The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
JCU lands two of area’s top corners
With the spread offense seemingly here to stay from the high school level on up, teams fielding talented defensive backs has become more important than ever.
John Carroll is getting two of the area’s best cornerbacks. April 6, Kirtland’s Joey Grazia announced his commitment to play for the Blue Streaks, as will Chardon’s Kevin Doyle, who made up his mind in February.
Together, they could one day form a nice duo in JCU’s secondary. Grazia and Doyle were shutdown defenders during the Hornets’ and Hilltoppers’ runs to state championships last fall.
“We’ve had some talented guys here, but he’s probably the best corner we’ve ever had. What I saw him do every day in practice was special.” Kirtland football coach Tiger LaVerde, on Joey Grazia
Grazia’s decision came late a little late in the recruiting season, and with good reason. He was undecided about playing in college, mostly because he will need shoulder surgery in August. Grazia injured it during the playoffs last fall and will need to repair his labrum and rotator cuff.
The recovery time is expected to be six to eight months, meaning Grazia won’t play for JCU until the fall of 2022.
“I’ve played since first or second grade,” said Grazia, who had more than 30 pass breakups last season and was Kirtland’s leading receiver. “I love to compete, love winning. So it will be tough not being out there, but I want to be there for my teammates.”
There is a definite JCU connection in the Grazia family. His parents and three older siblings are all graduates of the school. His mother also works at JCU. Another factor is his Kirtland teammate Mason Sullivan, who recently committed to the Blue Streaks as a running back.
“We’re going to room together the first year there,” said Grazia.
Hornets coach Tiger LaVerde said Coach Rick Finotti and his staff are getting a special player in Grazia, who holds the Hornets’ career interception record.
“I don’t know if Joey realizes how talented he is,” he said. “We’ve had some talented guys here, but he’s probably the best corner we’ve ever had. What I saw him do every day in practice was special … His 40 time isn’t as fast as his mind and his anticipation. He might run a 4.6 but he plays like a 4.4.”
Under Coach Mitch Hewitt, the Hilltoppers are adept at producing tough, hard-nosed players, and Doyle fits that bill. The two-year starter on varsity checks in at 5-foot-11, 180 pounds.
“I love to compete and love to be physical off the line,” said Doyle, who’s spent most of time as a football player at cornerback. “I think I’m pretty good at open-field tackling. (Playing corner) is just fun.”
Grazia and Doyle have known each other for years while crossing paths as youth football players in the area.
Recently, Doyle trained at Tim Robertson’s Speed Strength in Chester Township with Sullivan. Robertson is the strength coach at JCU.
“The John Carroll culture is great, and I wanted to be a part of it,” said Doyle.
“I felt like it was the best fit for me.”