Two of the biggest offensive stars for the Ironton Fighting Tigers are college-bound, but on the defensive side of the ball.

Sunday, January 16, 2000

Two of the biggest offensive stars for the Ironton Fighting Tigers are college-bound, but on the defensive side of the ball.

Michael Henry and Jason Harmon, the 1-2 running tandem that gained more than 2,000 yards between them as Ironton finished as Division IV state runners-up, have made their verbal commitments for their college careers and both plan to begin on defense.

Henry, a 6-foot, 220-pound fullback, has settled on the Ohio Bobcats for his college choice while Harmon, a 6-foot, 185-pound running back, will play at Michigan State.

The national letter-of-intent signing date is Wednesday, Feb. 2.

Henry picked the Bobcats over two other Mid-American Conference schools, Miami, Ohio, and Marshall. Henry’s father, Joe Fletcher, also played for Ohio.

"I’ll probably play outside linebacker. I think I’ll like outside linebacker. I’m going to try that and see how that goes. If I don’t like it, then I’ll try fullback," said Henry.

A ferocious pass rusher and hard-hitter, Henry’s play at defensive end was often overshadowed by his ability to run the ball.

Henry missed three games in the regular season and played one-half or less in three other contests.

But he made up for the lack of work in the playoffs as he carried 124 times for 531 yards in five games for a 4.3 average and scored 12 touchdowns.

On the season, Henry finished with 1,005 yards on 201 carries for a 5.0 yards per carry and led the team with 24 touchdowns. He also had eight receptions for 89 yards and a touchdown.

Henry was glad the Bobcat recruiters came calling.

"The coaches treated me like other players and the players treated me like I was their brother. When I went up there, it was like being at home," Henry said.

Harmon received inquiries from dozens of major programs and was seriously recruited by Minnesota, West Virginia, Indiana, Pittsburgh, LSU, and Marshall.

But Harmon said the Spartans were an easy choice.

"I liked all their people and their players and their coaches. I just felt comfortable around everybody. I felt I could live around those people the next four years of my life. I feel comfortable socially and I felt they cared about your education," said Harmon.

Harmon was a multi-talented standout for Ironton.

He rushed 187 times for 1,268 yards – 6.8 average – and scored 21 touchdowns, nine through the air. He also led the team in receiving with 32 receptions for 692 yards.

Defensively, Harmon averaged eight tackles a game and led the team with six interceptions, one for a touchdown.

Harmon led Ironton in punt returns (17 for 204) and kickoff returns (12-290).

But of all the things he did, his first love was defense.

"I prefer defense. I like to hit people," said Harmon. "They said I’ve got a chance to play, but I have to work hard. My prediction is it will take a year or so."

Henry and Harmon are first cousins and the thought of playing together in college was a possibility.

"I thought about it, but I didn’t figure that was going to happen," Henry said.

Harmon said making a decision eased a lot of pressure.

"(The recruiting) was fun while it lasted, but I’m glad it’s over," said Harmon.