Recruiting heating up for Joe Henderson 
September, 17, 2012
9/17/12
12:00
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By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
Joe Henderson (Shaker Heights, Ohio/Shaker Heights) thought once he picked up that first offer from Cincinnati to start the season, things would heat up.
They have with fervor, as the 2014 defensive end is becoming quite the hot topic among college coaches as he's led the Red Raiders to a 3-1 start, with Akron jumping on board with an offer.
“It’s amazing,” Henderson said. “I try to come out here and play to the best of my ability and hope the college coaches see that and get in contact with me. It’s starting to happen.”
They have with fervor, as the 2014 defensive end is becoming quite the hot topic among college coaches as he's led the Red Raiders to a 3-1 start, with Akron jumping on board with an offer.
“It’s amazing,” Henderson said. “I try to come out here and play to the best of my ability and hope the college coaches see that and get in contact with me. It’s starting to happen.”
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Snodgrass, Rogers amped after OSU visit
September, 17, 2012
9/17/12
11:00
AM ET
By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
Thaddeus Snodgrass (Springfield, Ohio/Springfield) and Devon Rogers (Hilliard, Ohio/Hilliard Davidson) picked a great day to make some memories.
The duo out of the 2014 recruiting class were on hand for Ohio State’s game against Cal and watched the Buckeyes hang on for a thrilling 35-28 win at The Horseshoe.
“It was a lot of fun,” Rogers, a safety, said. “I talked to the coaches before and after. The experience was just great. Everybody should get to experience that. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime thing.”
The duo out of the 2014 recruiting class were on hand for Ohio State’s game against Cal and watched the Buckeyes hang on for a thrilling 35-28 win at The Horseshoe.
“It was a lot of fun,” Rogers, a safety, said. “I talked to the coaches before and after. The experience was just great. Everybody should get to experience that. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime thing.”
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Run it back ...
Team of the week: Penn State. No matter what you might think about the school and the football program after the Jerry Sandusky scandal, it was hard not to root for the current Nittany Lions players to finally get a win after so many obstacles. Penn State busted out with an easy, feel-good 34-7 win over Navy. The Midshipmen are hard to root against as well, but this one time was OK.
Game of the week: You might have missed it, because it ended late and was on at the same time as much bigger games. And, OK, it was Indiana. But the Hoosiers' game against Ball State was the most exciting Big Ten contest of the weekend. The teams traded touchdowns in the first half, with Ball State leading 25-24 at the break. Indiana looked done when it trailed 38-25 late in the fourth quarter and starting quarterback Cameron Coffman went out with a hip pointer. But freshman Nate Sudfeld threw a 70-yard touchdown pass and then led the team on another scoring drive with 49 seconds left. Ah, but the Hoosiers made the PlayStation mistake of scoring too fast. Ball State completed a controversial, hard-to-believe pass to the IU 25 with one second left, and Steven Schott booted the game-winner as time expired. It was a tough, tough loss for Kevin Wilson's team, but a fun game to watch.
Biggest play: If it's late in a close game, the last thing a defense wants to see is Braxton Miller scrambling. The Ohio State quarterback burned Wisconsin with a long touchdown throw after things broke down last year, and he did so against Cal on Saturday with a 72-yard strike to an unbelievably open Devin Smith for the game with 3:26 left. Safeties have to respect Miller's explosive running ability, but they get can burned when they leave their receivers. That's why the Miller scramble is becoming one of the most dangerous late-game plays to defend.
Best call: Wisconsin was supposed to be in punt safe mode in the third quarter against Utah State, and its returners would usually call for a fair catch in the situation Kenzel Doe found himself in. But Doe, who was only returning punts because Jared Abbrederis was injured, saw a small opening on the sideline and decided to go for it. He was in the end zone 82 yards later, finally giving the Badgers the spark they needed to eventually beat the Aggies 16-14. Doe? More like Woo-Hoo!
Big Men on Campus (Offense): How about some love for the backups this week? Minnesota's Max Shortell stepped in for the injured MarQueis Gray and threw for 188 yards and three touchdowns, helping the Gophers fend off Western Michigan for a 3-0 start. And as Iowa's running back curse reached new, ludicrous heights, walk-on Mark Weisman came out of nowhere to run for 113 yards and three touchdowns as part of the Hawkeyes' much-needed win over Northern Iowa.
Big Man on Campus (Defense): Minnesota cornerback Michael Carter had an 18-yard interception return to set up a touchdown early. He also broke up Western Michigan quarterback Alex Carder's pass late to help preserve the 28-23 victory.
Big Man on Campus (Special teams): It's hard to run 99 offensive plays before scoring your first touchdown, but that's what Northwestern did against Boston College. Luckily, they had kicker Jeff Budzien, who made all five of his field goal attempts to give the Wildcats all the points they'd need in a 22-13 victory.
Worst hangover: Michigan State, by a mile. The Spartans were carrying the banner for the Big Ten for one week before they tripped, broke the pole and set the flag on fire against Notre Dame. Although Michigan State bounced back from a bad loss to the Irish last year, Saturday's offensive showing was so inept that it makes you wonder if this team can overcome those limitations going forward. Just a bad, bad performance on a national stage.
Strangest moment: Playing UMass is good for your offense, and just about everyone got involved in Michigan's 63-13 win. That included left tackle Taylor Lewan, who got to live out an offensive lineman's dream by recovering a Denard Robinson fumble for a touchdown. Or did he? At least one teammate claimed that center Elliott Mealer actually recovered the ball. And Robinson said Lewan was mad about his score because the play broke down and he didn't get to complete his block. But the box score says it was a Lewan touchdown, and that's something we probably won't see again.
Team of the week: Penn State. No matter what you might think about the school and the football program after the Jerry Sandusky scandal, it was hard not to root for the current Nittany Lions players to finally get a win after so many obstacles. Penn State busted out with an easy, feel-good 34-7 win over Navy. The Midshipmen are hard to root against as well, but this one time was OK.
Game of the week: You might have missed it, because it ended late and was on at the same time as much bigger games. And, OK, it was Indiana. But the Hoosiers' game against Ball State was the most exciting Big Ten contest of the weekend. The teams traded touchdowns in the first half, with Ball State leading 25-24 at the break. Indiana looked done when it trailed 38-25 late in the fourth quarter and starting quarterback Cameron Coffman went out with a hip pointer. But freshman Nate Sudfeld threw a 70-yard touchdown pass and then led the team on another scoring drive with 49 seconds left. Ah, but the Hoosiers made the PlayStation mistake of scoring too fast. Ball State completed a controversial, hard-to-believe pass to the IU 25 with one second left, and Steven Schott booted the game-winner as time expired. It was a tough, tough loss for Kevin Wilson's team, but a fun game to watch.
[+] Enlarge
Greg Bartram/US PresswireBuckeyes quarterback Braxton Miller tries to evade California linebacker Nathan Broussard on Saturday.
Greg Bartram/US PresswireBuckeyes quarterback Braxton Miller tries to evade California linebacker Nathan Broussard on Saturday.Best call: Wisconsin was supposed to be in punt safe mode in the third quarter against Utah State, and its returners would usually call for a fair catch in the situation Kenzel Doe found himself in. But Doe, who was only returning punts because Jared Abbrederis was injured, saw a small opening on the sideline and decided to go for it. He was in the end zone 82 yards later, finally giving the Badgers the spark they needed to eventually beat the Aggies 16-14. Doe? More like Woo-Hoo!
Big Men on Campus (Offense): How about some love for the backups this week? Minnesota's Max Shortell stepped in for the injured MarQueis Gray and threw for 188 yards and three touchdowns, helping the Gophers fend off Western Michigan for a 3-0 start. And as Iowa's running back curse reached new, ludicrous heights, walk-on Mark Weisman came out of nowhere to run for 113 yards and three touchdowns as part of the Hawkeyes' much-needed win over Northern Iowa.
Big Man on Campus (Defense): Minnesota cornerback Michael Carter had an 18-yard interception return to set up a touchdown early. He also broke up Western Michigan quarterback Alex Carder's pass late to help preserve the 28-23 victory.
Big Man on Campus (Special teams): It's hard to run 99 offensive plays before scoring your first touchdown, but that's what Northwestern did against Boston College. Luckily, they had kicker Jeff Budzien, who made all five of his field goal attempts to give the Wildcats all the points they'd need in a 22-13 victory.
Worst hangover: Michigan State, by a mile. The Spartans were carrying the banner for the Big Ten for one week before they tripped, broke the pole and set the flag on fire against Notre Dame. Although Michigan State bounced back from a bad loss to the Irish last year, Saturday's offensive showing was so inept that it makes you wonder if this team can overcome those limitations going forward. Just a bad, bad performance on a national stage.
Strangest moment: Playing UMass is good for your offense, and just about everyone got involved in Michigan's 63-13 win. That included left tackle Taylor Lewan, who got to live out an offensive lineman's dream by recovering a Denard Robinson fumble for a touchdown. Or did he? At least one teammate claimed that center Elliott Mealer actually recovered the ball. And Robinson said Lewan was mad about his score because the play broke down and he didn't get to complete his block. But the box score says it was a Lewan touchdown, and that's something we probably won't see again.
Ohio State 10: Week 3 power rankings
September, 17, 2012
9/17/12
9:26
AM ET
By
Austin Ward | ESPN.com
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The rushing room was harder to come by for Braxton Miller.
The Ohio State quarterback adjusted by throwing for the majority of his touchdowns instead.
Miller continued his hot start by tossing for four scores in a 35-28 win over California on Saturday, a victory that also included one of his customary rushing touchdowns along the way. He again contributed more than 300 yards of total offense, broke a couple ankles with his supernatural agility -- and maintained his top spot in the BuckeyeNation power rankings as well.
No. 1: QB Braxton Miller
The Ohio State quarterback adjusted by throwing for the majority of his touchdowns instead.
Miller continued his hot start by tossing for four scores in a 35-28 win over California on Saturday, a victory that also included one of his customary rushing touchdowns along the way. He again contributed more than 300 yards of total offense, broke a couple ankles with his supernatural agility -- and maintained his top spot in the BuckeyeNation power rankings as well.
No. 1: QB Braxton Miller
- Last week: No. 1
- Against Cal: The various defensive looks the Golden Bears rolled out presented a challenge for the sophomore, but Miller cracked it often enough to compensate for a rough outing on the other side of the ball for the Buckeyes as they stayed unbeaten.
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Big Ten all over 2014 OL/DL Brian Allen
September, 16, 2012
9/16/12
8:39
PM ET
By
Jared Shanker | ESPN.com
It was an up-and-down weekend for Brian Allen (Hinsdale, Ill./Hinsdale Central), though much of it was down for the 2014 two-way lineman.
His high school team suffered its first loss of the season Friday after blowing a halftime lead. He was hoping his visit to Michigan State on Saturday would cheer him up, but it only made it worse.
“They didn’t play too hot, either,” said Allen, who has an offer from the Spartans.
His high school team suffered its first loss of the season Friday after blowing a halftime lead. He was hoping his visit to Michigan State on Saturday would cheer him up, but it only made it worse.
“They didn’t play too hot, either,” said Allen, who has an offer from the Spartans.
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Kyle Trout in line for Michigan State offer
September, 16, 2012
9/16/12
4:07
PM ET
By
Jared Shanker | ESPN.com
Kyle Trout had a little trouble finding where he was supposed to go on Saturday, but eventually the Lancaster (Ohio) junior offensive tackle made it to Michigan State and it was worth his trouble.
The game did not go as planned for Michigan State in a loss to Notre Dame, but Trout still enjoyed his visit and especially the scene at Spartans Stadium.
“It was extremely loud and energetic. I like how loud stadiums can get,” Trout said. “I liked how even when the fans weren’t cheering -- which wasn’t very often -- the players were keeping themselves up.”
The game did not go as planned for Michigan State in a loss to Notre Dame, but Trout still enjoyed his visit and especially the scene at Spartans Stadium.
“It was extremely loud and energetic. I like how loud stadiums can get,” Trout said. “I liked how even when the fans weren’t cheering -- which wasn’t very often -- the players were keeping themselves up.”
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MSU shows DeShone Kizer love on visit
September, 16, 2012
9/16/12
3:07
PM ET
By
Jared Shanker | ESPN.com
On his first visit to Michigan State, DeShone Kizer (Toledo, Ohio/Central Catholic) fell in love with the campus. On his second visit, it was pretty much the same, except it was the atmosphere and fans that made the biggest impression.
The 2014 dual-threat quarterback already holds eight offers, and it might not be long before Michigan State becomes team No. 9 and makes Kizer only the second quarterback the Spartans have offered in the 2014 class.
“They said they’re going to meet up the next couple games and come see me play and that I’m high up on their list and want me to be a Spartan,” Kizer said. “I feel great vibes from the coaches and the relationships are there.”
The 2014 dual-threat quarterback already holds eight offers, and it might not be long before Michigan State becomes team No. 9 and makes Kizer only the second quarterback the Spartans have offered in the 2014 class.
“They said they’re going to meet up the next couple games and come see me play and that I’m high up on their list and want me to be a Spartan,” Kizer said. “I feel great vibes from the coaches and the relationships are there.”
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WR Gibson at OSU, plans three more trips
September, 16, 2012
9/16/12
2:30
PM ET
By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
Shelton Gibson (Cleveland Heights, Ohio/Cleveland Heights) isn’t hiding his love for Ohio State.
After saying the Buckeyes were his top school at the beginning of the month, the ESPN 300 wide receiver showed he’s serious with his itinerary for the upcoming months.
Gibson didn’t catch Ohio State’s 35-28 win over Cal on Saturday, but was in Columbus shortly afterward and spent time with former teammate Kyle Dodson.
After saying the Buckeyes were his top school at the beginning of the month, the ESPN 300 wide receiver showed he’s serious with his itinerary for the upcoming months.
Gibson didn’t catch Ohio State’s 35-28 win over Cal on Saturday, but was in Columbus shortly afterward and spent time with former teammate Kyle Dodson.
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Dominique Booth gets red carpet treatment
September, 16, 2012
9/16/12
2:00
PM ET
By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
With one of the biggest wide receivers in the 2014 class on hand, it was only fitting that a wideout came up with the play of the game to lift Ohio State over Cal 35-28.
Dominique Booth (Indianapolis/Pike) was in Columbus on Saturday for an unofficial visit and saw Braxton Miller hook up with Devin Smith on a 72-yard touchdown pass with 3:26 left in front of 105,232 in Ohio Stadium.
“It was great,” Booth said. “The whole time I was watching how the wide receivers played. I saw the DB come up and I knew it was going to be a touchdown. Everybody in the whole stadium knew that was the game right there. It was loud.”
Dominique Booth (Indianapolis/Pike) was in Columbus on Saturday for an unofficial visit and saw Braxton Miller hook up with Devin Smith on a 72-yard touchdown pass with 3:26 left in front of 105,232 in Ohio Stadium.
“It was great,” Booth said. “The whole time I was watching how the wide receivers played. I saw the DB come up and I knew it was going to be a touchdown. Everybody in the whole stadium knew that was the game right there. It was loud.”
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Poll position: Buckeyes carry Big Ten flag
September, 16, 2012
9/16/12
12:24
PM ET
By
Austin Ward | ESPN.com
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A close call caused Ohio State to slip a bit nationally.
But the Buckeyes still won again, and that's enough to put them at the top of the conference heap after three weeks.
One by one the Big Ten squads ahead of the program in the rankings have tripped up and dropped in the polls, leaving Ohio State and its unbeaten record as the highest-rated team in the league with the non-conference schedule winding down.
The Buckeyes showed some weaknesses in the 35-28 win on Saturday over California, and that led to the voters dropping them down to No. 16 in the latest AP poll released on Sunday morning.
But Michigan State's loss to Notre Dame opened the door for Ohio State to claim the top spot for the Big Ten, while also taking a little bit of shine off the showdown against the Spartans that will open league play on Sept. 29.
Along with Michigan State, here's a quick glance at how the rest of the ranked teams on Ohio State's schedule fared:
Michigan
But the Buckeyes still won again, and that's enough to put them at the top of the conference heap after three weeks.
One by one the Big Ten squads ahead of the program in the rankings have tripped up and dropped in the polls, leaving Ohio State and its unbeaten record as the highest-rated team in the league with the non-conference schedule winding down.
The Buckeyes showed some weaknesses in the 35-28 win on Saturday over California, and that led to the voters dropping them down to No. 16 in the latest AP poll released on Sunday morning.
But Michigan State's loss to Notre Dame opened the door for Ohio State to claim the top spot for the Big Ten, while also taking a little bit of shine off the showdown against the Spartans that will open league play on Sept. 29.
Along with Michigan State, here's a quick glance at how the rest of the ranked teams on Ohio State's schedule fared:
Michigan
- Rank: No. 18
- Date: Nov. 24
- Where: Ohio Stadium
- Last week: Ranked No. 17; won 63-13 against Massachusetts
- Rank: Received five voting points
- Date: Nov. 17
- Where: Camp Randall Stadium
- Last week: Receiving votes; beat Utah State 16-14
- Rank: No. 21
- Date: Sept. 29
- Where: Spartan Stadium
- Last week: Ranked No. 10; lost 20-3 to Notre Dame
- Rank: No. 25
- Date: Oct. 6
- Where: Ohio Stadium
- Last week: Receiving votes; won 42-13 over Arkansas State
De'Niro Laster narrows to a top five
September, 16, 2012
9/16/12
12:00
PM ET
By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
Shelton Gibson (Cleveland Heights, Ohio/Cleveland Heights) isn’t the only Tiger with his eyes on the Buckeyes.
Athlete De’Niro Laster, who will most likely play wide receiver at the next level though he looks strong at linebacker, broke out his top five on Friday after a 41-21 win over Bedford.
“There could be a decision before the season is over,” Laster said. “Louisville, Pitt, Ohio State, West Virginia and Nebraska are all on the list.
Athlete De’Niro Laster, who will most likely play wide receiver at the next level though he looks strong at linebacker, broke out his top five on Friday after a 41-21 win over Bedford.
“There could be a decision before the season is over,” Laster said. “Louisville, Pitt, Ohio State, West Virginia and Nebraska are all on the list.
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Across The Field: Finding flaws
September, 16, 2012
9/16/12
10:01
AM ET
By
Scott Kendrick | ESPN.com
After the Buckeyes' first great escape of the season, it's time for Across The Field, a regular feature on BuckeyeNation where we point you to noteworthy Buckeyes coverage here and elsewhere. Think something should be included? Send it to espnkendrick@gmail.com.
Ohio State 35, California 28
- Devin Smith is becoming the go-to guy in big moments, Austin Ward writes.
- Christian Bryant picked a great time for his first career interception.
- Braxton Miller can cover a lot of flaws, writes Brian Bennett.
- It's a win, but it raises some doubts. (SI.com)
- And some flaws, writes Marla Ridenour. (Akron Beacon Journal)
- The Buckeyes had success with the old Tim Tebow jump pass, without much of a jump. (Plain Dealer)
- Blitzing paid off this time, writes Doug Lesmerises. (Plain Dealer)
- Judging by the quotes, it almost sounds like a moral victory for Cal. (San Francisco Chronicle)
BuckeyeNation Week in Review
- Brad Bournival traveled to Pennsylvania and talked to OT Dorian Johnson, a former Penn State pledge who has Ohio State in his final three. He also visited WR Robert Foster at his Under Armour jersey presentation.
- Another former PSU pledge looking for a home is athlete Zayd Issah, who is friends with OSU freshman Noah Spence. He'd like to visit.
- 2014 QB Joey Duckworth of Louisville, Ohio, would love to get an OSU offer, and two players from nearby Massillon wouldn't mind, either.
- 2014 RB Mikel Horton was at the Horseshoe on Saturday, and an offer could be coming.
- We're tracking the top 2014 targets at wide receiver and tight end.
- We had entrance exams for freshman OG Pat Elflein and DB Najee Murray.
- A few freshmen are making names for themselves.
- Miller is certainly in the Heisman race right now.
- Bournival also caught up with former middle guard (and wild man) Mark Sullivan, who was quite a character in the late 1970s.
- Big DT Johnathan Hankins is moving up on Mel Kiper's big board.
- The Big Ten bloggers debate: Who is more indispensable: Miller or Denard Robinson?
More Football
- Will Jim Tressel come to the 10th anniversary celebration of the national championship team? Just happens to be the Michigan game, by the way. (Plain Dealer)
- How different might Ohio State's history had been if they'd hired Sid Gillman instead of Woody Hayes? (Bob Hunter, Dispatch)
- And the secondary ticket market has really opened up, writes Hunter. Blame the schedule, the economy, and maybe the school's ticket prices. (Dispatch)
- Is the Horseshoe loud enough? (The-Ozone.net)
- It's not much of a statistical sample, but Miller's numbers are even better than other Meyer QBs. (Buckeye Empire)
- It's likely that every football team in the country has guys like former OSU QB Scott McMullen. (Land Grant Holy Land)
Basketball
- New Ohio State Hall of Famer Bob Knight didn't enjoy winning at Ohio State at first, writes Bill Livingston. (Plain Dealer)
- One of the Buckeyes' recruiting targets picked Illinois on Saturday.
- William Buford will play in Spain this season. (Toledo Blade)
The Gang's All Here
- There are 12 new members of the school's athletics hall of fame. (Lantern)
- OSU golfer Grant Weaver was Big Ten Golfer of the Week. (Lantern)
- Put more than 100,000 people in one place and the politicians are out in full force. (Lantern)
Bagley already big after four games
September, 16, 2012
9/16/12
10:00
AM ET
By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
Two weeks ago, he made 15 tackles on defense. Friday, he ran the ball 15 times for 128 yards and scored three touchdowns in a 41-21 win over Bedford. He’s now scored five touchdowns in two starts.
His name is Marcus Bagley and Cleveland Heights (Ohio) coach Jeff Rotsky swears he’ll be the next big thing for the Tigers.
The 5-foot-11, 180-pound Bagley is being recruited as a running back, but could easily morph into a strong safety at the next level.
His name is Marcus Bagley and Cleveland Heights (Ohio) coach Jeff Rotsky swears he’ll be the next big thing for the Tigers.
The 5-foot-11, 180-pound Bagley is being recruited as a running back, but could easily morph into a strong safety at the next level.
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3 Up, 3 Down: Ohio State 35, Cal 28
September, 16, 2012
9/16/12
9:00
AM ET
By
Austin Ward | ESPN.com
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Encouraging developments for Ohio State and a few areas of concern after a 35-28 win over California on Saturday at the Horseshoe.
THREE UP
1. Touchdown targets emerging: Devin Smith had already proven he could go up and make a play for his quarterback before Saturday, but he reinforced it in the first quarter by adjusting for an athletic grab on a back-shoulder throw from Braxton Miller. Smith added the game-winner in the fourth quarter, and in between Jake Stoneburner had two short scoring grabs to offer the Buckeyes a pair of reliable scoring threats through the air.
THREE UP
1. Touchdown targets emerging: Devin Smith had already proven he could go up and make a play for his quarterback before Saturday, but he reinforced it in the first quarter by adjusting for an athletic grab on a back-shoulder throw from Braxton Miller. Smith added the game-winner in the fourth quarter, and in between Jake Stoneburner had two short scoring grabs to offer the Buckeyes a pair of reliable scoring threats through the air.
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OSU hosts three-star OT Kyle Meadows
September, 16, 2012
9/16/12
9:00
AM ET
By
Jared Shanker | ESPN.com
Lakota West is off to its best start in six years, so Kyle Meadows (West Chester, Ohio/Lakota West) is putting his senior season above his recruitment.
The three-star offensive tackle and 29th-best player in Ohio found some time Saturday though to make travel north along Interstate 71 to visit Ohio State with his teammate Mikel Horton, a 2014 running back.
“Everything was legit. It was a good atmosphere, tradition, team,” Meadows said. “It was a good game in general.”
The three-star offensive tackle and 29th-best player in Ohio found some time Saturday though to make travel north along Interstate 71 to visit Ohio State with his teammate Mikel Horton, a 2014 running back.
“Everything was legit. It was a good atmosphere, tradition, team,” Meadows said. “It was a good game in general.”
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ABOUT BUCKEYE NATION
Austin Ward
Austin Ward joined ESPN.com in 2012 after five years as a college football writer at the Casper (Wyo.) Star-Tribune and the Knoxville (Tenn.) News Sentinel. The award-winning journalist lives with his wife in Columbus, Ohio. Email him at ajward.espn@gmail.com.
Brad Bournival
Brad Bournival, a lifetime Northeast Ohio resident, joined ESPN in 2012 and is the recruiting writer for BuckeyeNation. He has covered sports at the professional, college and high school level for 16 years. Recently, Bournival was a freelance writer for The Plain Dealer, The Medina Gazette and SportsInk.com. Email him at bradbournival.espn@gmail.com.