Article published November 20, 2009
Prep rivalry to take on collegiate twist
By RYAN AUTULLO
BLADE SPORTS WRITER
Whitmer's Kenny Hayes bleeds scarlet and gray.
And no, that is not a metaphor.
The story goes as follows. In seventh grade Hayes fell and injured himself while performing football drills with his father in the yard. In assessing the injury, Hayes noticed that his blood and the rocks that caused the bleeding formed to represent the color scheme of the university he would ultimately play for.
"He's been a lifelong Ohio State fan," Whitmer coach Joe Palka said. "He always envisioned himself as a Buckeye."
That several former Fremont Ross players went on to star at the University of Michigan, including Heisman Trophy winner Charles Woodson, was insignificant to the Little Giants' Greg Brown. For some reason, he cheered for University of Texas. But a few years ago, Brown became a Rich Rodriguez fan too, and provided Rodriguez is still around Ann Arbor in two years, the two will hook up.
Hayes' and Brown's budding rivalry should further blossom once the two matriculate into the college game. Hayes became the first verbal commit in OSU's 2011 recruiting class on Aug. 31, and three days later Brown broke the seal on UM's 2011 class. Then, the following evening, Hayes' Panthers beat Ross 29-25."He's a good kid," Hayes said of Brown.
Their relationship is limited to small talk before and after their teams' football and basketball games, but "[Hayes] tries to hit me harder than anybody else," Brown said.
Brown, a cornerback with impressive speed and coverage ability, will travel to the Big House tomorrow for the 106th celebration of the border rivalry. He refuses to be influenced by others' opinions as he's predicting the 12-point underdog Wolverines will shock No. 9 OSU.
"It's at the Big House," Brown said, elaborating on his prognostication. "They'll have a lot of fan support."
Hayes sees things much differently, not only calling for a Buckeye victory, but expecting the game to be lopsided.
"30-14," he said.
Both players have attracted playful criticism this week. Hayes' former teammate, Kevin Koger, is UM's starting tight end, and although Hayes routinely takes advantage of Koger's open invitation to confide in him on football matters, the two regularly exchange barbs related to the rivalry.
"Every time I see him he tells me I need to go to Michigan," Hayes said. "But I tell him the Buckeyes are where it's at."
Because of UM's woefulness over the past two years, Brown has taken some flack in the hallway this week from friends who pull for the in-state team in this rivalry.
"Go Blue. That's my only comeback," Brown said. "You hear them talking a little junk every now and then. Michigan not having that good of a year makes it even worse."
Brown says he envisions the Wolverines being elite again by the time he officially enrolls at the school and that he has faith in Rodriguez, whom he has come to know the past two summers at UM's camp. It's not a secret the Wolverines' secondary is thin on numbers and talent, meaning Brown could be provided an early opportunity to see action at corner.
Ross coach Derek Kidwell verified Internet reports of Brown's 4.5 40-yard dash and his 3.5 GPA. Before Brown leaves for UM - he may enroll in the winter of his senior year - Kidwell intends to make the most of his abilities.
"He takes half the field away so people don't even throw his way," Kidwell said. "Not a lot of people threw his way, not a lot of people ran his way. We're going to correct that next year and move him to free safety."
MINOR OUT: UM's leading rusher, senior Brandon Minor, will miss the game with a shoulder injury, according to the team's injury report released last night. Martavious Odoms (knee) is listed as probable, and starting safety Mike Williams (ankle) is doubtful.
CAPTAINS: Seniors Stevie Brown, Brandon Graham, Zoltan Mesko, and Mark Ortmann were announced UM's permanent captains last night based on a team vote earlier this week. Under Rodriguez, the Wolverines rotate game captains throughout the season before selecting permanent captains before the Ohio State game.
Contact Ryan Autullo at:
rautullo@theblade.com
or 419-724-6160.
Permanent Link
|
|
 |
|
Search
advertisement
