2017 Ohio Mr. Football watchlist

Isaiah Bowser highlights Sidney High School
Watch the senior running back and Northwestern recruit go for a school record 413 yards and six touchdowns against Xenia earlier this season.

Two weeks ago in a loss to Marshall, University of Cincinnati freshman running back Michael Warren scored his first collegiate touchdown. A Toledo Central Catholic graduate, Warren became the 30th annual winner of the Ohio Associated Press Mr. Football award in 2016.

Who will win Mr. Football this year? The announcement is weeks away, but come November here’s who we think factors into the final cut. Expect new names to evolve as well.

Whoever the 31st annual winner is, their name will join a long list of Ohio prep legends. Former Ohio Mr. Football winners include Charles Woodson (1994), Maurice Clarett (2001), Mitch Trubisky (2012), Andy Katzenmoyer (1995), Curtis Enis (1993), Bobby Hoying (1990) and Robert Smith (1988-89). The list is legit.

2017 Mr. Football Contenders

* Daniel Bangura, Harvest Prep (Canal Winchester), RB
Senior running back has picked up where he left off last year, having rushed for 2,451 yards this season on 204 carries (12 yard average). Has scored 27 touchdowns and run for 10 two-point conversions (182 points). Last year set state single-season records for rushing yards (4,128), rushing touchdowns (54) and overall touchdowns (57). Was one of seven finalists last year.

* Isaiah Bowser, Sidney, RB
Senior and Northwestern recruit has 1,900 yards and 21 touchdowns on 223 carries for the Yellow Jackets who are 7-0 for the first time since 1974. Also has three touchdown receptions. Best game this season was a school-record 413-yard and six-touchdown performance against Xenia. Also threw for a touchdown in that game. Last season ran for a then-school record 1,877 yards and had 30 total touchdowns.

* Jay Volpenhein, Anderson (Cincinnati), QB
Senior and leader of undefeated Redskins has posted serious numbers. Has completed 152-of-244 attempts for 2,405 yards and 22 touchdowns. Has also carried the ball 90 times for 629 yards and 10 touchdowns. The reigning Eastern Cincinnati Conference Offensive Player of the Year, Volpenhein threw for 3,541 yards and 43 touchdowns and ran for 929 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. Coming off a six-touchdown performance (four passing, two running) in a win over West Clermont.

* Ra'veion Hargrove, Trotwood-Madison, RB
Senior and Bowling Green recruit headlines an offense that averages 53 points per game. Rams are undefeated and Ohio’s unanimous No. 1 ranked team in Division III. Is just three yards shy of becoming the 26th player in state history to top 6,000 career rushing yards. Enters Week 8 averaging 10.5 yards per carry in his career (5,997 yards on 570 attempts). His career totals in rushing touchdowns (79) and total touchdowns (83) rank 18th and 25th all-time in Ohio history. Currently has 1,098 yards and 18 total touchdowns this season. His single-season rushing mark of 3,039 yards as a sophomore ranks ninth all-time in Ohio history.
 
* Joey Baughman, Wadsworth, QB
Senior is the signal caller for an undefeated team averaging 52 points per game. Has accounted for 2,536 total yards (1,864 passing, 672 rushing) and 31 touchdowns. Coming off school record 416 yards passing in win over North Royalton.

* KJ Price, London, RB
Junior running back is big reason Red Raiders are 7-0. Currently has 1,784 yards on 165 carries (10.8 average) and 21 touchdowns. Had 340 yards and three touchdowns in key win over Columbus Academy. 

* Chase Wolf, St. Xavier (Cincinnati), QB
Senior and Wisconsin recruit is the best offensive player on the state’s best team. Has thrown for 1,288 yards and 16 touchdowns (versus one interception). Coming off four-touchdown passing performance in 42-7 win over LaSalle.

* Keagan Armitage, Ashland, QB
Senior continues to have impressive campaign for 6-1 Arrows. Has completed 100-of-148 passes for 1,489 yards and 16 touchdowns and has rushed for 547 yards and eight touchdowns. Coming off six-touchdown performance in win over rival Mansfield Senior.

* Zane Reis, Barberton, QB
The Magics are in the midst of a magical season (7-0) and own plenty of offensive weapons. Reis is the one that directs it all. Has completed 88-of-119 passes for 1,363 yards, 18 touchdowns and zero interceptions this season. His 65-career touchdown passes rank 50th all-time in Ohio.