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Cincinnati’s Top Ten Class of 2017 Recruits

This season I am once again publishing my top ten Tri-State college recruits in the 2017 class. Last year it was Elder offensive lineman and Notre Dame commit Tommy Kramer, who was atop the list, and this year once again an offensive lineman takes the top spot, but this time from Elder’s conference rival St. Xavier.

St. Xavier OL Matt Bockhorst (James Adams/TSF).

St. Xavier OL Matt Bockhorst (James Adams/TSF).

Matt Bockhorst, St. Xavier, OL – This Clemson commit is the best player in the Tri-State area. Unfortunately he will most likely miss his senior year with a torn-ACL, but that does not prevent Bockhorst from being atop this list. Bockhorst had the opportunity to go to Michigan, Michigan State, Penn State, Cincinnati or Louisville, but he chose the Atlantic Coast Conference and one of the best college programs in the country.

Amir Riep, Colerain, DB – After receiving 48 scholarship offers, Riep made his decision to attend The Ohio State University next fall. Riep told TriState Football in an interview that he wanted to go to a college where he would compete against the best and prepare himself for the next level. This 4-star athlete had 40 solo tackles, seven interceptions, and two forced fumbles last season. He helped Colerain to a 12-2 record and a trip to the Regional Semifinal. He is a Preseason All-TSF First Team.

Sean Clifford, St. Xavier, QB – This 6-feet-2 quarterback committed to Penn State before his junior season. He helped the Bombers to a 6-4 record a year ago after throwing for 1748 yards and 18 total touchdowns. They reached the second round of the Division I playoffs after losing to Colerain, 42-14. He is part of the Preseason TSF-First Team and best quarterback in the Tri-State area.

Matt Dotson, Moeller, TE – This 6-feet-5, 225 lb Michigan State commit was in the shadows of former Moeller tight end Jake Hausmann, but now he is the primary tight end for the Crusaders. He finished last season with 12 receptions for 191 yards and two touchdowns. Lakota West did not have an answer for Dotson in the season opener as he caught two touchdown passes and gained 49 yards.

Jarell White, LaSalle, RB/DB – Scored the Lancers first touchdown of 2016 against Sycamore in Week 1 and accumulated over 380 all –purpose yards. A good start to the season after gaining 413 yards and seven touchdowns a year ago behind Cincinnati commit Jeremy Larkin. White made 75 tackles, three forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and two defensive touchdowns a year ago as a defensive back. He has been offered a scholarship from Boston College, Cincinnati, Illinois, Iowa, Iowa State, Ohio and Toledo.

Matt Sichterman, Kings, OL – This 6-feet-5, 270 lb lineman committed to Nebraska this summer after having over 20 scholarship offers. He is a Preseason TSF First-Team. He helped the offense exceed over 2,500 yards of rushing, and 2,400 of passing last season. Kings made the playoffs for the second straight season, and this time made it to the Regional Semifinal.

Jerron Cage, Winton Woods, DL – Led the Warriors with three and a half sacks, and 40 tackles a year ago. He was offered scholarships by Illinois, Cincinnati and Kentucky, but decided on The Ohio State University. His brother is currently playing for Notre Dame.

Kyle Bolden, Colerain, LB – Another Bolden makes the list of top players in the Tri-State area. As a junior, he was second on the team in tackles, and had three and a half sacks. His best game was against Dublin Coffman after recording a sack, five tackles and a forced fumble. Bolden was named the 2015 TriState Football Cincinnati Defensive Player of the Year for his efforts. He has offers from Cincinnati, Illinois, Indiana, Marshall, Maryland, Miami (OH) and Toledo.

Josiah Scott, Fairfield, DB – This 5-feet-10 defensive back is undecided, but has offers from Bowling Green, Iowa, Kent State, Michigan State, Pittsburgh and West Virginia. According to numerous sites he has been clocked at a 4.4 on the 40-yard dash. He led Fairfield with three interception a year ago, 33 tackles and a fumble recovery for touchdown. Scott had two interceptions in the season opener at Centerville.

Keonte Jones, Colerain, DB – Jones is another piece of one of the best secondary’s in the state. Jones had a crucial interception in the season opener that helped Colerain comeback to win 31-28 against Warren Central (IN). Last season he recorded 80 tackles, and second on the team with four interceptions. He contributed to the 12-2 record. He has been recruited by many colleges, including Wisconsin, Cincinnati, West Virginia, Virginia Tech, Purdue and Louisville.

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