgewood Academy in Elwood, Ala. going 13-0 and winning the AA Alabama State Championship. Threw for 3,779 yards and 59 touchdowns while rushing for seven more touchdowns as a senior.
Personal: Born May 24, 1998, pursuing a major in secondary education and integrated social studies. Son of Larry and Robyn Rourke.
Jylton Tusha | OL | 6-5 | 290 | Fr. | Jacksonville, Fla. | University Christian
Prior to Ohio: Two-time state champ at University Christian school in Jacksonville, Fla...Blue & Grey All-American. First Team All-State, ESPN ranked 14th-best center in the country. Listed as the No. 15 tackle in Florida by scout.com. Included in Florida Times Union Top 40 players. Two-year captain where he led his team to a 11-3 record as a junior and 10-2 record as a senior.
Personal: Son of Anton and Gjyljana. Pursuing a major in criminal justice, nickname is the Albanian Bear.
Juan Watkins | DL | 6-4 | 220 | Fr. | Lusby, Md. | Patuxent
Prior to Ohio: Awarded Maryland All-State Associated Press DE his junior and senior seasons. Calvert Recorder All-County Team DE as a sophomore, junior and senior. Led Patuxent High School to a State Championship as a junior. Recorded 278 tackles during his career including 60 tackles for loss and 19 sacks. Had 54 catches for 930 yards and eight touchdowns as a tight end.
Personal: Son of Juan and Monique Watkins. Plans to major in Sports Management, born Aug. 21, 1999.
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