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Akise Teague

The Vindicator (Youngstown)

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Ursuline running back and 2011 Mr. Fottball winner Akise Teague was the only Irish senior to sign a letter-of-intent on Wednesday with a FBS school during National Signing Day. Teague is headed to Cincinnati, and four of his teammates will also play college football: Paul Kempe and Pete Wearsch are off to Walsh, while Jordan Markota and Zach Conlan will join Youngstown State.

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Photo by: William D. Lewis

The Vindicator (Youngstown)

Usuline QB Paul Kempe gets congrats from Pete Wearsch after scoring 2point conversion during first quarter action Friday, Oct. 8, 2010.

By Jon Moffett

YOUNGSTOWN

Akise Teague was sitting behind a table with his Ursuline teammates wearing three distinctive things: a University of Cincinnati hat and necktie and a big smile.

Teague and his Ursuline classmates signed their letters-of-intent to officially close out their spectacular football careers at the school for National Signing Day. The seniors went a combined 53-6 in their four years — a mark that was the best in the state over that span.

But Teague will now continue his playing career with the Bearcats, where he said he will assume the running back role he held with the three-time state champion Fighting Irish — and earned him the coveted “Mr. Football” award.

Teague settled on Cincinnati, despite getting offers — or at least looks —from bigger-name schools like Ohio State and Penn. State. He said he is excited about his future and is anxious to start playing again.

“I feel like I made the right decision and it’s a good fit for me and my skill set,” he said. “Cincinnati has a very good coaching staff and the players were very loyal and friendly to me when I went down for my visit. I just felt like this was a great home for me.”

Teague said his choice was between Cincinnati, Penn. State and Nebraska. But the other schools wanted Teague to redshirt his freshman year, which he said he didn’t want to do.

“Cincinnati wants me to come and play right now,” he said. “That was a like a big momentum shift in their direction.”

He also said he received interest from Ohio State, but the Buckeyes envisioned Teague as a cornerback. He said he only wanted to play tailback at the college level.

“I just love putting points on the board for my team and getting the ball in my hands, or getting my number called,” he said. “I think that’s a great responsibility and that I would love to take on.”

Two other Irish players will take their talents to Canton to play for Division II Walsh University.

Quarterback Paul Kempe and offensive lineman Pete Wearsch said playing for the Cavaliers offers them a perfect opportunity.

“I think for both of us, it just felt like the right fit,” said Wearsch, who played center for Ursuline last season, but also spent time at right tackle in his high school career. “It’s somewhere we wanted to be and play football for the next four years.”

Kempe said he knew he wanted to attend the school as soon as he stepped on campus.

“It just seemed like the right place,” he said. “And having one of my best friends with me just helped me out with the decision.”

Kempe said he was recruited to play quarterback, but would consider moving around if needed. Wearsch said he would like to remain the center, but would move along the offensive line.

Oh by the way, Wearsch, Kempe and the Cavaliers play at Fawcett Stadium — the same field where the Irish won the state titles.

“We know the stadium and how to win there,” Kempe said, grinning. “So now we just have to keep that momentum going.”

Several other Mahoning Valley athletes made their commitments official on Wednesday.

Girard wide receiver Landon Smith inked his letter-of-intent with Ohio University, joining two others who will attend MAC schools.

Salem’s Trent Toothman will play linebacker at Ball State and Mooney’s A.J. Fox will punt for Akron.

Poland’s Darius Patton, the top-rated area prospect, signed his letter with the University of Pittsburgh. Patton’s Panthers will face Teague’s Bearcats next year in Big East play.