Henry picked the Bobcats over two other Mid-American Conference schools, Miami, Ohio, and Marshall.

Thursday, February 03, 2000

Henry picked the Bobcats over two other Mid-American Conference schools, Miami, Ohio, and Marshall. Henry’s father, Joe Fletcher, also played for Ohio.

"I’ll probably play outside linebacker. I think I’ll like outside linebacker. I’m going to try that and see how that goes. If I don’t like it, then I’ll try fullback," said the 6-foot, 220-pound Henry.

A ferocious pass rusher and hard-hitter, Henry’s play at defensive end was often overshadowed by his ability to run the ball.

His play at defensive end is the reason Ohio elected to recruit Henry as an outside linebacker instead of his fullback position on offense.

Henry missed three games in the regular season and played one-half or less in three other contests.

But he made up for the lack of work in the playoffs as he carried 124 times for 531 yards in five games for a 4.3 average and scored 12 touchdowns.

On the season, Henry finished with 1,005 yards on 201 carries for a 5.0 yards per carry and led the team with 24 touchdowns. He also had eight receptions for 89 yards and a touchdown.

Henry knew Ohio was the right place for him.

"The coaches treated me like other players and the players treated me like I was their brother. When I went up there, it was like being at home," Henry said.

The 6-foot, 185-pound Harmon was a multi-talented standout for Ironton. Harmon received inquiries from dozens of major programs and was seriously recruited by Minnesota, West Virginia, Indiana, Pittsburgh, LSU, and Marshall.

But Harmon said the Spartans were an easy choice.

"I liked all their people and their players and their coaches. I just felt comfortable around everybody. I felt I could live around those people the next four years of my life. I feel comfortable socially and I felt they cared about your education," said Harmon.

He rushed 187 times for 1,268 yards – 6.8 average – and scored 21 touchdowns, nine through the air. He also led the team in receiving with 32 receptions for 692 yards.

Defensively, Harmon averaged eight tackles a game and led the team with six interceptions, one for a touchdown.

Harmon led Ironton in punt returns (17 for 204) and kickoff returns (12-290).

But of all the things he did, his first love was defense.

"I prefer defense. I like to hit people," said Harmon. "They said I’ve got a chance to play, but I have to work hard. My prediction is it will take a year or so."

Ironton head coach Bob Lutz said he has now doubts about the duo’s abilities or chances to play at the Division I level.

"They’re quality players and they’re even better people. They have great work ethic to go along with their talents. I think you’ll be hearing about them on Saturday afternoons in the future," Lutz said.