High School Football: Springfield trio signs to play D-I college football

Brown is headed to the University of Kentucky, while Norman signed with Eastern Michigan University and Thigpen signed with Bowling Green State University.

Brown landed at Kentucky after initially committing to the University of Minnesota where his brother, Michael Brown-Stephens, is currently a junior wide receiver.

“(Kentucky) has always been communicating with me,” Brown said. “They were my first offer my freshman year. They’ve always been family. It started picking up my junior year. They not only recruited me, but my family and I think that was one of the main things.”

The Division I first team All-Ohio selection led the Greater Western Ohio Conference in receiving yards (1,626) and receiving touchdowns (20) this season. Brown plans to graduate early and begin college next month.

“My goal is just to go in and work and whatever comes comes,” Brown said. “That’s my goal.”

Norman, a D-I first team All-Ohio selection who ranked second in the GWOC with 134 tackles, said the Mid-American Conference program in Ypsilanti, Mich., was a great fit since the recruiting process began.

“Ever since Day 1, I always liked the coaches and their energy and the things they had to say about me,” Norman said. “They just always made me feel at home.”

Norman played linebacker in high school, but expects to play a hybrid safety/linebacker role in the Eagles’ defense.

“I think it’s going to be a good fit for me,” Norman said.

Norman is also planning to graduate early and begin school early next month.

“I’m kind of getting excited as it’s getting closer,” he said.

Thigpen missed multiple games due to an injury, but finished the season with 28 catches for 439 yards and seven TDs, including two in the state semifinal victory over Moeller. He chose Bowling Green based on the coaching staff and the facilities, he said. He got an up close look at the program on his official visit last weekend, he said.

“It was the best choice for me,” Thigpen said.

Thigpen will remain in school and join the BGSU football program in August, he said.

“I’m just going to go in there and work hard and try to get a starting spot,” he said. “If not, I just want to work hard, surprise the coaches and show them what I can do.”

Springfield’s senior class finished their careers as the all-time winningest class in school history, finishing 46-8 over the last four years, which included the COVID-19 shortened season in 2020. All three Wildcat signees said they’ll cherish the memories of their time with the program, which saw them advance to four straight state semifinals and finish as state runner-up each of the past two seasons.

“It was fun and definitely some memories that I’ll have for the rest of my life,” Brown said. “(Coach Maurice Douglass) is one of a kind. I don’t think I’ll find another coach like him. As far as the players, it was great building bonds and things like that. It was fun.”