Lakewood Ohio DB emerging

Miami of Ohio and Ball State are the first two college football programs to offer Lakewood (Ohio) St. Edward prospect Odis Prunty a scholarship. The talented defensive back quietly put together a solid 2008 campaign playing alongside Rivals100 defensive back Latwan Anderson, who has transferred to Glenville.

"It is pretty exciting to get offers," Prunty said. "To know that a school want you to play football for them is exciting. I have been down to Bowling Green a couple of times. They have a nice stadium. I like Bowling Green a lot. I do not know much about Miami of Ohio. That offers came as a surprise. I was not talking much with them."

The 6-foot-1 prospect says most schools are recruiting him as a cornerback.

"I think I am more of a bump and run corner. I like to press a lot. That is one of my best strengths."

Prunty said Cincinnati, Ball State, and Iowa State have stopped by St. Edward this Spring.

"Cincinnati, Ball State, and Central Michigan are three of my favorites," Prunty said. "I have been down to Cincinnati. I just like the environment there. I really like the coaches. Coach Brian Kelly is a pretty funny guy."

Prunty has not visited Ball State or Central Michigan.

Like many of Ohio's top high school programs, St. Edward plays a brutal schedule. In 2009, the Eagles face off against Mentor, Cincinnati Elder, St. Xavier, Moeller, and St. Ignatius- all Ohio powerhouses. In addition, the Eagles take on out-of-state foes H.D. Woodson (D.C.), Inkster (Mich.), and Erie Cathedral Prep (Pa.).

"I like playing a tough schedule," Prunty said. "You don't get an easy team that will let you run all over them. I like competition. That is why we play the game."

Last season, St. Edward finished 6-5, losing to the eventual Division 1 state champions, St. Ignatius, in the first round of the playoffs.

"Our priority is always to win state," Prunty said. "We are going to try our best. Our team is not that experienced. We have about nine returning starters, and most of them will only be juniors next year. So we are very young."