Vonn Bell Going to Ohio State

Vonn Bell's recruiting announcement drew plenty of media attention. His decision was broadcast live on ESPNU. Said Bell in front of an audiencein the high school theater room,"I will be attending the Ohio State University."(cheers) "It's relief and joy. Now I'll be able to get some sleep now."

Bell signed with the Buckeyes over Tennessee and Alabama. Said Bell,"Coach Urban Meyer has the juice and the energy." Said Ridgeland coach Mark Mariakis,"The decision was tough to say no. It wasn't so much tough to say yes to somebody. It was telling two people no."

Reporter-"Talk about UT's recruiting. How close did they come to getting you?" Said Bell,"They were real close. They were second. Bama is just too deep. They're the number one team in the nation. Everybody wants apart of that memory."

Two others signed at Ridgeland today. Gannon Hampton is going to Carson Newman, while Darrell Bridges is headed to Presbyterian College. Said Hampton,"I just went up there. Everything was nice. Loved the coaching staff." Added Bridges,"They stuck with me throughout spring ball coming into my senior year. Their coaching staff is great." Said Mariakis, "Everybody involved in our school has a hand in this success. It's a good day for Ridgeland high school."