Last season we got a chance to catch Cincinnati (Ohio) Elder defensive back Chris Kammerer in action during the playoffs. However, Kammerer stepped forward in February when he posted a 4.43 and 4.52 forty at the Best of the Midwest Combine.
While the Panthers have seen struggles this season, Kammerer has stepped up his game posting 27 total tackles and two interceptions against one of the most demanding schedules in Ohio.
While in years past, Kammerer and the Panthers would stress about making the playoffs with a 2-4 record, the new OHSAA format has them focused on getting ready to use their strength of schedule to their advantage after coming off a 59-58 overtime win against Greater Catholic League South rival Moeller.
“Almost everyone makes it (playoffs) in Region Four,” said Kammerer. “Starting out playing three of the top teams in Ohio showed us the things we need to work on and fix before we get to the playoffs.”
As for how he’s playing, Kammerer is excited about the growth of his game.
“I feel I’ve improved my ball skills,” he stressed. “Last year, I dropped several possible interceptions, but this year, I’m making those plays and causing turnovers. In addition, my coverage has improved as I’m able to read a player’s hips better. And the game has started to slow down.”
Recently the 6-foot, 160-pound defensive back visited Tiffin University for a game day visit. How was his experience?
“It was pretty cool,” he said. “I liked it and liked the campus too. While we couldn’t do an in-depth tour of campus because of COVID, my family and I toured parts of campus and saw some buildings and different fields.
“I was able to speak with Coach (Bert) Bathiany and Coach (David) Price before we went on the field before the game and to our seats.
“I was surprised as it was some exciting football and very competitive. They played Truman and had a 35-24 lead at the end of the third quarter. Then Truman scored twice in the fourth quarter, including the game-winner with 26 seconds left.
Kammerer has a scheduled visit with the University of Indianapolis planned for this weekend and has heard from some Mid-American Conference programs, including Buffalo, Division II programs like Grand Valley State, and several Division III programs like Mount St. Joseph.
