Milan Edison's Castera Mastropaolo named National Athlete of the MonthOhio junior earns MaxPreps Semper Fidelis AOM award presented by the Marines. Who are Ohio's top returning high school football players entering the 2018 season? The Buckeye State has a deep talent pool. These are some of the sharks. Kickoff is coming.
New Philadelphia's Sam Zemis caught 13 touchdowns last season.
Photo by David Stewart
Key names to know Fridays this fall.
Player, School, Ht, Wt, Graduating Class
* Bransen Stanley, Kenston (Chagrin Falls), 6-1, 160 (2019)OPSWA Division III All-Ohio second team selection. Had 35 catches for 775 yards and nine touchdowns.
* Sam Zemis, New Philadelphia, 6-0, 175 (2020)OPSWA D-III All-Ohio third team selection snagged 44 catches for 807 yards and 13 touchdowns. Also made 44 tackles. Was first team All-East Central Ohio League and All-East District.
* Max Hartline, Louisville, 5-10, 176 (2019)OPSWA D-III All-Ohio third team selection caught 38 passes for 565 yards and six touchdowns. Moved to running back last three games. Finished with 687 yards rushing and 12 touchdowns on 80 carries. Played safety and linebacker on defense.
2017 Ohio HS Football Statewide Postseason Brackets* Mick Lawrence, Chagrin Falls, 5-9, 170 (2019)OPSWA D-IV All-Ohio second team selection scored 12 total touchdowns. Caught 48 passes for 508 yards. Also ran for 484 yards.
* Trent Valentine, Cambridge, 5-10, 160 (2019)Two-time All-Ohio selection (
OPSWA D-IV third team last year) caught 51 passes for 698 yards. Scored six total touchdowns. As a sophomore caught 56 passes for 778 yards and five touchdowns. Has had over 1,100-all-purpose yards each of the last two seasons.
* Jonah Pfeil, Vermilion, 6-0, 175 (2019)OPSWA D-IV All-Ohio third team selection caught 64 passes for 747 yards and nine touchdowns.
2017 Ohio HS Football Statewide Statistics* De'Zion Coleman, Hughes (Cincinnati), 5-10, 175 (2020)OPSWA D-IV All-Ohio HM last year after showcasing his versatility. Carried the ball 62 times for 339 yards and caught 19 passes for 386 yards. Also returned 18 kickoffs for 376 yards. Scored six total touchdowns. Defensively notched four interceptions.
* Jordan Walker, Padua Franciscan (Parma), 5-9, 170 (2019)OPSWA D-III All-Ohio HM selection caught 43 passes for 598 yards and six touchdowns.
* Easton Wolf, Waverly, 6-3, 165 (2019) OPSWA D-IV All-Ohio HM selection was first team All-Southeast District. Caught 61 passes for 832 yards and 12 touchdowns. Also had a defensive touchdown.
2017 Ohio HS Football Pictures* Zach Bartrum, Meigs (Pomeroy), 6-1, 175 (2019)OPSWA D-IV All-Ohio HM selection was first team All-Southeast District.
* Jordan Kirkbride, Bishop Hartley (Columbus), 6-5, 245 (2019)OPSWA D-III All-Ohio third team selection at tight end is considered one of the top prospects at his position nationally (No. 32) and overall in Ohio (No. 41) by the 247sports.com composite rankings. Outstanding blocker. Holds 15 offers including Kentucky, Cincinnati, Louisville and Vanderbilt.
Hughes' Dezion Coleman scored six touchdowns and had four interceptions as a sophomore.
Photo by Michael Noyes
