Thought I would highlight this young man's story for those that may not follow the recruiting board. A Southeastern Ohio kid that was on the previous staff's radar when he completely dominated the youth camp at the Convo following his 7th grade season. Boals offered him following his freshman season not long after Boals got the job.

AJ committed after his sophomore season. AJ has said Athens has always felt like home and he never seemed to give anyone else much more serious thought (he had offers from Akron, Kent, Cleveland St and others). I love when guys seem to commit to not only the team and coach but the University as a whole with pride.

After committing as a 2022 commit, he reclassified as a HS Senior to join the Bobcats a year earlier. Kid came to campus this summer as a 17 year old. Naturally everybody assumed he would get a redshirt given his age and the depth of our roster this year before Carter & Wilson (and maybe BVP) move on next year.

Not so...game 1 and one of our biggest games of the year and he plays 9 minutes including coming in the middle of the 2nd half of a tie game. All while he is supposed to be in High School. To me that speaks volumes for how much Boals & staff believes in this kid and the plans they have for him. He will be called upon big time next year, and be a key piece this year with Dwight out. I look forward to seeing AJ in Athens for the next 4 years.

Great stuff....didn't know a lot of the back story. When he signed, I was like OK....a definite redshirt freshman year. But obviously that is off the table. Love the length and athleticism. More importantly....love his confidence and swag for a 17 year old.