Article published February 03, 2009
Grandson of legendary Rossford hoops coach choosing OSU
Former Rossford basketball coach Joe Stalma said the family
is excited his grandson, Reid Fragel, will be a Buckeye.
(
THE BLADE
)
|
By MATT MARKEY
BLADE SPORTS WRITER
COLUMBUS - Legend has it that Ohio State coaches have to sneak into Michigan under cover of darkness, and then make sure they are gone before anyone notices their license plates. Woody Hayes went so far as to forbid his assistant coaches from buying gas in the Wolverine State while on recruiting trips.
The Buckeyes only go into Michigan with a purpose - past recruiting forays have landed the likes of Craig Krenzel, quarterback of the 2002 national championship team, and Vernon Gholston, the sometimes unblockable defensive end who went No. 6 in the 2008 NFL draft.
So when head coach Jim Tressel spent about five hours in a home in the Detroit suburb of Grosse Pointe recently, there was good reason for him to be there. Tressel was closing the deal with Ohio State recruit Reid Fragel, who likely could be the tight end in the very near future for the Buckeyes.
Fragel, who has received high marks from many recruiting experts for his strength, balance, technique, blocking ability and good hands, made an oral commitment to play for Ohio State earlier last year, shortly after attending the Buckeyes' spring game. He plans to make that arrangement formal Wednesday, the national signing day for football recruits.
Besides being an athletic 6-8 and 260 pounds, Fragel has familiar genes. He is the grandson of Rossford basketball coaching legend Joe Stalma Sr., who shared the dinner table in Grosse Pointe that evening with Tressel and OSU tight ends coach John Peterson.
"I'm a basketball guy, but they know football, and they've seen Reid work out and they've seen film of him playing, so if they like him, then Reid must have something good to offer," Stalma said.
NCAA regulations prohibit Tressel from commenting on Fragel or any recruit until they make a binding commitment.
"I know he's got the physical attributes, he's a competitor, and he's also a good kid," Stalma said. "As a coach, I'd like that combination in any sport. I know we're certainly excited about him going to play for Ohio State."
Fragel, who played both tight end and defensive end at Grosse Pointe South, had nine tackles - four of those for losses - a quarterback sack and an interception in his final game of the high school season. He also took part in the All-American Bowl all-star game on Jan. 2 in South Carolina.
Stalma said Fragel, whose family lived in Perrysburg when Fragel was very young, already has the whole clan converted to being Buckeyes fans. Fragel joins an Ohio State team that has just two tight ends on its current roster - senior-to-be Jake Ballard and current freshman Nic DiLillo.
A number of experts have speculated that Tressel might have Fragel in mind as an offensive tackle, given his size, athleticism, and sound blocking skills. Fragel said he will "play where the team needs me the most" but that he expects to at least get a good look at tight end first.
Adam Jardy tracks Ohio State recruiting for The Buckeye Sports Bulletin, and he said Fragel's showing in the recent all-star game just added fuel to the debate over what position he will fill on the OSU depth chart.
"His performance generated plenty of buzz regarding where he might play at the next level," said Jardy, a 2001 grad from Northwood.
"His mix of size and soft hands have the camps split down the middle whether he will be a tight end, or an offensive tackle. I'd look for the Buckeyes to explore both options when he arrives in camp."
Fragel chose Ohio State from a cluster of high-profile programs that were interested in his services - including Georgia, Maryland, Tennessee, Michigan and Michigan State. He also had a scholarship offer from Miami (Ohio.), where Fragel's older brother Mark played on the defensive line.
"I was looking at a number of schools, but when I visited Ohio State I was really impressed with the whole place, and I kind of fell in love with it right away," Fragel said. "When I was at the spring game, it was awesome. Everything about Ohio State was impressive."
Contact Matt Markey
at mmarkey@theblade.com
or 419-724-6510.
Permanent Link
|
|
 |
|
Search
advertisement
