5 local prep players looking to contribute for Miami RedHawks this fall

Jordan Rigg, OL, Springboro

A fifth-year senior, Rigg has started 25 games for the RedHawks. He was a third-team All-MAC pick last year at left tackle.

“Obviously a very athletic kid,” Martin said. “He didn’t have a lot of offers coming out of high school and has really developed into a really good player so having that left tackle with experience protecting the quarterback’s back side makes you feel good having a senior coming back.”

Maurice Thomas, RB, Talawanda 

A fourth-year junior, Thomas has run for 502 yards for the Red and White and was a third-team All-MAC pick in 2016 before having most of last season wiped out by injury.

“He’s getting bigger, getting big and strong. Very fast. We thought he was really going to have his breakout year last year then got hurt at Cincinnati and didn’t play the rest of the season.”

Credit: Martin Wheeler

Credit: Martin Wheeler

Jarrett LaRubbio, OL, Lakota East 

A fourth-year junior who spent one year at Kentucky, LaRubbio started eight games up front last season and was named the team’s offensive newcomer of the year.

“We’re counting on him again to be in our top five up front and to play a lot of snaps for us. He’s physical, tough, hard-nosed, plays the game you love to see in the trenches.”

Dean Lemon, DL, Alter

The 2014 GCL Defensive Lineman of the Year has had injury problems so far in his three years at Miami, playing only nine games (none last year).

“We were hoping he would be an impact player for us last year. He’s healthy right now. Dean’s got a lot of ability. He’s just been nicked up throughout his career. If he can stay healthy, we think he can be really productive at D-end.”

Credit: Lisa Powell

Credit: Lisa Powell

Ja’don Rucker-Furlow, DB, Belmont 

The newest area RedHawk, Rucker-Furlow is an incoming freshman with a lot of upside.

“He’s obviously a great basketball player who has only played a little bit of football. He really came on last year.

“Length. Ball skill. Speed. He’s very raw. He’s going to have to learn how to play the game. Once he does, we think he’s going to be a really good player.”

Want more on the RedHawks?

Here's what Martin had to say about his team's goals for preseason camp.