2025 Bishop Watterson Eagles

E

Eagle_Panther

Active member
Creating a dedicated thread for the defending D3 state champs. Rather than having conversations in random threads I hope this can be a place where all those who are interested can come together for some good Watty football banter.

Congrats to those players from the graduating class of 2025 who recently made their college choices, wishing them nothing but the best.
Zach Weber (St. Brendan)- U of Charleston, Jake Uhlenhake (St. Brendan)- Ashland and Ben Gabrich (St. Brendan)- John Carrol. I believe Tommy Haley (St. Brendan), Cal Mangini (IC), Vance Graney (IC) and Dom Theado (IC) are still considering their options (mainly D3 schools) w/ Dom considering options for basketball as well. I believe CJ Youell (St. Brendan) has decided to hang up his cleats but I'm sure he would have made some college coach happy if he decides (had decided) to continue his career.

While they lose some really special kids they do have a lot of good talent coming back and some players who have been patiently waiting their turn behind this past year's amazing senior class.

OFFENSE (5 returning starters)
QB- Sr. D. Bellisari (IC). Stud.
RB- I would expect there to be a by committee approach as they did for the regular season last year with Sr. J. McCoy (IC), Jr. B. Uhlenhake (St. Brendan) and Jr. C. Mangini (IC) all sharing carries. Weber probably can't be replaced but B. Uhlenhake has a similar profile and potential but is also a special LB.
WR/TE- Losing all 4 starters here so probably the biggest unknown going into the season. However, there are some talented kids here who shined on JV and most other years would have played a lot. Sr. N. Holsinger (IC) probably slots into TE pretty seamlessly. Sr. B. McAnich (IC) probably fills in at the slot but would expect Jr. J. Hayes (Dublin/St. Brigid/St. Brendan) to see some snaps here as well. For the 2 outside receivers, I'd look for Jr. B. Lamielle (St. Brendan) and So. M. Steinbrenner (St. Brigid/St. Brendan) to receive strong consideration. Also wouldn't be surprised to see Jr. C. Bellisari (IC) and Jr. N. Henderson (IC) take some reps but I know Watty prefers to limit 2 way starters and those 2 are returning starters in the secondary. Henderson may also end up taking reps as the backup QB.
OL- 3 of 5 starters returning including both Ts who are garnering D1 offers. Sr. P. Egilitis (IC) is up to like 13 D1 offers including a few power 4 programs. Jr. D. Seaman (IC) has received a few MAC offers. Sr. B. Strausbaugh (Hilliard, all older siblings attended Watterson) returns on the interior. I would expect the last 2 spots to be filled from the following group: Jr. M. Theado (IC), Jr. C. McVey (St. Brendan), Jr. P. Melliere (IC?), Sr. C. Harey (St. Brendan), Sr. R. Alvis (N. Bishops?) Regardless of who fills the last 2 spots the line will have 3 strong anchors with the returning starters, great size and will receive maybe the best coaching in the state at their position.

DEFENSE (7 returning starters)
DL- returns 3 of 4 starters. Jr. M. Boyle (St. Brendan) is a dude at DT. Sr. D. Wickham (N. Bishops) and Sr. B. McVey (St. Brendan) return to platoon the 2nd DT spot. Jr. J. Schueller (IC) returns after platooning his Fr. year and holding down 1 DE spot this past season. For the other DE spot I would keep an eye on Jr. Jonah Gruver (IC) or R. Alvis.
LB- Weber and Gabrich will be hard to replace on the outside but having leading tackler B. Uhlenhake back in the middle is huge. Jr. R. Purcell (St. Brendan) has the bloodline, work ethic and talent and should slot into one of the open spots (although he could also play SS.) I would expect Jr. K. Jones (IC) to get a good look at the other spot but could also see J. McCoy get some reps on D.
DB- return 3 of 4 starters from a group that pretty much shut things last season. J. Hayes and C. Bellisari return at CBs. N. Henderson will man FS again. Will be a tough competition for the SS spot with R. Purcell being a candidate if he were to move from LB. Jr. J. Ward (St. Brendan) and Jr. A. Rubino (IC) are both fast, physical kids who should get looks at this spot as well. If Hayes and/or Bellisari see time on O I could see B. Lamielle and Jr. T. Zingery (Olentangy, older sibling attend Watterson) helping out at CB.

There are several talented Sophomores who should see time on special teams and may earn rotational minutes but are going to be hard pressed to crack the starting lineup. There are also credible rumors about some transfers joining the program including a potential starting quality LB and DB but if those rumors come to fruition and how the coaching staff manages those kids (knowing they'll sit the second half of the year) remains to be seen.

The senior class is small but talented with P. Egilitis and D. Bellisari both probably getting their college paid for at FBS programs in 2026. The junior class is stacked with several D-1 level athletes in that class- B. Uhlenhake (football/baseball), D. Seaman (football), M. Boyle (football/wrestling), J. Schueller (football), J. Hayes (football/lacrosse), N. Henderson (baseball) and potentially others.

I believe there is still one open date on the schedule. Depending on who they get in the Ironton Grid Iron Classic I would expect another undefeated regular season (although Big Walnut week 1 is going to a be battle) and another deep run in the post season culminating in another trip to Canton. TCC v Watterson III? Regardless, the future is bright for the program. I think when all is said in done the 2023-2026 time period will go down as the greatest in program history and probably one of the most impressive 4 year stretches in Ohio D3 history.
 
 
Good write up:

Here are some of my thoughts/SUPER EARLY predictions: I may not be as close as those with kids currently in program but i watched 14 of 16 games last year and am connected to many parents.

Record
14-2 with a loss to TCC in the state finals and a opening loss to Big Walnut. My hear wants me to put 16-0 and another title but I'm going to try and be measured. Hope I'm wrong.

Offense
QB - Belly will be great. Needs to continue to progress as a passer wit patience. Arm is fine, just keep getting more comfortable. Expect more running from him then last year (more like first 4 games) I see an FBS offer coming soon

RB - You are probably right Weber cannot be replaced in terms of big game performances. Watty just rode him those last 4 playoff games even when opposing Def knew what was coming. Ben U is a very solid runner. I do get concerned about using him too much as his value at MLB is so great. If it were me, I would ride McCoy and Mangini as much as possible and use Ben U at crunch time. Not having homerun threat though like Weber might change off dynamics

WR/TE - Agree on losing 4 veteran stud pass catchers. I would be shocked if new group produces as much as last years and i don't just mean in catching passes. Dom, tommy, Jake and Cal blocked like madmen in run game. Especially Dom. That might be hardest part to replace. Carter Bellasari is a very solid receiver with routes and hands. Noah might be able to match receiving that Dom did (needs to work on blocking). I think the other 2 spots might be rotational but like your thought bout Hayes getting touches.

Oline - I truly believe that this is the strongest part of the offense for next season. three returners are all all state caliber. Max Theado is huge kid and can play center to cover off for loss of Vance Graney (who was awesome). Not sure who the 5th lineman will be but I'm sure they will be worthy. I think fact this unit will be so good, it will help the rotational RB situation.


DEFENSE

Dline - This should be the strongest part of the Defense. Michael Boyle isn't just a "dude" he is a game wrecker. Literally unblock able. Jack Shuler has 1.5 years worth of starting experience and great size too go wiot it. Needs to keep gaining strength but possible D1 player as well. McVey and Wickom and Mangini all payed really well for undersized DT. I could see rotations here. Replacing CJ Youell might be the trickiest. Maybe they move Wickom out there. maybe they try rotating off starters like Davis Seaman or Noah Holsinger. Maybe someone else emerges. TBD.

LB - Bringing back Ben U to MLB will be huge. He had a monster Soph year and has even more upside. Between he and Boyle I expect them to lead the def. Losing 3 year starter Weber and 1 year starter Gabbrich will hurt. Not many meaningful reps with starters for OLB last year besides these two. When I watched JV go in in many of the blowouts, I liked what i saw from Kaden Jones. He filled hole well and hit hard. I think team will try and get Mccoy a shot here. Jack is a good athlete and if they rotate at RB, he can help team out on def. If not Mccoy, possible candidates could be (Noah Holsinger, David Wickom, Rocco Purcell although i think he is better sized for safety. Biggest issue with SAM position is replacing Weber's speed/experience. Rarely, if ever, did we get sweeps outside LB last season. These 2 spots might be the hardest to fil on the team from a production standpoint

DB - A close second to best part of the defense. Losing Tommy Haley hurts as he is a 2.5 year starter. He also tackled as well as LB just lie Elliot Bauer did 2 years ago. Not sure he is easily replaceable. Henderson was great at player FS and i am sure he returns to that spot. I could see Joe Hayes taking over the tommy SS role if Rocco Purcell doesn't grab it first. Carter had a solid year at 1 corner so maybe he and Hayes run it back but if Hayes a safety possible Ben Lamaelle takes over as Watty likes tall Corners!

Winning a state title takes, talent, coaching staying healthy, player leadership and sometimes luck, It won't be easy to run it back but the talent and coaching are certainly there. We will need to see who steps up as seniors to be team leaders as last years captains were. I'm in for a repeat!
 
Eagle_Panther said:
Creating a dedicated thread for the defending D3 state champs. Rather than having conversations in random threads I hope this can be a place where all those who are interested can come together for some good Watty football banter.

Congrats to those players from the graduating class of 2025 who recently made their college choices, wishing them nothing but the best.
Zach Weber (St. Brendan)- U of Charleston, Jake Uhlenhake (St. Brendan)- Ashland and Ben Gabrich (St. Brendan)- John Carrol. I believe Tommy Haley (St. Brendan), Cal Mangini (IC), Vance Graney (IC) and Dom Theado (IC) are still considering their options (mainly D3 schools) w/ Dom considering options for basketball as well. I believe CJ Youell (St. Brendan) has decided to hang up his cleats but I'm sure he would have made some college coach happy if he decides (had decided) to continue his career.

While they lose some really special kids they do have a lot of good talent coming back and some players who have been patiently waiting their turn behind this past year's amazing senior class.

OFFENSE (5 returning starters)
QB- Sr. D. Bellisari (IC). Stud.
RB- I would expect there to be a by committee approach as they did for the regular season last year with Sr. J. McCoy (IC), Jr. B. Uhlenhake (St. Brendan) and Jr. C. Mangini (IC) all sharing carries. Weber probably can't be replaced but B. Uhlenhake has a similar profile and potential but is also a special LB.
WR/TE- Losing all 4 starters here so probably the biggest unknown going into the season. However, there are some talented kids here who shined on JV and most other years would have played a lot. Sr. N. Holsinger (IC) probably slots into TE pretty seamlessly. Sr. B. McAnich (IC) probably fills in at the slot but would expect Jr. J. Hayes (Dublin/St. Brigid/St. Brendan) to see some snaps here as well. For the 2 outside receivers, I'd look for Jr. B. Lamielle (St. Brendan) and So. M. Steinbrenner (St. Brigid/St. Brendan) to receive strong consideration. Also wouldn't be surprised to see Jr. C. Bellisari (IC) and Jr. N. Henderson (IC) take some reps but I know Watty prefers to limit 2 way starters and those 2 are returning starters in the secondary. Henderson may also end up taking reps as the backup QB.
OL- 3 of 5 starters returning including both Ts who are garnering D1 offers. Sr. P. Egilitis (IC) is up to like 13 D1 offers including a few power 4 programs. Jr. D. Seaman (IC) has received a few MAC offers. Sr. B. Strausbaugh (Hilliard, all older siblings attended Watterson) returns on the interior. I would expect the last 2 spots to be filled from the following group: Jr. M. Theado (IC), Jr. C. McVey (St. Brendan), Jr. P. Melliere (IC?), Sr. C. Harey (St. Brendan), Sr. R. Alvis (N. Bishops?) Regardless of who fills the last 2 spots the line will have 3 strong anchors with the returning starters, great size and will receive maybe the best coaching in the state at their position.

DEFENSE (7 returning starters)
DL- returns 3 of 4 starters. Jr. M. Boyle (St. Brendan) is a dude at DT. Sr. D. Wickham (N. Bishops) and Sr. B. McVey (St. Brendan) return to platoon the 2nd DT spot. Jr. J. Schueller (IC) returns after platooning his Fr. year and holding down 1 DE spot this past season. For the other DE spot I would keep an eye on Jr. Jonah Gruver (IC) or R. Alvis.
LB- Weber and Gabrich will be hard to replace on the outside but having leading tackler B. Uhlenhake back in the middle is huge. Jr. R. Purcell (St. Brendan) has the bloodline, work ethic and talent and should slot into one of the open spots (although he could also play SS.) I would expect Jr. K. Jones (IC) to get a good look at the other spot but could also see J. McCoy get some reps on D.
DB- return 3 of 4 starters from a group that pretty much shut things last season. J. Hayes and C. Bellisari return at CBs. N. Henderson will man FS again. Will be a tough competition for the SS spot with R. Purcell being a candidate if he were to move from LB. Jr. J. Ward (St. Brendan) and Jr. A. Rubino (IC) are both fast, physical kids who should get looks at this spot as well. If Hayes and/or Bellisari see time on O I could see B. Lamielle and Jr. T. Zingery (Olentangy, older sibling attend Watterson) helping out at CB.

There are several talented Sophomores who should see time on special teams and may earn rotational minutes but are going to be hard pressed to crack the starting lineup. There are also credible rumors about some transfers joining the program including a potential starting quality LB and DB but if those rumors come to fruition and how the coaching staff manages those kids (knowing they'll sit the second half of the year) remains to be seen.

The senior class is small but talented with P. Egilitis and D. Bellisari both probably getting their college paid for at FBS programs in 2026. The junior class is stacked with several D-1 level athletes in that class- B. Uhlenhake (football/baseball), D. Seaman (football), M. Boyle (football/wrestling), J. Schueller (football), J. Hayes (football/lacrosse), N. Henderson (baseball) and potentially others.

I believe there is still one open date on the schedule. Depending on who they get in the Ironton Grid Iron Classic I would expect another undefeated regular season (although Big Walnut week 1 is going to a be battle) and another deep run in the post season culminating in another trip to Canton. TCC v Watterson III? Regardless, the future is bright for the program. I think when all is said in done the 2023-2026 time period will go down as the greatest in program history and probably one of the most impressive 4 year stretches in Ohio D3 history.
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Awesome summary. This needs to be used as a reference next postseason when the private school haters who are blinded to public schools recruiting assume Watty fills their roster the same way TCC, Hoban, Massillon, and the Pick schools do. I’m not a Watty guy but very close and familiar with many of these names. The amount of talent going thru that school right now is historic. Just a few years ago plenty on here wrote off Watty ever being good in football again because “why would you choose Watterson over a Dublin or Hilliard school” It will be an interesting season for sure……now just get them the hell out of Ohio Dominican!!! Sorry had to say it
 
Eagle_Panther said:
Creating a dedicated thread for the defending D3 state champs. Rather than having conversations in random threads I hope this can be a place where all those who are interested can come together for some good Watty football banter.

Congrats to those players from the graduating class of 2025 who recently made their college choices, wishing them nothing but the best.
Zach Weber (St. Brendan)- U of Charleston, Jake Uhlenhake (St. Brendan)- Ashland and Ben Gabrich (St. Brendan)- John Carrol. I believe Tommy Haley (St. Brendan), Cal Mangini (IC), Vance Graney (IC) and Dom Theado (IC) are still considering their options (mainly D3 schools) w/ Dom considering options for basketball as well. I believe CJ Youell (St. Brendan) has decided to hang up his cleats but I'm sure he would have made some college coach happy if he decides (had decided) to continue his career.

While they lose some really special kids they do have a lot of good talent coming back and some players who have been patiently waiting their turn behind this past year's amazing senior class.

OFFENSE (5 returning starters)
QB- Sr. D. Bellisari (IC). Stud.
RB- I would expect there to be a by committee approach as they did for the regular season last year with Sr. J. McCoy (IC), Jr. B. Uhlenhake (St. Brendan) and Jr. C. Mangini (IC) all sharing carries. Weber probably can't be replaced but B. Uhlenhake has a similar profile and potential but is also a special LB.
WR/TE- Losing all 4 starters here so probably the biggest unknown going into the season. However, there are some talented kids here who shined on JV and most other years would have played a lot. Sr. N. Holsinger (IC) probably slots into TE pretty seamlessly. Sr. B. McAnich (IC) probably fills in at the slot but would expect Jr. J. Hayes (Dublin/St. Brigid/St. Brendan) to see some snaps here as well. For the 2 outside receivers, I'd look for Jr. B. Lamielle (St. Brendan) and So. M. Steinbrenner (St. Brigid/St. Brendan) to receive strong consideration. Also wouldn't be surprised to see Jr. C. Bellisari (IC) and Jr. N. Henderson (IC) take some reps but I know Watty prefers to limit 2 way starters and those 2 are returning starters in the secondary. Henderson may also end up taking reps as the backup QB.
OL- 3 of 5 starters returning including both Ts who are garnering D1 offers. Sr. P. Egilitis (IC) is up to like 13 D1 offers including a few power 4 programs. Jr. D. Seaman (IC) has received a few MAC offers. Sr. B. Strausbaugh (Hilliard, all older siblings attended Watterson) returns on the interior. I would expect the last 2 spots to be filled from the following group: Jr. M. Theado (IC), Jr. C. McVey (St. Brendan), Jr. P. Melliere (IC?), Sr. C. Harey (St. Brendan), Sr. R. Alvis (N. Bishops?) Regardless of who fills the last 2 spots the line will have 3 strong anchors with the returning starters, great size and will receive maybe the best coaching in the state at their position.

DEFENSE (7 returning starters)
DL- returns 3 of 4 starters. Jr. M. Boyle (St. Brendan) is a dude at DT. Sr. D. Wickham (N. Bishops) and Sr. B. McVey (St. Brendan) return to platoon the 2nd DT spot. Jr. J. Schueller (IC) returns after platooning his Fr. year and holding down 1 DE spot this past season. For the other DE spot I would keep an eye on Jr. Jonah Gruver (IC) or R. Alvis.
LB- Weber and Gabrich will be hard to replace on the outside but having leading tackler B. Uhlenhake back in the middle is huge. Jr. R. Purcell (St. Brendan) has the bloodline, work ethic and talent and should slot into one of the open spots (although he could also play SS.) I would expect Jr. K. Jones (IC) to get a good look at the other spot but could also see J. McCoy get some reps on D.
DB- return 3 of 4 starters from a group that pretty much shut things last season. J. Hayes and C. Bellisari return at CBs. N. Henderson will man FS again. Will be a tough competition for the SS spot with R. Purcell being a candidate if he were to move from LB. Jr. J. Ward (St. Brendan) and Jr. A. Rubino (IC) are both fast, physical kids who should get looks at this spot as well. If Hayes and/or Bellisari see time on O I could see B. Lamielle and Jr. T. Zingery (Olentangy, older sibling attend Watterson) helping out at CB.

There are several talented Sophomores who should see time on special teams and may earn rotational minutes but are going to be hard pressed to crack the starting lineup. There are also credible rumors about some transfers joining the program including a potential starting quality LB and DB but if those rumors come to fruition and how the coaching staff manages those kids (knowing they'll sit the second half of the year) remains to be seen.

The senior class is small but talented with P. Egilitis and D. Bellisari both probably getting their college paid for at FBS programs in 2026. The junior class is stacked with several D-1 level athletes in that class- B. Uhlenhake (football/baseball), D. Seaman (football), M. Boyle (football/wrestling), J. Schueller (football), J. Hayes (football/lacrosse), N. Henderson (baseball) and potentially others.

I believe there is still one open date on the schedule. Depending on who they get in the Ironton Grid Iron Classic I would expect another undefeated regular season (although Big Walnut week 1 is going to a be battle) and another deep run in the post season culminating in another trip to Canton. TCC v Watterson III? Regardless, the future is bright for the program. I think when all is said in done the 2023-2026 time period will go down as the greatest in program history and probably one of the most impressive 4 year stretches in Ohio D3 history.
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LMAO at the middle school note 😂😂😂😂😂😂
 
ColumbusCatholic said:
Awesome summary. This needs to be used as a reference next postseason when the private school haters who are blinded to public schools recruiting assume Watty fills their roster the same way TCC, Hoban, Massillon, and the Pick schools do. I’m not a Watty guy but very close and familiar with many of these names. The amount of talent going thru that school right now is historic. Just a few years ago plenty on here wrote off Watty ever being good in football again because “why would you choose Watterson over a Dublin or Hilliard school” It will be an interesting season for sure……now just get them the hell out of Ohio Dominican!!! Sorry had to say it
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I’m a public school guy and couldn’t care less how any other schools builds their roster, kids have to block and tackle. What makes Watterson’s roster construction different than Hoban or TCC?
 
Tarblooder_Rocketgrad said:
I’m a public school guy and couldn’t care less how any other schools builds their roster, kids have to block and tackle. What makes Watterson’s roster construction different than Hoban or TCC?
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They can only pull from certain zip codes (rule by Columbus diocese) unlike other 2 that pull from anywhere. IE its WAY harder fro Watterson to get a roster like those 2 schools.....
 
Tarblooder_Rocketgrad said:
I’m a public school guy and couldn’t care less how any other schools builds their roster, kids have to block and tackle. What makes Watterson’s roster construction different than Hoban or TCC?
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Watterson can directly tie almost everyone on their roster to their feeder schools. That’s different from Hoban and TCC. Personally I don’t care either. I think anyone should be able to send their child to the school where they feel they are given the greatest opportunity for success in life. Not everyone feels that way. However, I do think (to take a page from the SEC) it means more to the players and community if it’s a group of boys that grew up in the same system as opposed to being thrown together as freshmen and a few more joining as sophomores.
 
How about it? Some good Watty banter on a boring February Friday!

I made the middle school notation mostly b/c there’s some good natured bickering between Central OH Catholics about which feeder provides the most/better players to the program. It doesn’t really matter to me but thought I’d lay it out the best I could so people know the facts.

I don’t really care how other schools construct their teams but as others have said Watterson does it a little differently than a lot of the other privates/big recruiting public’s around the state. In my opinion it is a little more special to do it this way.

Would love for them to find a new home field but where? Appreciate ODU allowing them to call it home but it’s really not ideal: location, traffic, parking, seating for big games… For bigger games like DeSales would love to use Historic Crew if the playing surface is up to par.

I think Strausbaugh will be playing C next year. Smart player who will make the right call at the line which the coaches really value. They tried Theado at C his freshmen year & he struggled with snaps. I think his future is at guard & it’s bright.
 
Eagle_Panther said:
How about it? Some good Watty banter on a boring February Friday!

I made the middle school notation mostly b/c there’s some good natured bickering between Central OH Catholics about which feeder provides the most/better players to the program. It doesn’t really matter to me but thought I’d lay it out the best I could so people know the facts.

I don’t really care how other schools construct their teams but as others have said Watterson does it a little differently than a lot of the other privates/big recruiting public’s around the state. In my opinion it is a little more special to do it this way.

Would love for them to find a new home field but where? Appreciate ODU allowing them to call it home but it’s really not ideal: location, traffic, parking, seating for big games… For bigger games like DeSales would love to use Historic Crew if the playing surface is up to par.

I think Strausbaugh will be playing C next year. Smart player who will make the right call at the line which the coaches really value. They tried Theado at C his freshmen year & he struggled with snaps. I think his future is at guard & it’s bright.
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Good insight on Center. Do you have line of sight to who might be the 5th lineman?
 
watty1991 said:
Good insight on Center. Do you have line of sight to who might be the 5th lineman?
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If I had to guess it’ll be a battle between C. McVey & Harey. Alvis is built more like a T than a G. Melliere is a big kid but will need to work his tail off in the weight room this offseason.

If the potential LB transfer comes through & he’s as good as some think he is (I have my doubts, he was a standout player but for a really bad team this past season) that could allow Uhlenhake to take some more reps at RB. He’s a stud at the mike and wouldn’t want to lose that but he does have break away speed & a gear that none of the other RBs in the program have.
 
Eagle_Panther said:
If I had to guess it’ll be a battle between C. McVey & Harey. Alvis is built more like a T than a G. Melliere is a big kid but will need to work his tail off in the weight room this offseason.

If the potential LB transfer comes through & he’s as good as some think he is (I have my doubts, he was a standout player but for a really bad team this past season) that could allow Uhlenhake to take some more reps at RB. He’s a stud at the mike and wouldn’t want to lose that but he does have break away speed & a gear that none of the other RBs in the program have.
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Oh LB transfer?? Would this transfer have to sit out though?

Agree on Ben U break away speed. I would love to see him learn how to be more patient on carries then blast hole like Zack learned his senior year. Young backs go too fast sometimes and hole isn't there as they run into lineman. It's really tough going both ways as a LB and RB though. Heavy burden.
 
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watty1991 said:
They can only pull from certain zip codes (rule by Columbus diocese) unlike other 2 that pull from anywhere. IE its WAY harder fro Watterson to get a roster like those 2 schools.....
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Oh wow. Does that rule apply to all schools in the Columbus Diocese and it is for football only or all extracurriculars? And thank you for the response and I agree it does make it a lot tougher to build a roster.
 
Tarblooder_Rocketgrad said:
Oh wow. Does that rule apply to all schools in the Columbus Diocese and it is for football only or all extracurriculars? And thank you for the response and I agree it does make it a lot tougher to build a roster.
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Watty, desales, Ready, Hartley have geographic limits--- St Charles can pull from anywhere but boys only school.

Not for sports its to attend the school at all.
 
Tarblooder_Rocketgrad said:
100% different than the Cleveland Diocese. I’m not sure I love that type of restriction but I understand it.
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Think of it as a semi-open marketplace of Catholic education in Columbus.
Tarblooder_Rocketgrad said:
I’m a public school guy and couldn’t care less how any other schools builds their roster, kids have to block and tackle. What makes Watterson’s roster construction different than Hoban or TCC?
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Watty fans know to stay ahead of the inevitable crowing on roster construction from select posters of a certain eastern Ohio school. Y’all on the other hand just handle it through merciless clowning online. Nothing wrong with either means to the same end!


Eagle_Panther said:
I made the middle school notation mostly b/c there’s some good natured bickering between Central OH Catholics about which feeder provides the most/better players to the program. It doesn’t really matter to me but thought I’d lay it out the best I could so people know the facts.
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I enjoyed reading it as someone who grew up in the CYO/Diocesan Rec. IC-OLP was absolutely stacked to the gills in my grade level for all sports many moons ago. Lombardo would probably have won b2b State’s had that class’s best athlete gone to Watty instead of Whetstone. For the record, their worst sport was football (😉.) Looking back, we knew then in JH who was going to be absolute dudes in high school. East side ran football in the early years of the Campbell Diocese.
 
ColumbusCatholic said:
It will be an interesting season for sure……now just get them the hell out of Ohio Dominican!!! Sorry had to say it
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…would renting with Thomas and SFD be an option?

and yes, I am unironically suggesting that BW and DeSales should at least come to the table on the idea that Watty can be the home team once or twice on Karl Rd if worst came to worst. Ready used to rent with the Stallions.
 
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The potential transfers I’ve heard about would have to sit out the 2nd half of the season & playoffs. So that’s a tough thing to manage as a coach & doesn’t help manage workload when you need it most at the end of the year & playoffs.
 
Eagle_Panther said:
The potential transfers I’ve heard about would have to sit out the 2nd half of the season & playoffs. So that’s a tough thing to manage as a coach & doesn’t help manage workload when you need it most at the end of the year & playoffs.
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Excited to learn who these guys are!
 
watty1991 said:
Excited to learn who these guys are!
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Since the Watterson football twitter account retweeted one of his posts and his profile now lists Watty as his school I'll share the LB's name. Jackson Reynolds. Played for Lancaster last year and received all league and district accolades as well as led the team in tackles as a sophomore. Will be interesting to see how he slots in and what this means for other players. Could we see one of the projected starters at LB move to DB? Does this allow one of the DBs to focus more on offense? Does this create the ability to give B. Uhlenhake more carries on O?

I don't think there's anyway the new kids avoid having to sit out the second half of the year. The way I understand things is that even if this kid moved to say Clintonville from Lancaster he'd still have to sit because he's going to a private. If he were going to Whetstone he'd be okay but not Watty. Am I understanding that correctly? How does it work if you have a kid that moves from say New Hampshire to Columbus b/c of a parents job and the parents want their kid to attend a private school, do they still out half the year?
 
Eagle_Panther said:
Since the Watterson football twitter account retweeted one of his posts and his profile now lists Watty as his school I'll share the LB's name. Jackson Reynolds. Played for Lancaster last year and received all league and district accolades as well as led the team in tackles as a sophomore. Will be interesting to see how he slots in and what this means for other players. Could we see one of the projected starters at LB move to DB? Does this allow one of the DBs to focus more on offense? Does this create the ability to give B. Uhlenhake more carries on O?

I don't think there's anyway the new kids avoid having to sit out the second half of the year. The way I understand things is that even if this kid moved to say Clintonville from Lancaster he'd still have to sit because he's going to a private. If he were going to Whetstone he'd be okay but not Watty. Am I understanding that correctly? How does it work if you have a kid that moves from say New Hampshire to Columbus b/c of a parents job and the parents want their kid to attend a private school, do they still out half the year?
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Ironically enough, his dad is also a Buckeye football alum.
 
Eagle_Panther said:
Since the Watterson football twitter account retweeted one of his posts and his profile now lists Watty as his school I'll share the LB's name. Jackson Reynolds. Played for Lancaster last year and received all league and district accolades as well as led the team in tackles as a sophomore. Will be interesting to see how he slots in and what this means for other players. Could we see one of the projected starters at LB move to DB? Does this allow one of the DBs to focus more on offense? Does this create the ability to give B. Uhlenhake more carries on O?

I don't think there's anyway the new kids avoid having to sit out the second half of the year. The way I understand things is that even if this kid moved to say Clintonville from Lancaster he'd still have to sit because he's going to a private. If he were going to Whetstone he'd be okay but not Watty. Am I understanding that correctly? How does it work if you have a kid that moves from say New Hampshire to Columbus b/c of a parents job and the parents want their kid to attend a private school, do they still out half the year?
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bonafide physical address moves are good for public to public, public to private, private to private, whatever. If this kid moved, he is good to go the entire season.
 
Eagle_Panther said:
Since the Watterson football twitter account retweeted one of his posts and his profile now lists Watty as his school I'll share the LB's name. Jackson Reynolds. Played for Lancaster last year and received all league and district accolades as well as led the team in tackles as a sophomore. Will be interesting to see how he slots in and what this means for other players. Could we see one of the projected starters at LB move to DB? Does this allow one of the DBs to focus more on offense? Does this create the ability to give B. Uhlenhake more carries on O?

I don't think there's anyway the new kids avoid having to sit out the second half of the year. The way I understand things is that even if this kid moved to say Clintonville from Lancaster he'd still have to sit because he's going to a private. If he were going to Whetstone he'd be okay but not Watty. Am I understanding that correctly? How does it work if you have a kid that moves from say New Hampshire to Columbus b/c of a parents job and the parents want their kid to attend a private school, do they still out half the year?
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Dang -- just looked at this and his hudle film. That kid is a soph! Geez. Rich get richer! 6'3 195 (I'm sure this will be 210 by season). Looks more like a MLB/Will LB then a SAM (At least Sam in Watty Def. Sam spends decent amount of tie in coverage vs spread and this kid looks like a tackler.

Maybe your thought is right and Ben U moves out to Will or Sam and carriers ball more. That would bring more explosiveness to run game for sure. Or this pushes Purcell to Safety. Great get for Watty.
 
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