Although the region boasted the nation's top-rated quarterback in the 2011 class, National Signing Day came and went with little suspense in southern Ohio Wednesday.
Huber Heights Wayne graduate
Braxton Miller – who verbally committed to Ohio State in June 2010 – officially signed with the Buckeyes on Wednesday after he enrolled at the school in January. Miller threw for 2,167 yards and 17 touchdowns and rushed for 658 yards and 17 touchdowns as a senior at Wayne.
Miller was one of 12 Wayne seniors who signed on Wednesday. The Warriors were Division I state runners-up last December.
Although there weren't any blockbuster changes on signing day, there were some interesting storylines.
Moeller senior defensive lineman
Jesse Hayes (Wisconsin) and Centerville defensive tackle
Michael Bennett (Ohio State) had to deal with rolling blackouts in Austin, Texas during the morning. Both players were in Austin for the Team USA vs. The World game. Hayes was finally able to sign and fax his letter of intent to Wisconsin after an inconvenient delay. Bennett signed with Ohio State.
Springfield linebacker
Trey DePriest and Lakota West offensive lineman
Ryan Kelly signed letters of intent with Alabama – the Crimson Tide gaining two signees from southwest Ohio in the same year is fairly uncommon. But, it shows the depth of talent in the region.
Other highlights included St. Xavier linebackers
Sean Duggan and
Steven Daniels signing with Boston College and Cincinnati getting signings from players that included Badin quarterback
Patrick Coyne, La Salle wide receiver
Rodriguez Coleman, Sycamore offensive lineman
Justin Murray and Withrow defensive tackle
Brandon Mitchell.
SEYFRIED CHANGES COMMITMENTWyoming senior quarterback
Kyle Seyfried committed to Miami University as a preferred walk-on, according to the Enquirer. Seyfried, who is 6-foot-1 and 200 pounds, had previously committed to the University of Dayton. Seyfried was one of the state's top quarterbacks in the 2011 class.
ANTHONE TAYLOR SIGNS WITH BUFFALOHuber Heights Wayne senior running back
Anthone Taylor signed with Buffalo last week, according to Wayne coach Jay Minton. Taylor was the third leading rusher in the Greater Western Ohio Conference during the regular season. He rushed for 1,533 yards and 13 touchdowns overall for the Warriors. Wayne was the Division I state runner-up in 2010.
MORE RECRUITING NEWSOak Hills junior offensive lineman
Caleb Stacey was offered by Illinois on Wednesday. Stacey, who is 6-4 and 280 pounds, also has offers from Toledo, Bowling Green and Ohio. …Centerville junior defensive end
Ifeadi Odenigbo (6-4, 215) has added offers from Northwestern and West Virginia, according to ScoutingOhio.com. He also has offers from Cincinnati, Stanford, Syracuse and Toledo.
RANDOM THOUGHTSColerain senior cornerback
Chris Dukes wore a very stylish bow tie at the National Signing Day ceremony Wednesday at Colerain High School. The bow tie matched the gold and blue colors of the University of Toledo, where he signed.