Center Ryan Romzek received his second college offer this week, earning a potential spot with Maryville College.
On the same day Maryville College came calling on the entire Pioneer defensive line, the Scots also decided they’d like to have the centerpiece of the Warren County offensive line as well.
Center Ryan Romzek joined defensive linemen Canaan Curtis, Camron Holder and Ethan Holder as potential future members of the Maryville football program when he received an offer Tuesday. It’s the latest round of college recognition that has given Warren County coach Eric Belew plenty of reasons to be excited, especially considering how far some of his players have come in a relatively short time.
Romzek may be the best example.
Upon joining the team his junior year, there was no guarantee that he’d get on the field. But when an opportunity presented itself, the big man in the middle took it and never looked back.
“When he came out last year it was obvious how athletic he is. He actually wasn't even deemed a starter last season until an injury put him there,” said Belew. “When he started getting reps with the ones he just took off. He's so athletic and quick for a guy his size. All that has happened because of the work he has put in.”
Romzek has been an important part of Warren County's offensive front this fall, helping pave the way for a rushing attack led by junior quarterback AJ Whitman. The Pioneers have leaned heavily on their ability to run the football, with Romzek anchoring a line that has helped Whitman surpass 1,200 rushing yards this season.
While Romzek's offer came after the initial announcements involving the defensive line, the recognition for Curtis and the Holder brothers was particularly noteworthy because all three players earned offers from the same school.
For Curtis, Maryville represents his first college offer. Camron and Ethan have also received offers from Sewanee, giving both seniors multiple opportunities to continue their careers after graduation.
Maryville College is Romzek’s second offer as well. He also received an offer from Willamette University in Slaem, Oregon.
The four Maryville offers are part of a larger trend Belew hopes will continue at Warren County. In his second season leading the program, the Pioneer coach has already watched several former players move on to college football, and he believes the opportunities being created for the current senior class show what can happen when players commit to the work required.
“I hope what it displays is that this program can help create opportunities for anybody who wants to be a part of it,” said Belew. “Thirty percent of our senior class last year is playing college football and a third of our senior class (this year) has already received scholarship offers so far with more to come we feel like. Coach Lit (Dre Litaker) - our Recruiting Coordinator - is doing an excellent job getting our kids names out there.”
But the Pioneer coach is quick to give the credit to the players themselves.
“Make no mistake about it though, these opportunities are because our kids work their tails off in the classroom and on the field. Super proud of all of them,” said Belew.
Romzek, as well as the Holder brothers and Curtis, will be celebrated Friday night at Nunley Stadium on senior night. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. The Warren County Sports Authority coverage will begin at 6 p.m. with the Leigh Holland State Farm pregame show.
