BG feats help attract football recruits

1/23/2006

BOWLING GREEN - Some of the recruits who have verbally committed to play football at Bowling Green State University next season might not have chosen the school because of what they saw other graduates from their high schools accomplish with the Falcons.

But it probably didn't hurt.

As national signing day on Feb. 1 approaches, several players who share high schools with current or just graduated Falcons have said they'll play for BGSU, according to published reports.

Eugene Fells, a 6-foot-2, 200-pound linebacker from Palatka (Fla.) High, perhaps noted Palatka graduate Charles Sharon became the Falcons' all-time leading receiver this past season and was voted the team's most valuable player.

Defensive lineman Michael Culberson-Fehling (6-3, 227) from Libertyville (Ill.) High could have noticed that a fellow Wildcat, BGSU senior Devon Parks, started every game as a freshman on the line and has been a fixture in defensive schemes his entire college career.

And maybe someone pointed out to Tyler Sheehan, a 6-2, 200-pound quarterback from Cincinnati La Salle, that La Salle alum Mike Thaler was a two-time captain and led the team in tackles his senior year.

Other high school matches (incoming player listed first):

t●Offensive lineman Tyler Donahue, a 6-6, 255-pounder, and senior offensive guard Pat Watson (Naperville, Ill. Central).

t●Jahmal Brown, a 5-10, 190-pound running back who could play safety in college, and junior end Joe Schaefer (Cleveland Benedictine).

t●Vince Corner, a 5-10, 188-pound running back, and redshirt freshman offensive lineman Kevin Mahoney (Springfield North).

The Falcons hope to have around 25 recruits sign, but coaches cannot comment on specific recruits until signing day. No junior college recruits enrolled this semester at BGSU as receiver Ruben Ruiz did last year.

Others who have reportedly committed to the Falcons include:

P.J. Mahone, 6-0, 195, DB, Elyria HS.

D.J. Young 6-5, 265, TE-DL, Lansing (Mich.) Sexton HS.

Derek Brighton, 6-0, 175, DB, Allen Park (Mich.) HS.

Darius Smith, 6-2, 205, DE, Euclid HS.

Brandon Jackson, 6-2, 220, LB, Memphis Briarcrest Christian HS.

Nick Rieke, 6-4, 225, TE, Crystal Lake (Ill.) South HS.

Sean Ellis, 6-5, 195, K, Cocoa (Fla.) HS.

The BGSU coaching staff will host a reception to introduce the class on Feb. 1 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Bowen-Thompson Student Union. The reception is open to the public. Call 419-372-7446 for more information or for reservations.

GYMNASTS WIN: The women's gymnastic team opened conference competition Saturday and defeated Central Michigan, 189.325-187.950. This Saturday the Falcons play host to Illinois State at 7 p.m. at the Eppler Complex.

TRACK THIRD: The women's track team placed third at the Bowling Green Invitational on Friday. Ball State won the six-team meet. Yemoja Marotta, a freshman from St. Ursula, was part of a winning 4x400 relay team. Sophomore Whitney Hartman, a Bowling Green High alum, set a personal best in the 20-pound weight throw to finish second.

OTHER SPORTS: The women's swimming and diving team tied with Akron on Saturday, recording its highest team score of the year with 150 points. The women's tennis team lost its season opener 7-0 to Ohio State on Saturday.

Contact Maureen Fulton at: fulton@theblade.com or 419-724-6160.