The Brian Kelly era officially begins today at Notre Dame, and it remains to be seen what the impact will be as the new Irish coach takes over in South Bend. Recruiting will certainly take center stage as we approach national signing day Feb. 3.
Kelly, who led the University of Cincinnati to a 12-0 record and a Sugar Bowl berth this season, was introduced as the 29th Notre Dame coach on Friday. The Bearcats announced offensive coordinator Jeff Quinn would take over on an interim basis and coach the bowl game.
As of Friday, Quinn told the Cincinnati Enquirer that he wasn’t aware of any decommitments from the Cincinnati program. There are 16 players from the 2010 class who have orally committed to Cincinnati. Several players are from the Cincinnati area.
As for Notre Dame, Archbishop Moeller senior quarterback Andrew Hendrix and Cincinnati Elder tight end Alex Welch remained orally committed to the Irish as of this morning.
Kelly, who had a 34-6 record with the Bearcats, will certainly have plenty to do the last few weeks of 2009. He must compile a coaching staff and also keep tabs with recruiting players to his program.
With the dead period looming for recruiting later this month (Dec. 21), you have to believe the Cincinnati and Notre Dame coaching staffs will be very busy this week.
2. Hicks receives Butkus Award: NFL legend Dick Butkus was in West Chester on Wednesday to present his award to West Chester Lakota West senior linebacker Jordan Hicks. The Butkus Award is presented to the best high school, college and pro linebacker each season. Hicks is just the second high school linebacker to win the award. "I like the way he hits," Butkus told the Pulse Journal. "He really hits people. I’m surprised. He’s kind of lanky, so he’s going to be able to fill out. He’s going to be a stud and keep his speed." Hicks, who is undecided on a college choice, was scheduled to take an official visit to Florida last weekend.
3. Keebler commits to Cincinnati: Liberty Township Lakota East senior tight end Cory Keebler made an oral commitment to the University of Cincinnati early last week despite the speculation that Bearcats coach Brian Kelly was considering a move to Notre Dame. Keebler, who is 6-foot-6 and 230 pounds, was a first-team all-Greater Miami Conference selection last season. He also had interest from Air Force and Illinois State. Former Lakota East coach Greg Bailie said Keebler’s commitment is solid despite what happens with the coaching situation. "He has a good frame. His work ethic is outstanding; he is athletic."
4. Oak Hills upsets Lakota West: The Oak Hills girls basketball team defeated host West Chester Lakota West 48-37 on Saturday in a Greater Miami Conference girls basketball showdown. Oak Hills was led by senior forward Amanda Baute, who had 25 points, three rebounds and two assists. She is averaging 19.7 points through three games. Lakota West was the No. 1-ranked in the Cincinnati Enquirer coaches poll.
5. Neal steps down: Cincinnati Northwest coach Jeff Neal resigned after going 12-28 in four years. Northwest is one of several coaching vacancies around the Cincinnati area as of late last week. Madeira, Lakota East, Finneytown and Aiken were among the schools looking for head coaches.
Among the outstanding efforts this week
Maria Napolitano, Cincinnati St. Ursula: The sophomore guard had 18 points to lead the visiting Bulldogs past Notre Dame Academy (Ky.) 64-54 in a game that was played in northern Kentucky.
Amy Brooks, Harrison: The junior forward had 22 points in the Wildcats’ 56-47 win over visiting Milford last week. Brooks had seven rebounds and four steals to help Harrison improve to 2-0 on the season. She had 19 points in the season-opening 46-32 win over Hamilton.
Cameron Jones, Hamilton: The junior guard had 20 points in a 60-50 win over visiting Withrow. Jones was 6-of-11 from the 3-point line. He had 19 points in the season opener against Springfield.
Looking ahead
Clayton Northmont at Sidney boys basketball, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday: The two Greater Western Ohio Conference teams play for the first time since Dec. 16, 2008. Sidney has been led by senior forward Zach Michael, who averaged 21.5 points through two games. Northmont senior guard Steve Newell is a player to watch.
Mason at Colerain boys basketball, 7:30 p.m. Friday: A matchup of two strong Greater Miami Conference teams. Colerain, which started the season 2-0, is led by senior forward Ken Kunkel, who is averaging 16.5 points the first two games. Junior forwards Ethan King and Brian Carden averaged 11.5 points through the first two games for Mason.
St. Xavier at Moeller, boys basketball, 7:30 p.m. Friday: The two GCL-South powers meet in Montgomery. This should be a classic, intense rivalry as usual. The teams play at St. Xavier on Feb. 5. Moeller defeated St. X twice last season.
Recruiting news
Cincinnati Elder senior kicker Tony Miliano was offered by Ball State last week. It is the first offer for Miliano, who was a Division I first-team all-state selection this season. …St. Xavier senior offensive lineman Matt James (6-7, 290 pounds) plans to take an official visit to Florida on Saturday (Dec. 19). James is also considering Cincinnati, Ohio State and Notre Dame. … Middletown senior defensive end Rashad Frazier (6-6, 225) was offered by Purdue last week. Frazier also has offers from Miami University, Bowling Green and Kent State.
Random thoughts
Marion-Franklin senior quarterback Verlon Reed (6-3, 193) has been offered by Ohio State, according to ScoutingOhio.com. He also reportedly has offers from Toledo and Bowling Green. … Columbus St. Francis DeSales senior Nikki Moore has signed to compete in gymnastics at Kent State, according to the Columbus Dispatch. …The Pulse Journal reported that six candidates were scheduled to be interviewed for the Liberty Township Lakota East vacant head football coaching position last week. The school hopes to name a new coach in January.
