April 4, 2006

ATHENS, Ohio -Even while competing for potential playing time, Ohio wide receivers Chris Garrett and Chido Nwokocha have already forged a friendship due to their similar circumstances. Both players joined the squad in the middle of the school year and are going through their first spring practice with the Bobcats.

Garrett, a freshman from Bristow, Va. and a product of Fork Union Military Academy, arrived in Athens in January. Despite the fact that he went through winter workouts with the team, that first day on the field was an eye-opening experience.

"I've been here since January, but it still had a big effect on me because I wasn't used to it," Garrett said. "I talk to my parents and they keep me humble and keep me on course. I take one day at a time. Coach Mason helps and kind of makes things easier for me too. Nothing is really too hectic, but on the first day it was a shock because I didn't know what to do. Now I'm getting the hang of it, though."

Nwokocha, a junior from Elk Grove, Calif. and a transfer from Sacramento City College, had even more on his plate that first practice. It was also his first day enrolled at Ohio.

"It was kind of a culture shock because I came from California." Nwokocha said. "The first day I was running around trying to get all my classes in order. But like Chris said, I had Coach Mason to help me out, show me around and help me get all my stuff together. It was a crazy day."

Their common situations quickly created a bond between the newcomers. Now they both lean on each other for help, especially when trying to master the Bobcats' offense while on the practice field.

"I talk to Chido in between plays about what we're supposed to do." Garrett said. "I kind of look at him as one of my good friends now because he's going through the same struggle I'm going through. I appreciate him being here."

While the first day was filled with uncertainty about where to be and when to be there, the pair is quickly becoming acclimated to the routine. For Nwokocha, the biggest adjustment was the speed at the Division I level.

"This was our fifth practice so we're starting to get it now," he said. "Coming from junior college, this is definitely a faster pace. In junior college, you have one or two guys that are Division I prospects, but out here there's a bunch of other guys who play at that speed. You have to work your technique and know what you have to do on each play. We're starting to pick it up and get more comfortable. We're still big-eyed running around talking to our coach, but we have each other to talk to."

Both Garrett and Nwokocha are battling for playing time at the wide receiver spot. Garrett had 500 rushing yards and recorded six receiving touchdowns last season at Fork Union. He also flashed his big-play ability with two punt returns and three kickoff returns for scores. Nwokocha was a two-time all-conference pick at Sacramento City College, catching 119 passes for 1,665 yards and 14 touchdowns in his two seasons.

The duo has no doubts in their ability to play with the Bobcats in 2006. For them, it's just a matter of settling in and mastering the playbook, a process that is already underway.

"We're getting a lot of reps which is really helping us out," Nwokocha said. "We're watching a lot of film and reviewing everything. Talent is going to take care of itself. We just need to get comfortable to the point where we're just playing football, and not worrying about the play or where to line up."

The American Collegiate Community Green & White Game is scheduled for Saturday, April 22 at 2 p.m. The day will begin at 11 a.m. with the Follett's University Bookstore Bobcat Blitz, which includes a pre-game party at Pepsi Tail-Great Park and a 5K run. For more information on the day's events, go to www.bobcatblitz.com or contact the Ohio University Sports Administration & Facility Management Program at 740-593-4666.