Tight end Ryan Antle transferred to Ohio along with defensive back Andre' Bradford from Pasadena City Junior College. The 6-foot-4-inch, 250-pound Antle was First Team All Mission Conference last season. He is expected to challenge for a starting spot. The Post's Mike Cottrill asked him a few questions about the transition to Division I, the quarterback controversy and Ohio weather.
The Post: What is the hardest part of the transition from junior college football to Division I?
Antle: The hardest thing is learning the new offense, and then trying to fit my style of play into that. Everybody talks about the speed being the biggest difference, but it is still football. I know I haven't played a game yet, but it has that same feel. I just have to work my game into this system.
The Post: How much easier was your transition to Ohio having (fellow junior college transfer) Andre' Bradford as your roommate winter quarter?
Antle: It helped me out a lot. I was sort of shy when I first got here. It was winter, and there wasn't much to do, but Dre' made me go out and meet people.
The Post: You had a pretty solid junior college season, what are your expectations when you step onto the field next year?
Antle: I feel like I have had a good spring, and I'm going to get the ball. We've talked about opening up the offense a little bit, and I think that I can be a big part of that. Of course, I also expect to bring my blocking ability to our line, but I would also like to see a couple of catches every game. I really feel like I can be someone this team can count on for a big play at any time.
The Post: How did you end up playing Ohio football?
Antle: Well, Ohio recruited me right after the season. Initially, though, I was ready to sign with Kentucky. When their coach quit right around signing time I had to scramble around, and I was happy to hear that Ohio still wanted me. I liked it here from my first visit, and now that I am here I have no regrets.
The Post: You said the offense may be opening up a little bit. What are your expectations of the offense next year?
Antle: I think our offense will have a real breakthrough season. We have some key linemen coming back from injury, and that will really bolster the run game. Both of the quarterbacks (Fred Ray and Ryan Hawk) are awesome, so it's hard to say what to expect there. Whichever one we go with though, I know we will be able to break games wide open.
The Post: You transferred here from a school in California. On some of these rainy spring days do you ever ask yourself what the heck you're doing in Southern Ohio?
Antle: (Laughing) Sure, I ask myself that every once in a while. Sometimes when I think about the climate here or how far I am from home I wonder about where I am. But I have met so many great guys on this team, and they have become my family. Those guys get me through any worries I have.
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Mike Cottrill
