Just over a year ago Bucknuts.com featured a talented sophomore linebacker from southern Ohio, Jaylen Prater (Wellston, Ohio/Wellston).
The 6-foot-1 and 218-pound Prater was an All-District selection his freshman season when he played inside linebacker and fullback. Prater made 55 tackles that season. He had 10 tackles for loss and five sacks. On offense Prater carried the ball 94 times for 515 yards and five touchdowns.
Prater was held out of the first five games of his sophomore season with a left knee sprain he sustained in the second pre-season scrimmage. When he returned to action Prater played linebacker and running back.
This season a healthy Prater has started all six of Wellston’s games at middle linebacker and quarterback. He is averaging 10 plus tackles per game and has approximately 600 yards rushing.
Wellston is not a traditional stop for college recruiters, but word has gotten out that it would be a mistake not to stop there this season.
“Cincinnati is recruiting me as a ‘Will’ linebacker,” Prater said. “Cincinnati and Toledo have offered (a scholarship). Ohio University and Bowling Green said they are going to offer.”
Many other schools are also showing interest including Ohio State.
“I get a lot of mail everyday,” Prater said. “Oregon, Stanford, Virginia, LSU, Ball State, Purdue, Northwestern, those are some of them. I receive a piece of mail every other day or so from Ohio State.
“I talk to coach (Luke) Fickell about once a month. I went to Ohio State’s spring game.”
Prater also attended the Connecticut at Michigan, Indiana State at Cincinnati and Oklahoma at Cincinnati games.“I don’t have a favorite,” Prater said. “I’d like to keep my options open. I want to see what’s out there.”
In addition to being a fine football prospect, Prater is also in great shape academically. He has a 4.0 GPA.
http://bucknuts.com/index.php/Football-Recruiting-Article/prater-talking-to-buckeyes/menu-id-1346.html
