Ohio University has extended the first scholarship offers for a pair of Durant defenders, defensive end Dontriel Perry and defensive lineman Chris Powell, according to coach Mike Gottman.
Perry and Powell, both juniors, were important contributors for a Cougars defense that surrendered little more than nine points per game in 2012, including four shutouts in 12 games. In the fall, they will be anchors of a team hoping to rebound from a loss to Newsome in the 7A region semifinals after clinching the school’s first undefeated regular season.
Perry, a 6-foot-4, 210-pounder, had 53 tackles, seven sacks, five fumble recoveries and three caused fumbles last fall. He was a first-team all-Western Conference selection and a Tampa Bay Times’ second-team all-Hillsborough choice.
The 6-2, 300-pound Powell finished the season with 27 tackles and one quarterback hurry.
Ohio, which plays in the Mid-American Conference, went 9-4 and won the Independence Bowl last year.
The Bobcats currently have two players from the bay area on their roster: running back Dazmond Patterson of Plant City and quarterback Greg Windham of King. Pinellas Park defensive lineman Tyree Graves also signed with Ohio in February.
Joel Anderson can be reached at janderson@tampabay.com or on Twitter @jdhometeam.