Published: Thursday, September 28, 2006
Now teammates, later rivals
Ryan Gillum will attend Syracuse while Jonathan Wells will go to Miami of Ohio next year.
By JOHN BASSETTI
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
LIBERTY — The gas station and motel signs towering over Belmont Avenue in the distance belie the serenity of the tree-green area called the Liberty High football practice field.
That's where seniors Ryan Gillum and Jonathan Wells were brought to the sidelines to discuss their verbal commitments for college.
One might think having them side-by-side — wearing battle gear — would cause a friction, especially since their future schools just played each other.
"It just means we'll be seeing each other from opposite sidelines," Gillum said diplomatically of the next clash between Syracuse — his choice — and Miami (Ohio) — Wells' pick — next fall.
Syracuse beat Miami, 34-14, last Saturday, the same day Wells confirmed his college choice.
"I went to the Miami-Kent game a few weeks ago and told [defensive backs] coach Tim Cooper of my decision then. A week later, I called head coach Shane Montgomery to confirm it," said Wells.
Although Gillum committed months ago when he visited the Syracuse campus and attended the team's spring game, both he and Wells have the same goal in mind now: making the most of their final high school season to help keep the Leopards undefeated.
The Leopards (5-0, 2-0 Trumbull Athletic Conference) travel to LaBrae Friday night.
Gillum's video impressive
Gillum's (5-foot-11, 210 pounds) offensive numbers wouldn't impress any college recruiters, but video did.
"His junior films sold them," Liberty coach Jeff Whittaker said of Syracuse's interest in the wingback. "That was enough for them to like him. They offered him [a scholarship] very, very early."
Gillum has 146 yards on 13 rushing attempts for two touchdowns and one reception for 18 yards, but his true value isn't always reflected in statistics.
"He's not our primary running back," Whittaker said. "He's going to Syracuse as a defensive football player. We just have some other guys who are strong runners, but we use Ryan for his blocking strength from the wingback position. He's got good hands and catches the ball, but he's a good change-up runner, too. We'll run him on reverses, counters or shuffle passes. We get him the ball."
Gillum rushed for 153 yards on 14 carries as a junior, helping Liberty to a 12-1 record and a berth in the Division III regional final, where the Leopards lost to Akron Buchtel, 7-6.
This year, he's more of a blocking back for Wells and Fitzgerald Edwards.
Wells' numbers
Wells has 499 yards and five touchdowns on 55 carries as a fullback. The 5-9, 175 Wells also has one reception for 19 yards. His 13-game totals last year were 156 yards on 26 carries.
At Miami, Wells will also be groomed for defense. This season, he is Liberty's free safety.
Edwards, only a sophomore, is headed for a big career. The 5-10, 175 tailback is averaging almost 16.0 yards per carry (772 yards on 50 attempts).
In Liberty's 62-35 win over Girard last Friday, Gillum had a 43-yard TD run on a reverse and an interception from his outside linebacker position.
"Syracuse likes him as a strong safety-type, something like Anthony Smith," Whittaker said in comparing his player to the former Hubbard High and Syracuse standout who is now with the Steelers.
"They liked him in that respect — the physical presence he brings to the field. They like his contact ability. He runs a 4.5 40 and is very strong and explosive," added Whittaker.
There's another side to Gillum — off the field.
"He's an excellent student and respected by his teachers. They like his character and work ethic in the classroom," said Whittaker.
Gillum and Wells become the latest in a recent string of Liberty players to commit to Division I programs.
Just off of last year's squad, there's Chris Harden (Duquesne), Chris Harrison (Cincinnati), John Humphrey (Purdue) and Donovan Fletcher and Robert Hightower (both at Ohio University).
Another Liberty alum, Bradley Fletcher, will be on the field for Iowa against Ohio State Saturday night. Other recent graduates include Marty Bowman, a redshirt freshman free safety at Boston College, and sophomore Keith Forestal, who starts as at inside linebacker for Toledo.
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Ryan Gillum will attend Syracuse while Jonathan Wells will go to Miami of Ohio next year.
By JOHN BASSETTI
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
LIBERTY — The gas station and motel signs towering over Belmont Avenue in the distance belie the serenity of the tree-green area called the Liberty High football practice field.
That's where seniors Ryan Gillum and Jonathan Wells were brought to the sidelines to discuss their verbal commitments for college.
One might think having them side-by-side — wearing battle gear — would cause a friction, especially since their future schools just played each other.
"It just means we'll be seeing each other from opposite sidelines," Gillum said diplomatically of the next clash between Syracuse — his choice — and Miami (Ohio) — Wells' pick — next fall.
Syracuse beat Miami, 34-14, last Saturday, the same day Wells confirmed his college choice.
"I went to the Miami-Kent game a few weeks ago and told [defensive backs] coach Tim Cooper of my decision then. A week later, I called head coach Shane Montgomery to confirm it," said Wells.
Although Gillum committed months ago when he visited the Syracuse campus and attended the team's spring game, both he and Wells have the same goal in mind now: making the most of their final high school season to help keep the Leopards undefeated.
The Leopards (5-0, 2-0 Trumbull Athletic Conference) travel to LaBrae Friday night.
Gillum's video impressive
Gillum's (5-foot-11, 210 pounds) offensive numbers wouldn't impress any college recruiters, but video did.
"His junior films sold them," Liberty coach Jeff Whittaker said of Syracuse's interest in the wingback. "That was enough for them to like him. They offered him [a scholarship] very, very early."
Gillum has 146 yards on 13 rushing attempts for two touchdowns and one reception for 18 yards, but his true value isn't always reflected in statistics.
"He's not our primary running back," Whittaker said. "He's going to Syracuse as a defensive football player. We just have some other guys who are strong runners, but we use Ryan for his blocking strength from the wingback position. He's got good hands and catches the ball, but he's a good change-up runner, too. We'll run him on reverses, counters or shuffle passes. We get him the ball."
Gillum rushed for 153 yards on 14 carries as a junior, helping Liberty to a 12-1 record and a berth in the Division III regional final, where the Leopards lost to Akron Buchtel, 7-6.
This year, he's more of a blocking back for Wells and Fitzgerald Edwards.
Wells' numbers
Wells has 499 yards and five touchdowns on 55 carries as a fullback. The 5-9, 175 Wells also has one reception for 19 yards. His 13-game totals last year were 156 yards on 26 carries.
At Miami, Wells will also be groomed for defense. This season, he is Liberty's free safety.
Edwards, only a sophomore, is headed for a big career. The 5-10, 175 tailback is averaging almost 16.0 yards per carry (772 yards on 50 attempts).
In Liberty's 62-35 win over Girard last Friday, Gillum had a 43-yard TD run on a reverse and an interception from his outside linebacker position.
"Syracuse likes him as a strong safety-type, something like Anthony Smith," Whittaker said in comparing his player to the former Hubbard High and Syracuse standout who is now with the Steelers.
"They liked him in that respect — the physical presence he brings to the field. They like his contact ability. He runs a 4.5 40 and is very strong and explosive," added Whittaker.
There's another side to Gillum — off the field.
"He's an excellent student and respected by his teachers. They like his character and work ethic in the classroom," said Whittaker.
Gillum and Wells become the latest in a recent string of Liberty players to commit to Division I programs.
Just off of last year's squad, there's Chris Harden (Duquesne), Chris Harrison (Cincinnati), John Humphrey (Purdue) and Donovan Fletcher and Robert Hightower (both at Ohio University).
Another Liberty alum, Bradley Fletcher, will be on the field for Iowa against Ohio State Saturday night. Other recent graduates include Marty Bowman, a redshirt freshman free safety at Boston College, and sophomore Keith Forestal, who starts as at inside linebacker for Toledo.
Thursday, September 28, 2006
The gas station and motel signs towering over Belmont Avenue in the distance belie the serenity of the tree-green area...
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