The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Talented group returning in fall
Rosters at local colleges will be beefed up with players using extra year of eligibility
It took a while — about eight months — for fans of the lower levels of college football to get a glimpse of their favorite teams and players.
Some of those glimpses in the spring were a handful of games, but barring future COVID-19 setbacks wreaking havoc on the Fall 2021 seasons, fans should expect a big dose of talent returning across campuses and full seasons throughout the Northeast Ohio region.
A recent NCAA waiver giving seniors from the Fall of 2020 the option of an extra year of eligibility in the Fall of 2021 is opening the door for a ton of talent to return.
Here’s a list of 10 top-notch seniors among area programs who will use that NCAA waiver next fall (in alphabetical order):
JIMMY BURCHETT, NOTRE DAME COLLEGE, OL >>
Burchett was an All-America pick in the Fall of 2019 playing at right guard for the Falcons. He’s the leader of a group that will return all five offensive linemen next fall. At 6-foot-4, 320 pounds, Burchett is a load and consistently moves the opposing defensive lineman in front of him.
Mayfield graduate and freshman Marco Tramontano — who’s also 320 pounds — is working under the tutelage of Burchett and is expected to redshirt next fall. Learning from a player the caliber of Burchett will only help Tramontano.
DEVANAIRE CONLIFFE, NOTRE DAME COLLEGE, WR >>
It took a while for Conliffe to get going in the Falcons’ offense, but his last two games were mega productive. His totals were 11 catches, 294 yards and four touchdowns. At 6-foot-2, 235 pounds, the Willoughby South grad will always be a matchup problem for smaller defensive backs. It’s no wonder NDC junior QB Chris Brimm is always smiling.
JAKE FLORIEA, JOHN CARROLL, QB >>
In 10 games as a starter in 2019, Floriea threw 15 touchdown passes. In three games this spring, the Mentor graduate threw for almost half that total — seven. The good news for Floriea is all of the Blue Streaks’ receivers return next fall and that includes the likes of Keyshawn Colmon, Devin Limerick and Brennan Fugh, who had 17 catches for 194 yards and two TDs in the spring. Also expected back in the fall is Kirtland grad Joey Torok, who missed the spring with an injury. Most of the offensive line also returns.
QUAM LEE, NOTRE DAME COLLEGE, LB >>
At 5-foot-10, 210 pounds, Lee isn’t the most imposing linebacker in Division II but looks can be deceiving. He and junior linebacker Nate Moore form a terrific linebacker duo, and will be a force next fall for the Falcons. Each had more than 100 tackles in 2019.
TYSHAWN JONES, JOHN CARROLL, DB >>
The Euclid grad has been a mainstay on the JCU defense for what seems like years, and for good reason. Whenever Jones is out there as a hybrid defensive back/ linebacker, he’s seemingly always in the right place and the right time and making plays. Jones is fast, quick and a solid tackler. The Blue Streaks’ tough defense became instantly better when he decided to return next fall.
ZAIRE MITCHELL, NOTRE DAME COLLEGE, TE >>
At 6-foot-5, 250 pounds, Mitchell is a site to behold, and a matchup nightmare for the opposition. With Mitchell and plethora of offense players returning next fall, the Falcons — who open the season at home against Ashland — should be a contender for the D-II national championship. If Mitchell improves on his blocking, it’s reasonable to assume NFL teams will look long and hard at the potential of Mitchell at the next level. All the tools are there for him.
COLT MORGAN, CASE WETERN RESERVE, WR >>
The 6-foot-5 Morgan was a Division III All-America pick in 2019 after catching 89 balls for 1,186 yards and 15 TDs. The connection between Case QB Drew Saxton and Morgan is something all area college football fans should watch. Of Coach Greg Debeljak’s 26 seniors this school year, only three are returning next fall. Morgan is among that small group, and a nice place to start.
JOSH PETRUCCELLI, MOUNT UNION, RB >>
With first-year QB Braxton Plunk throwing wild in the spring (1,593 yards, 21 TDs in four games), the Purple Raiders didn’t need Petruccelli much. He still managed 314 yards and a TD in the shortened season. The 314 yards moved the Perry graduate ahead of Dan Pugh at No. 4 on Mount’s all-time rushing list with 4,552 yards. He needs 1,320 rushing yards in the fall to move into the No. 2 spot ahead of Chuck Moore, who has 5,871 career yards. The No. 1 spot at Mount is safe as Nate Kmic is the NCAA’s No. 1 rusher of all time — regardless of division — with 8,074 career yards.
HARRISON RICHARDSON, JOHN CARROLL, DE >>
The NDCL grad is a converted fullback, and at 5-foot9, 220 pounds Richardson doesn’t have the ideal frame to play the position. It hasn’t mattered. He emerged as a standout in 2019, and was productive in three games this spring. Richardson will be one of the leaders for JCU in the fall — mostly because his motor never stops and is relentless getting to the ball.
TABYUS TAYLOR, NOTRE DAME COLLEGE, RB >>
Falcons fans were likely wondering who would replace record-setting Jaleel McLaughlin after McLaughlin transferred to FCS Youngstown State in 2020. Taylor, who transferred in from D-II Virginia Union, answered all questions. He rushed for 902 yards and 12 touchdowns in five games as NDC won its third straight Mountain East Conference championship with a win at home April 17 against Charleston. Projected in an 11-game season, Taylor would have been on pace for 1,984 yards this season.