Roman Fry is a tiger,and he’ll stay a tiger.

Tuesday, December 11, 2001

Roman Fry is a tiger,and he’ll stay a tiger. Fry is a senior offensive lineman for the Ironton Fighting Tigers. Next year, Fry will be an offensive lineman for the Clemson Tigers.

The 6-foot-4, 255-pound guard/tackle gave a verbal commitment Monday to Clemson University. The national letter-of-intent day is Feb. 4.

"We decided last night. I was getting tired of everything and I knew where I wanted to go. Ron West, offensive line coach, I told him tonight when he came. He was very exited and I was very happy with my decision. I have no regrets."

Fry was a first team all-district selection and second team All-Ohio. He was a three-year starter for Ironton which compiled a 31-7 record during that span including three playoff appearances and a state runner-up in 1999.

Fry said he narrowed his decision to Clemson and three others teams: West Virginia, Cincinnati, and Wake Forest. He received offers from those schools along with Ohio University, Indiana, Bowling Green, Kent State, Akron, and Toledo. Fry dropped Indiana from the list when coach Cam Cameron was fired. He elected to switch from Indiana to Cincinnati.

Purdue and Ohio State both recruited Fry but did not make an offer. Ohio State did invite Fry to make an official visit.

"I got to visit Clemson this past summer and I saw the Virginia game, and I knew that’s were I wanted to go. I wanted to make sure, so I visited West Virginia and Cincinnati, but I think Clemson is a great player and they have great academics and great support.," Fry said.

Support isn’t a problem at Clemson. The stadium holds 86,000 fans and the Tigers play in what has been dubbed "Death Valley."

"When you see 86,000 screaming fans and see the most exciting 25 seconds in football when they rub the rock (running onto the field), and they have the spread offense and it’s fun to play in," Fry said.

Fry was recruit as an offensive lineman by more teams, but Wake Forest and Indiana planned to use him on defense. Fry said where he played in college had nothing to do with is decision.

"They’re going to play me on offense. Wake Forest and Indiana were going to play me on defense," said Fry. "But they’re going to play me at center. In their style of offense, you don’t have to be that big. Their All-American center (Kyle Young) played at 265. I’m at 255 now.

"One of things a lot of people asked, but I’m the type of person who just wants to play. It didn’t matter to me. Defense is attractive because I like to hit. But they’re going to put you where they want when you get there."

Fry is one of the first players to commit

"They’re hoping to sign five – well, now four – offensive linemen. They have great skilled players. They signed the best wide receiver class last year."

"They’re always going to have winning seasons and they’re always going to go to a bowl. I haven’t thought about (going to watch them in their bowl), but that’s a possibility."

Roman is the son of Ed and Angel Fry of Ironton.