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Trotwood leads area with 4 D-I football recruits

Brothers Terrence and Terry Talbott, Wayne High School stars, lead the parade of Miami Valley prep standouts who will make their college commitments official today. Terrence is a defensive back headed to Michigan, and Terry is a defensive lineman choosing between the Wolverines and North Carolina.

Staff photo by Teesha McClam Brothers Terrence and Terry Talbott, Wayne High School stars, lead the parade of Miami Valley prep standouts who will make their college commitments official today. Terrence is a defensive back headed to Michigan, and Terry is a defensive lineman choosing between the Wolverines and North Carolina.

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By Kyle Nagel, Staff Writer Updated 12:12 AM Wednesday, February 3, 2010

After advancing to the Division II regional championship game in November, the Trotwood-Madison High School football team will move four players onto NCAA Division I college programs, the most in the area.

Those players will sign their letters of intent today, Feb. 3, the first day seniors can sign their binding commitments to colleges. There are 19 area players expected to sign with D-I schools, including Trotwood cornerback Jordon Paschal (Louisville), tight end Justin Favors (Colorado), linebacker Willie Ballard (Buffalo) and offensive lineman Darion Delaney (Bowling Green).

The area’s top rated recruit, Wayne defensive lineman Terry Talbott (No. 17 in Ohio, according to Rivals.com), remains uncertain if he will sign with Michigan (to which he committed last August) or North Carolina. A visit to Chapel Hill last month caused Talbott to question his earlier commitment.

Wayne will have two other BCS conference signees in Terrence Talbott (Michigan) and Josh Harrison (Wisconsin).

Both Fairmont, with offensive tackles Jordan Erbes (Eastern Michigan) and Michael Shope (Youngstown State), and Lebanon, with receiver Chase Cochran (Ohio) and offensive lineman Elias Sayre (Kent State), also will send multiple players to D-I.

(Note: Listed by name, position, high school, expected college.)

Dakota Anderson, OL, Xenia, Ball State

Moved between tight end and lineman throughout his senior season, enough that he had Velcro jerseys to quickly change numbers if necessary. Was also one of the area’s best punters.

Willie Ballard, LB, Trotwood-Madison, Buffalo

In first year playing linebacker, collected 13 sacks and could add more than his 215 pounds on his 6-3 frame. Rams coach Maurice Douglass said, for Ballard, “the sky’s the limit.”

Rex Bonham, TE, Tecumseh, E. Illinois

The standout linebacker had plenty of defensive highlights. He filmed running routes with Arrows coach Kent Massie to up his stock offensively. The Panthers soon followed with an offer.

Cody Byers, S, Alter, Wisconsin

Helped the Knights to two straight D-IV state titles as one of the biggest players (6-3) on a defense considered one of the best in area history. Will join former Knight Chris Borland at Wisconsin.

Chase Cochran, WR, Lebanon, Ohio U.

Led the Greater Western Ohio Conference in receiving with 39 catches for 1,070 yards and 16 scores. His specialty? The long pass. “You’re not going to overthrow Chase,” said Lebanon coach Shawn Lamb.

Quintin Cooper, DB, Northmont, Ball State

At 5-9, the only thing keeping Cooper from big-time status and a major program are a few inches. The All-GWOC first-teamer covers well and was one of the most physical in the league.

Darion Delaney, OL/DL, Trotwood-Madison, Bowling Green

Was part of a Trotwood offensive line that helped RB Antwan Gilbert rush for 2,576 yards. His long arms and quickness could convince coaches to keep him on the offensive line.

Jordan Erbes, OL, Fairmont, E. Michigan

A three-year starter at right tackle, used dedication in the weight room last summer to bulk up to 280 pounds on a 6-4 frame. Work ethic should earn him favor with Eagles coaches.

Justin Favors, TE, Trotwood-Madison, Colorado

Led Rams with 30 catches for 411 yards as big 6-3 target and improved his stock with blocking through his senior season. Will join former teammate Doug Rippy with the Buffaloes.

Josh Harrison, LB, Wayne, Wisconsin

Pairs with Alter’s Byers to give Badgers two area signees. Known as a “great leader and great worker,” said coach Jay Minton, who could improve significantly in Madison with work ethic.

Andy Jomantas, OL, Chaminade Julienne, North Carolina State

Standing 6-7, could easily add to his 260 pounds in a college weight room and has bright future with more strength. “He seeks contact, and he’s a physical player,” said coach Andy Helms.

Eric Lefeld, OL/DL, Coldwater, Cincinnati

One of four Cavaliers named D-V All-Ohio in helping Coldwater to the state title game. His 6-7 size makes him a force that can move from D-V high school to BCS competition.

Jordon Paschal, DB, Trotwood-Madison, Louisville

A member of the record-setting Rams 1,600-meter relay team, possesses closing speed to chase down opposing backs and receivers. “He’s like a heat-seaking missile. Coaches love that,” Douglass said.

Elias Sayre, OL, Lebanon, Kent State

At 250 pounds, will add size at the next level and runs 4.8 seconds in 40-yard dash, raising eyebrows. Could be a steal in the Mid-American Conference if he adds size and maintains speed, Lamb said.

Clint Shepherd, OL, Eaton, Cincinnati

Will probably become a center at UC, where he committed over the summer and remained when coach Brian Kelly left. “He plays with a little bit of an attitude,” coach Ron Neanen said.

Michael Shope, OL, Fairmont, Youngstown State

A second Fairmont lineman to sign along with Erbes, played left tackle for the Firebirds. At 6-4 and 270 pounds, also received interest from Northwestern and Stanford but wanted to stay close.

Terrence Talbott, DB, Wayne, Michigan

Strength is covering man-to-man without needing much safety help, a skill Minton said “you either have or you don’t.” Struggled with injuries as a senior but maintains speed at 5-11, 170.

Terry Talbott, DL, Wayne, Michigan or North Carolina

Area’s top-rated recruit (No. 17 in the state by Rivals.com), committed to Michigan before senior season but wavered in past few weeks. Big and strong as a pass rusher at 6-3, 255.

Keith Wenning, QB, Coldwater, Ball State

The D-V co-player of the year in Ohio, passed for 414 yards and three scores in state title game. Has desired QB size at 6-4, 222 pounds and threw for 3,629 yards and 40 touchdowns.

Attention athletes

The Dayton Daily News is collecting a list of college-bound athletes planning to sign letters of intent during the period beginning today, Feb. 3. If you’re planning to do so, please contact the DDN at sports@DaytonDailyNews.com and include name, sport, college, stats and contact information. Also, please send any signing ceremony photos to that address, too.

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