Thursday, February 03, 2000
Findlay QB highlights Miami class
BY JOHN FAY
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Ben Roethlisberger, the Findlay High quarterback who threw for 4,041 yards and 54 touchdowns as a senior, got the most attention of the 16 recruits Miami signed Wednesday.
But the RedHawks got several other players who could help their program quickly.
“We feel good about signing some student-athletes who could make an impact early in their careers,” Miami coach Terry Hoeppner said. “We went after quarterbacks, offensive linemen and defensive linemen. ... This class meets our needs.”
In addition to Roethlisber ger, Miami signed Ryan Hawk, the quarterback from Centerville High who threw for 17 TDs and ran for 15 more.
The top offensive lineman is Ben Hartings from St.Henry (Ohio). Hartings was the fifth-rated offensive lineman in Ohio. His brother Jeff plays for the Detroit Lions. His brother Joe plays for Penn State.
Miami signed one junior-college player, Paul Tripp from Santa Monica (Calif.) Community College. Tripp, who has 4.4 speed and a 3.5 GPA, is already enrolled at Miami.
Miami also announced the hiring of Taver Johnson as linebackers coach. Johnson replaces Mel Tucker, who took an assistant's job at LSU.
Hoeppner also announced the following moves:
• Joe Palcic goes from linebackers coach to defensive backs coach.
• Ron Johnson, formerly the running backs coach, was promoted to associate head coach and special teams coach.
• Jim Wachenheim goes from defensive coordinator to assistant head coach. He also will coach running backs.
• Jon Wauford moves to defensive coordinator. He will continue to coach the defensive line.
| MIAMI |
| Player | Pos. | Hometown (School) |
| Larry Burt | DT | Warrensville Hts., Ohio (Warrensville Hts.) |
| Andy Capper | FB | Springfield, Ohio (Kenton Ridge) |
| Zac Elcess | OL | Centerville, Ohio (Centerville) |
| Ben Hartings | OL | St. Henry, Ohio (St. Henry) |
| Ryan Hawk | QB | Centerville, Ohio (Centerville) |
| Alphonso Hodge | DB | Cleveland, Ohio (St. Edward) |
| Mike Iriti | WR | Findlay, Ohio (Findlay) |
| Terrell Jones | LB | St. Louis (Mehlville) |
| Van Monroe | SS | Euclid, Ohio (Euclid) |
| David Rehker | OL | Avon Lake, Ohio (Avon Lake) |
| Ben Roethlisberger | QB | Findlay, Ohio (Findlay) |
| Josh Richards | LB-FB | Amsterdam, Ohio (Edison) |
| Will Rueff | DL | Louisville (Trinity) |
| Dwight Smith | DB | Dayton (Chaminade-Julienne) |
| Jeremy Thompson | QB | Plainfield, Ind. (Avon) |
| Paul Tripp | CB | San Diego (Santa Monica City College) |
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