As Ohio Bobcat Head Football Coach Brian Knorr sat down with us this morning to talk about his football signing class, the sound of casual whistling echoed down the halls of the Peden Stadium offices.

It was a bouncy tune?Ohio coaches are happy today, outwardly pleased with the 18 football players the Bobcats signed to National Letters of Intent on Wednesday.

Most Bobcat football fans knew the obvious needs Ohio had to address during the recruiting season to replace outgoing contributors, primarily on the offensive line and at kicker. There were also depth concerns at several positions. A smiling Knorr said, mission accomplished.

"We think we need depth particularly up front on the offensive and defensive lines," said Knorr. "We've addressed those needs."

Headlining the offensive line group are California JUCO transfers Ralph Bracamonte and Steve Wiggins. Knorr said Bracamonte, who earned JUCO All-American honors last year, is a versatile lineman whose played center and tackle and will fight for time at center in April. Wiggins, a Ft. Wayne, Ind., native, is a converted defensive lineman with great quickness who will step into the rotation at guard.

Knorr is also excited about landing Virginia lineman Matt Miller, a physical player who started three years during high school at Atlee High School in Mechanicsville, Va.

Another JUCO player in the trenches who should contribute immediately is highly recruited tight end Ryan Antle, with great size at about 6-4, 250. "What he's shown us in winter workout and in the weight room, he's definitely ready to step in at this level," said Knorr.

As for the kicking slot, Knorr said Craig Donahue of Olentangy High School north of Columbus is the team's kicker heading into next season. The strong-legged kicker nailed two kicks of more than 50 yards last season, and will be pushed during practice by walk-on kickers already on campus.

To hear coach Knorr talk about all 18 signees, click on the video link in each player's bio below.

NOTES: Ohio could sign another player or two in the coming weeks, but coaches don't feel like it's necessary. "We're not in a big hurry," said Knorr. "There's a lot of great players out there. We feel like we have a great class, but we may have some spots for an additional signee or two."...Knorr said he could have an offensive line coach hired by the end of the week. Mike Summers left during the winter to join the staff at Louisville, where his daughter attends college. Knorr said he has had many calls about the job, has interviewed five or six candidates, and one has been on campus. "Certainly it's an attractive position," said Knorr about the candidate pool...Spring ball is set to begin the week after Spring Break and conclude with the annual Green and White contest the first weekend in May. That schedule could change, said Knorr, depending on the status of players who have had offseason injuries. "We'll see how their rehab is going. It could be kicked back a week."...Spring ball will be open to the public. "It's a great opportunity to come out and see the guys who didn't play last year and who we'll be counting on in the future," he said.