With a football feel in the air, the 60th annual Grange Insurance Ohio
North-South Classic became a dominate performance by the North squad. When teams
were announced for the countries longest running All-Star game, many felt the
North held a great advantage just from the number of Division One recruits
headed to Bowl Championship Schools.
The Bearcats were responsible for five of those BSC players on the North
squad while only two new Bearcats were suited up for the South. While all future
Bearcats performed well, it was the guys in Red who stole the show.
With a final score of 45-17 the North showed over 5,000 fans why college
coaches signed so much of the talent dressed in Red. Led by game MVP Tyrell Sutton (21 carries, 203 yards rushing, 3 touchdowns), Sutton showed why many
schools missed on this super talent headed to Northwestern.
But defense is the name of the game and the North used future Bearcats to
help shutdown the South’s offense all night. North Defensive MVP Derrick Stewart
(Youngstown Ursuline HS, Youngstown, OH) used his shutdown corner work to keep
the balls out of receiver's hands. Curtis Smith (Glenville HS, Cleveland, OH)
was a beast at the point of attack and made several hard hitting plays. Steve Gawronski (Rogers HS, Toledo, OH) was listed to play offensive line; instead he
saw plenty of playing time along the defensive line.
On offense two more Bearcats helped the North to victory. Marcus Waugh (St.
John’s HS, Toledo, OH) showed why the Bearcats recruited him. With a hard nosed
effort Waugh powered his way to 65 yards on 6 carries (despite an injury to his
left wrist/hand). Clyde High School (Clyde, OH) product Jared Martin took
several reps at wide receiver hauling in 2 passes for 11 yards on the night. But
the area Martin was used more often was making key blocks for Sutton on several
big carries.
While the North came away with a big victory, two Bearcats were part of the
South’s effort on the night. Tyler Clifford (Portsmouth HS, Portsmouth, OH)
lined up at both defensive end spots during the game. He showed the tough nose
approach Coach Dantonio wants from his players and never gave up.
Cedric Tolbert (Xenia HS, Xenia, OH) will be a defensive back for the
Bearcats, but tonight he was used at running back and carried the ball 6 times
for 13 yards. While I’m sure he’s not happy with his performance, the South
struggled all night against a more powerful team of All-Stars.
BCI NOTE*** Huber Heights Wayne defensive back Mike Mickens made the trip
to Columbus to watch high school teammate Greg Orton (Purdue) and good friend
Cedric Tolbert. Mike said he’s ready to get started and work towards playing
time this fall.
REPORT CARD & VIDEO INTERVIEWS
How did the new Bearcats do in this game? Here is the Bearcat Insider Report
Card for all seven new Bearcats and we video interviews with six of them.
**Speical for Bearcat Insider Total Access Members, Here is the link for the
video interviews from last nights game.**
BEARCAT INSIDER TAP HOLDERS CLICK HERE FOR
VIDEOS
DERRICK STEWART - What more can you say... North Defensive Player MVP who
was tested by Purdue’s Greg Orton and Miami of Ohio’s E.J. Morton-Green. Both
receivers bring height of 6-foot-4 and Stewart hung with them and shut them
down. While we’ve been looking at Stewart as an receiver, defensive back may be
even a better fit after this great performance. GRADE: A+
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTO D. STEWART
JARED MARTIN - Jared had to wait his turn to take the field as a receiver
as Mario Manningham (Michigan) was in front of him. But when he got in he made
sure everyone knew it. While only making a few catches Martin showed great
blocking ability and you could see why the Bearcats staff made him an offer.
Jared can play on both sides of the football and not sure were he'll lineup when
he reports to camp. GRADE: B-
CLICK
HERE FOR PHOTO J. MARTIN
MARCUS WAUGH - Marcus was a player I’ve only seen on film. While I liked
what I saw on tape, I knew there had to be more about this kid then what the
tape was showing, I was right! Marcus can play on either side of the ball. I
look for him to be a back-up at fullback but could also be given looks at
linebacker. He's tough and should be a special team's demon during his UC
career; he's also a great kid! GRADE: A
CLICK
HERE FOR PHOTO M. WAUGH
CURTIS SMITH - What's not to like about this top athlete who should
become a force at the college level. He's got size, speed and desire to be a
great one. In this game he was all over the field and made several tackles.
While we still don't know if he will take the field this fall, Smith is a 4-star
player with star potential written all over him. GRADE: A+
CLICK
HERE FOR PHOTO C. SMITH
STEVE GAWRONSKI - While Gawronski was listed as an offensive lineman, he
lined up at defensive tackle for the north squad. On defense he should the
ability to chase the ball carrier and help make plays. While undersize as
compared to other offensive linemen on both teams, Gawronski is a hard-nosed
player who should contribute down the road... GRADE: B
BEARCAT INSIDER WASN'T ABLE TO SPEAK WITH STEVE
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTO S. GAWRONSKI
TYLER CLIFFORD - Clifford has the height needed for the next level. What
he lacks is the weight to come in and battle mature division one offensive
linemen. Tyler shows great knowledge of the game and has the ability to pursue
ball carriers from sideline to sideline. GRADE: B
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTO T. CLIFFORD
CEDRIC TOLBERT - The night was a tough one for the Xenia High School
product. With the lack of a top offensive line in front of him, Tolbert never
got on track. While he won't be asked to run the ball for the Bearcats, I could
tell he wasn't happy with his performance. But while most players would have
thrown their arms up in the air Cedric keep taking his place and giving his all.
GRADE: B-
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTO C. TOLBERT