Google Maps calculates that Athens is a two hour and 52 minute drive from Barberton.
To safety Thad Ingol, a redshirt junior, and defensive lineman Jerry Williams, a freshman, their hometown might as well be across the country.
Ingol and Williams, who each attended Barberton High School, went against the grain when choosing to attend Ohio, as most of their classmates attended colleges that were closer to home such as Akron, Kent State or Toledo.
Enrolling as a Bobcat allowed the two to escape from that bubble.
“It was just realizing that I was trying to step out of the box,” Williams said. “You know, trying not to do the norm. (Athens) really opened up my eyes and everything is so different and unique in its own right — it’s a big family thing.”
And Ingol wanted to see fresh faces as he moved on from high school.
“Going to one of those schools would be like walking through the hallways of high school again,” Ingol said. “Seeing people who have graduated years ahead of me and behind me and we’re all still together. I mean, that’s all fun, but I wanted to branch out and start something new.”
Ingol fell in love with Ohio when he made his first visit during his junior year of high school with his teammate, quarterback Kyle Snyder.
He recalls meeting with the defensive coaches while Snyder met with offensive coaches, as each then committed on the spot. After their meetings ended, the two informed each other of their decision.
Snyder has since transferred to Southeast Missouri State, but Ingol feels that Ohio was right for him.
As Ingol was leaving Barberton, Williams was beginning his career for the Magics, but he had met Ingol before he headed to Athens.
When it came time to committing to a school, the fact that Williams knew someone at Ohio that was from Barberton played a role in the lineman’s decision.
“I was talking to Thad and it kind of helped out in the process,” Williams said. “He was here, so I was like, ‘I’m coming.’ We’ve got to make it a Barberton thing as family down here.”
Defensive coordinator Jimmy Burrow said that having an older player from the same high school is a bonus in the development of a freshman like Williams.
He also said that bringing in players from the same high school can establish a pipeline of players heading to Ohio.
“I think any time you have a good relationship with the school, it helps you get good quality players,” Burrow said.
Burrow was also very high on the development of Ingol, who was named the Mid-American Conference defensive player of the week after Ohio’s win against Akron two weeks ago.
“He has good size and speed, and that’s what you’re looking for,” Ingol said. “He’s a smart player. And anytime you get that combination, as he’s gaining more and more experience, he’s a heck of a player.”
After playing with a lack of confidence last season, Ingol credits the experience that Burrow mentioned as what has allowed him to become a playmaker on defense, where he’s tied for the team lead with two interceptions.
“It’s just understanding the defense more and being able to execute at a high level,” Ingol said. “I wouldn’t say that I didn’t know the defense last year, but I’m a little more comfortable in my body and that makes me more comfortable on the field. When I line up, I really don’t second-guess myself anymore.”
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