Valley’s Hanks Elects to Attend Other Miami That Likes to Pass

Barry Hanks, who led the Valley College football team to an 8-2 record last season, signed a letter of intent Wednesday with the University of Miami (Ohio).

Hanks, a 6-1, 190-pound sophomore, passed for 1,810 yards and 18 touchdowns last season and completed 59% of his attempts. He selected Miami over Western Kentucky, West Texas State and Kent State.

“I’m excited because they throw the ball a lot,” Hanks said. “I’m into communications and broadcasting and they’re also very strong in that.”

Miami, which competes in the Mid-American Conference, finished 5-6 last season. Miami Coach Tim Rose said Hanks’ experience and passing efficiency make him a strong contender for a starting position.

“We’re very intrigued by any quarterback that can be as accurate as Barry and still get the ball into the end zone,” said Rose, who has coached at Miami for six seasons.

Hanks will transfer in June and will compete with three other quarterbacks: Mark Kuzma, a third year sophomore from Flint, Mich., who has started only one game; Chris Ondrula, a third-year sophomore who transferred from Illinois; and Jeff Willis, a second-year freshman from St. Paul High in Pico Rivera.