Porter: Howard a long way from playing with Zips

Hoover running back Erick Howard signed a letter of intent with the University of Akron. That scholarship is only good if Howard becomes a qualifier, similarly to Henderson.

If Howard doesn’t qualify academically, he has options available to him. He could become a Prop 48 student, which means he would pay for his first year at Akron, show he can do college work, and then be put on scholarship.

Or he could go the prep school route.

Ohio State signed two players in this year’s class from Fork Union Military Academy, a prep school.

I got the distinct feeling that Tressel was sending a veiled message to a player like Howard, who may consider a military school.

“Jamel Turner gained the most at Fork Union,” Tressel said. “That is a tremendous experience for any kid ... if you ever talk to Eddie George, that was a turning point in his life.”

George went to Fork Union before coming to Ohio State and winning the Heisman Trophy.

“(Turner) went to Fork Union and all of a sudden he gained a tremendous appreciation for reading,” Tressel said. “In his eyes, he would rather read a book than see a movie. He said when you read a book, you can create the character in your mind. In a movie, they create the character for you.”

MASSILLON’S OFFENSE

Don’t be surprised if Massillon wide receivers Justin Olack or Devin Smith are in the backfield this fall for the Tigers. Head coach Jason Hall said their are a handful of players competing to replace Robert Partridge, who will leave a big void on the offense in 2010.

“There is a possibility of one of those two (Smith or Olack) playing a role in the backfield,” Hall said. “There’s some Wildcat packages with Devin. He’s played quarterback in the past.” Olack also played quarterback before moving to receiver.

SMITH, OLACK RECRUITING

Smith and Olack are both drawing attention from FBS schools. Major colleges are well aware of Smith. At 6-foot-2 and with 16 touchdowns last year, major programs would have to have their head buried in the sand.

But Olack is bigger at 6-foot-3, 195 pounds.

HALL ON INVESTIGATION

Hall is happy the OHSAA investigation is over, but he said he was never concerned.

“I was never worried about it to be honest. It was a joke to begin with,” Hall said. “I know what we do, and I know we do things the right way. It’s kind of sad. ... If someone wants to go to Massillon, it’s the end of the world. Why is that no one says anything about the kids who come to Massillon to be in our state-ranked choir? Or the kids who want to be a part of the DREAM project? But it happens.

“I won’t bash other schools, but nothing is said about them. We have one of the top academics football teams in the state. Our girls basketball team is one of the top academic teams in the state. With the way we do study tables, the DREAM project, the facilities ... it’s about character and pride and taking advantage of the opportunities and doing things the right way. What’s right is right.”