East juniors Devanier Floyd and Ramon Fields have committed to play football on scholarship at their hometown college, the University of Akron.
“I think this is a fantastic opportunity for both of these guys,” East football coach Marques Hayes said. “They are two hard workers. They are kids that have kept their nose to the ground. I told them to not worry about the recruiting process because it will take care of itself. Akron just really has an advantage over a lot of other schools because we play a lot of our [City Series] high school games right there at their stadium.”
Hayes played football at UA after growing up in Flint, Mich.
Fields has started the past three years and Floyd has started the past two years. Both are on the track and field team with Fields throwing the shot put and discus and Floyd running in sprint events.
“I feel good about this commitment because it is really close to home and this is an opportunity to play at the next level,” said Floyd, who is a 5-foot-9½, 210-pound running back.
“To be able to play with some of the people I played with in high school is a blessing.”
Floyd recently clocked 4.44 seconds in a 40-yard dash, and is the reigning 100-meter City Series champion with a time of 11.24 seconds and a Division I regional meet qualifier.
Fields, who is 6-foot-4, 394-pounds, said UA recruited him as a defensive lineman.
UA coach Terry Bowden has become quite familiar with East recently as Dragons senior running back Jemarulin Suggs and senior defensive lineman De’Andre Brimage signed with the Zips in February, and senior defensive back Marquess Callaway is working on improving his ACT score to earn a scholarship during the summer or fall.
“This is a blessing to commit to Akron, and truly this is a good opportunity,” Fields said. “The program is coming up. They won the Idaho Potato Bowl in 2015 and this is a good opportunity to play with Suggs, big Brim and Callaway.”
Hayes said East sophomore Kyre Williams has an offer from UA, and Dragons junior Daishawn Brimage has offers from UA, Kent State, Albany and Notre Dame College.
“I am excited. I wish the season started tomorrow,” Hayes said.
Fields and Floyd, who are both 17, helped East win the City Series title and advance to the second round of the Division III playoffs.
“It was truly an honor to play with my teammates,” Fields said. “We prepped all season, talked about winning the City Series title and making the playoffs, and we did it. What more can you say? We feel like this season is going to be even better.”
Said Floyd: “It was great to be part of that squad. This past season was an eye-opener.”
Michael Beaven can be reached at 330-996-3829 or mbeaven@thebeaconjournal.com. Read the #ABJVarsity high school blog at www.ohio.com/preps. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MBeavenABJ.