Besides Markell Jones, three other Columbus natives are playing Division I football this fall. Here is a look at each:
Thomas Shoaf
High school: Columbus North
College: BYU
Year: Redshirt-sophomore
Position: Offensive tackle
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 275 pounds
Prospects: Following a redshirt season and two years on a Mormon mission, Shoaf was the Cougars starting right tackle for the final nine games last season and was named Freshman All-American by the Football Writers Association of America. This spring, he moved to left tackle and is slated to start there in Saturday’s season opener against Portland State.
Best place to catch him this year: Oct. 21 at East Carolina
Harry Crider
High school: Columbus East
College: Indiana
Year: Freshman
Position: Center
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 290 pounds
Prospects: Hoosier coaches have spoken highly of Crider throughout camp, but do not guarantee playing time for freshman. It remains a question whether he will redshirt.
Best place to catch him this year: IU has six home games beginning Aug. 31 against second-ranked Ohio State.
Mitchell Burton
High school: Columbus North
College: Miami (Ohio)
Year: Freshman
Position: Defensive back
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 202 pounds
Prospects: The RedHawks are loaded at running back with their top four rushers back from last season, so last week, coaches moved Burton to defensive back. He is still, however, likely ticketed for a redshirt.
Best place to catch him this year: Miami has six home games beginning Sept. 9 vs. Austin Peay. The Red Hawks also play twice in Indiana (Sept. 30 at Notre Dame and Nov. 21 at Ball State).
Rhett Myers
High school: Columbus East
College: Air Force
Year: Sophomore
Position: Tight end
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 250 pounds
Prospects: Although Myers is playing for the Falcons, he is not listed on the varsity roster. He has three seniors ahead of him on the depth chart, so he might compete for playing time next year.
Best place to catch him this year: Sept. 16 at Michigan or Oct. 7 at Navy
