Berry primed for big 2013

Lorain High does not see the wave of college coaches come through their doors that the traditional Northeast Ohio talent-producers do, but defensive end Rashod Berry will bring them in this fall.

The 6-foot-5, 220-pound Berry is one of Ohio's top prospects in the 2015 class, but his recruitment is just now starting to catch up with his talent.

Early offers came in from Mid-American Conference schools Akron, Bowling Green, Kent State and Toledo in the spring. Additional interest has arrived in the form of letters this summer from Arkansas, Florida and Nebraska, but the BCS school he has had the most contact with is Ohio State. Berry camped with the Buckeyes twice this summer.

"I worked with the defensive ends coach," Berry said. "He said if I work on my technique, I could be good.

"I don't really have that much film on defensive end, so he said they just need to see me play this season. They just said it is possible I could get an offer, they just need to see me play."

Berry goes into his recruitment with no pre-conceived favorites among college football teams.

"Growing up, I didn't play football until the fifth grade so I wasn't really into [college football]," Berry said. "My mom got me out and I was so good at it I just loved it."

Basketball was Berry's primary sport as a kid, and he still plays the game today. He started at power forward for Lorain High as a sophomore, averaging 10 points and 5.6 rebounds per game.

Football, however, is where Berry's future in sports lies and he has dedicated himself this off-season to realizing his potential on the gridiron.

"I've just been in the weight room, getting stronger, getting faster and working on all my techniques," Berry said. "I'm just working on all the little things, trying to become a better player."

Besides defensive end, Berry also played tight end as a sophomore. He is open to the tight end position in college if teams are interested in him there, but expects his future to be on the defensive side of the football.