On Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012, Abington seniors Bryan Osei and Chris Ruhl were recognized at a special news conference for signing letters of intent to play collegiate football.
Bryan Osei – Temple University (Football)
Major: Criminology
Final list of colleges: Temple, Villanova, Kent State, Old Dominion, Stonybrook
Reasons for choosing Temple: “Temple is a place that can make me the best (I can be). They have a good recruiting class coming in this year, and they’re planning on doing big things. I like being close to home – it’s close but not too close.”
What was the progression that led you to playing collegiate football? “I didn’t play a team sport until I was in seventh grade. I would watch the Eagles, and I would always tell myself, ‘One day I’m going to play in the NFL.’ I always knew I could go D-2 or D-3, but I never thought I could go D-1. Once Temple offered me, I realized I needed to push myself harder to see how good I could actually be.”
Coach Tim Sorber says: “Bryan is a great competitor. He was a wrestler and a great football player. The thing I’ll remember about Brian was that in our toughest games of the year - if you look at the Neshaminy and Pennsbury games, when he was healthy, he dominated. In many cases, he really controlled the game by making big plays, especially on defense.
“What was unfortunate was he got injured in the middle of the year, and that slowed down his production a little, but when he was healthy, he was a dominant player. He’s another player who never missed a workout, and there was never any disciplinary issues or anything like that. He’s a quality kid from a great family, and he’s the last of the Osei family.”
About Bryan:
Favorite food: Chicken Alfredo
Favorite movie: The Tuskegee Airmen
Favorite music: Rap
Chris Ruhl – Lehigh University (Football)
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Final list of colleges: Lehigh, Bucknell, Lafayette
Reasons for choosing Lehigh: “It came down to a combination of the (athletics and) academics, especially with Lehigh – their engineering program is one of the best in the country. When I went up there for a visit, I really liked the team. They seemed really down to earth. Besides that, the team has a huge history of winning. The rings speak for themselves – when I go up there and everybody has a ring on their finger.”
When did you starting thinking about playing collegiate football? “Prior to the start of my senior season for football. Prior to that I was still debating between baseball and football, but the workouts during summer and the commitment for football is what ultimately prevailed.”
Coach Tim Sorber says: “Chris was a competitor. He was a three-sport athlete – a starter for football, a starter on a state-qualifying basketball team and a starting first baseman in baseball. I think his competitive nature really showed and also rubbed off on a lot of our players, and that’s the biggest thing I will remember about Chris – what a great competitor he was, and that’s what happens when you play multiple sports, which is a benefit.
“He’s a kid who had tremendous heart. His sophomore year he was a jayvee player, and his junior year he struggled early on. He continued to work hard and became one of the better tight ends I’ve ever coached and one of the better tight ends in our league. Also, he contributed on defense, and he’ll be greatly missed, not just for his playing ability. He’s a quality person with a 4.5 GPA, kind of an All-American kid, and he’s the last of three brothers.”
About Chris:
Favorite food: Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad
Favorite movie: Forrest Gump
Favorite music: ‘Glory Days’ – anything by Bruce Springsteen
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