By Joe Scalzo

scalzo@vindy.com

BOARDMAN

Boardman senior linebacker Evan Croutch is still going to play college football in Ohio but not at the place everyone thought.

After attending Ohio University’s home game against Northern Illinois on Tuesday night, Croutch verbally committed to the Bobcats on Wednesday morning.

Croutch had verbally committed to Youngs-town State in mid-August but decided YSU was a little too close to home.

“It really came down to one thing and that was a chance to get away from home,” Boardman coach Joe Ignazio said. “He felt like he would be a little bit more out on his own rather than being right down the road.”

Croutch finished his career as one of the best defenders in school history, recording 223 career tackles and 24 tackles for loss, which both rank fifth all-time at Boardman. His 18 tackles for loss ranked second all-time.

A second team All-Federal League selection in 2013, Croutch had 75 tackles (51 solo), two forced fumbles and an interception this season for Boardman (2-8). He also carried 36 times for 158 yards and caught four passes for 58 yards in limited duty on offense.

Ohio only began recruiting Croutch in the past few weeks after a scholarship opened up, Ignazio said. The Bobcats have two local players on their roster: senior wide receiver Landon Smith (a Girard graduate who originally committed to YSU before joining Ohio) and redshirt freshman wide receiver Brendan Cope (Howland).

“He called [YSU linebackers coach Ron] Stoops this afternoon and talked to him, just to let him know he was thankful for the opportunity,” Ignazio said. “Evan has always spoken very highly of both Coach Stoops and Coach [Eric] Wolford and the rest of the staff. The decision came down to OU giving him an opportunity to get away from home.”

Croutch did not respond to interview requests.