Brunswick linebacker Nekich will play despite torn ACL: training camp notes

Bob Fortuna and Tim Warsinskey, The Plain Dealer, August 19, 2009 9:03 a.m.

Brunswicksenior linebacker Zach Nekich, who tore his left ACL during a recent practice, was scheduled to be fitted for a brace Tuesday.

"Zach wants to play, he got clearance to play with a brace and that's what he's going to do," said Blue Devils coach Rich Nowak. "I left it up to the doctors, Zach and his parents."

Name dropping: Central Ohio has two familiar names playing prominent roles this year. Dublin Coffman QB Cole Stoudt is the son of former Pittsburgh Steeler Cliff Stoudt. Upper Arlington senior QB Kyle Cassady is the grandson of Ohio State football legend Howard "Hopalong" Cassady, the 1955 Heisman Trophy winner.

Names missing: Two of Ohio's top returning players (and Ohio State recruits) aren't back after all.

Outside linebacker/tight end Jamel Turner left Youngstown Ursuline and appears headed to a prep school or military academy. There's no definitive word yet on his oral commitment to Ohio State, or OSU's scholarship offer to Turner.

Quarterback Aaron Craft, an OSU basketball recruit, has decided not to play football after three brilliant seasons at Division V power Liberty-Benton. He's going to concentrate on hoops. L-B was 14-0 in football until losing to Youngstown Ursuline in the state 2008 final.