Hilliard QB expected to pick Buckeyes
By Tim May
Dispatch Sports Reporter
Quarterback Steve Baird of Hilliard is expected to announce today that he will sign a national letter of intent next month with Ohio State.
Baird said last night that he will hold a news conference at Hilliard High School at 1:30 p.m. to announce his choice from three finalists: Ohio State, Kansas and West Virginia. He wouldn’t confirm that his choice was Ohio State, but he did say “It will be well worth your while to be there.”
Sources said he was leaning Ohio State’s way after his official visit to the campus last weekend. He had said earlier in the week his decision wouldn’t come until next Tuesday. He is expected to be the only quarterback in the 1994 class for the Buckeyes, who signed three quarterbacks last year.
At 6 feet 3, 185 pounds, Baird is blessed with 4.55-second speed in the 40. Athletically, he compares favorably to OSU freshman quarterback Stan Jackson, who was red shirted this past season.
“Steve might be a really good fit for Ohio State’s system,” said Bill Kurelic, publisher of the Ohio Football Recruiting News. “He is a good athlete who can do a lot of things for you.”
What he did for Hilliard last season was run for 1,300 yards, pass for 1,200 and lead the Wildcats to the state playoffs for the first time.
His play his senior season, especially his ability to turn busted plays into long gainers, elevated Baird to major college status.
“In my opinion he improved himself, stockwise, more than any other player in this area,” Kurelic said. “He’s one of the top all-around athletes in central Ohio and certainly the best quarterback in central Ohio.”
Dispatch Sports Reporter
Quarterback Steve Baird of Hilliard is expected to announce today that he will sign a national letter of intent next month with Ohio State.
Baird said last night that he will hold a news conference at Hilliard High School at 1:30 p.m. to announce his choice from three finalists: Ohio State, Kansas and West Virginia. He wouldn’t confirm that his choice was Ohio State, but he did say “It will be well worth your while to be there.”
Sources said he was leaning Ohio State’s way after his official visit to the campus last weekend. He had said earlier in the week his decision wouldn’t come until next Tuesday. He is expected to be the only quarterback in the 1994 class for the Buckeyes, who signed three quarterbacks last year.
At 6 feet 3, 185 pounds, Baird is blessed with 4.55-second speed in the 40. Athletically, he compares favorably to OSU freshman quarterback Stan Jackson, who was red shirted this past season.
“Steve might be a really good fit for Ohio State’s system,” said Bill Kurelic, publisher of the Ohio Football Recruiting News. “He is a good athlete who can do a lot of things for you.”
What he did for Hilliard last season was run for 1,300 yards, pass for 1,200 and lead the Wildcats to the state playoffs for the first time.
His play his senior season, especially his ability to turn busted plays into long gainers, elevated Baird to major college status.
“In my opinion he improved himself, stockwise, more than any other player in this area,” Kurelic said. “He’s one of the top all-around athletes in central Ohio and certainly the best quarterback in central Ohio.”