COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio Dominican makes its initial foray into GLIAC action this week as the Panthers welcome new conference foe Northwood into Panther Field for a noon kickoff on Saturday, Sept. 11. The Panthers finished 2009 with a 7-3 record, including a 5-1 mark against NCAA Division II programs and another win against Lake Erie College, which is also transitioning to Division II membership in the GLIAC.
Thirteen starters return from that team, including eight on offense and five on defense. Quarterback Billy Griffin threw for 2,489 yards and 18 touchdowns, directing an offense that averaged nearly 35 points per game. Top receiver Brandon Robinson (39 catches, 553 yards) is back, as are ODU's four leading rushers from last year's squad that set school records with 1,660 yards and 28 touchdowns. A veteran line with four returning starters solidifies the offensive attack.
All four starters on the defensive line saw significant time last year, led by Eli Kovach (19 tackles, three for loss) and Jake Kuhn (2.5 sacks). Senior Manju Jabbie (35 tackles, 2.5 sacks; pictured) moves to outside linebacker from defensive end, while Kevin Guthrie (35 tackles) gets the starting nod in the middle. Senior linebackers Miguel Davis (40 tackles) and Eric Dern (57 tackles) also return. A young secondary is led by sophomore Jeff White, who recorded 72 tackles, three picks and five forced fumbles in 2009, while Eisen Hardy (20 tackles) appeared in eight games last season.
The special teams should also be strong, led by place kicker Chris Vortkamp (7-of-10 field goals in 2009) and sophomore punter Ryan Breen, a transfer from Penn State.
ALL OHIO DOMINICAN FOOTBALL GAMES LIVE ON THE RADIO AND INTERNET
Fans in Central Ohio can listen to Ohio Dominican football LIVE on the radio on 1580 AM (St. Gabriel Radio) and simulcast online everywhere at panthers.ohiodominican.edu. This week's broadcast starts at 11:30 a.m. with the Panther Countdown Pregame Show. Veteran broadcaster Todd Bell returns for his third year in the booth announcing ODU football and is joined by John Westenhaver.
THE SERIES
This is the first meeting between the two teams. Tiffin and Lake Erie are the lone two schools on the schedule the Panthers have faced prior to 2010.
Contact: Scott Miles
miless@ohiodominican.edu
