Ironton High School junior Reid Carrico HighlightsWatch the standout linebacker in action as a sophomore.Who are Ohio's top returning high school football players entering the 2019 season? The Buckeye State has a deep talent pool. These are some of the sharks. Kickoff is coming.
Trimble senior linebacker Sawyer Koons is the reigning OPSWA Division VII Ohio Defensive Player of the Year.
Photo by ScoutingOhio.com
Key names to know Fridays this fall.
Player, School, Ht, Wt, Graduating Class
* Reid Carrico, Ironton, 6-3, 218 (2021)Highly-sought after outside linebacker prospect holds 32 offers including Ohio State, Alabama, Clemson, Oklahoma, Notre Dame and Michigan. Ran for 1,376 yards and 14 touchdowns on 190 carries en route to All-OVAC, All-District and
OPSWA Division V All-Ohio honors.
* Sawyer Koons, Trimble (Glouster), 5-11, 210 (2020)First team
OPSWA Division VII All-Ohio and reigning state Defensive Player of the Year. Had 138 tackles (regular season), 32 tackles-for-loss and two interceptions for state runner-up.
* Max Hoying, Fort Loramie, 5-10, 190 (2021)First team
OPSWA Division VII All-Ohio selection registered a team-leading 79 tackles for state semifinalist squad. Reigning Southwest District Defensive Player of the Year also had six tackles for loss, two interceptions (one returned for a touchdown) and a fumble recovery.
* Carter Dennis, River (Hannibal), 5-10, 165 (2021)First team
OPSWA Division VII All-Ohio and reigning East District Defensive Player of the Year. Had 111 tackles, 10 tackles-for-loss, five sacks, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. Offensively, had 17 receptions for 531 yards and eight touchdowns. Also ran for three touchdowns.
* Trace Sechrest, Bellaire, 6-0, 205 (2020)Second team
OPSWA Division V All-Ohio. Had 85.5 tackles and six tackles-for-loss.
2018 Ohio HS Football Statewide Postseason Brackets* Clay Schulte, Oak Harbor, 5-11, 170 (2020)Second team
OPSWA Division V All-Ohio. Had 97 tackles, three sacks and two interceptions.
* Jesse Connell, Amanda-Clearcreek (Amanda), 6-4, 185 (2020)Third team
OPSWA Division V All-Ohio. Registered 105 tackles, 10.5 tackles-for-loss and 3.5 sacks.
* Dawann A Gray Jr., Beachwood, 5-10, 190 (2020)Third team
OPSWA Division V All-Ohio. Had 106 tackles and 10 tackles-for-loss. Doubled as a potent running back (rushed 70 times for 642 yards and seven touchdowns).
* Chase Fortkamp, Wickliffe, 6-2, 195 (2021)Third team
OPSWA Division V All-Ohio. Had 110 tackles, seven sacks, five tackles-for-loss, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and an interception.
* Jake Hurst, Mechanicsburg, 5-9, 150 (2022)Rare talent was first team
OPSWA Division VI All-Ohio as a freshman after registering team-highs in tackles (106), solo tackles (47), tackles-for-loss (9.5) and sacks (three). Also had three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and an interception (returned 30 yards for a touchdown).
2018 Ohio HS Football Statewide Statistics* Adam Miklovic, Independence, 6-0, 190 (2021)Second team
OPSWA Division VI All-Ohio. Had 96 tackles, 13 tackles-for-loss, three sacks, three INTs and two forced fumbles.
* Ty Williams, Hillsdale (Jeromesville), 6-1, 200 (2021)Second team
OPSWA Division VI All-Ohio. Had 108 tackles, eight tackles-for-loss, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. Has 235 career tackles, 14 tackles-for-loss and five receiving touchdowns.
* Lane Mettler, Paint Valley (Bainbridge), 5-10, 175 (2020)First team
OPSWA Division VI All-Ohio and reigning Southeast District Defensive Player of the Year. Had 101 tackles, 16 tackles-for-loss and 11 sacks.
* Eli Yahl, Spencerville, 6-2, 225 (2020)Two-time
OPSWA Division VI All-Ohio. Had 143 tackles en route to winning Northwest Conference Defensive Player of the Year honors. Was also first team All-NWC as an offensive lineman.
* Kaleb Stephenson, Kirtland, 6-1, 160 (2020)Second team
OPSWA Division VI All-Ohio. Had 64 tackles and two interceptions.
2018 Ohio HS Football Pictures
* Riley Horning, Oberlin, 6-0, 210 (2020)Third team
OPSWA Division VI All-Ohio. Registered 135 tackles, eight tackles-for -loss, an interception and a fumble recovery.
* Chayse Singer, Fairview (Sherwood), 5-9, 185 (2020)Third team
OPSWA Division VI All-Ohio selection notched 131 tackles and 7.5 sacks.
* Dakota Roberts, Williamsburg, 5-10, 175 (2020)Third team
OPSWA Division VI All-Ohio. Had 60 tackles, 4.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, five pass break-ups and a fumble recovery. Doubles as dominant offensive lineman.
* John Tropf, Newbury, 6-1, 205 (2021)Third team
OPSWA Division VII All-Ohio. Had 95 tackles, six tackles-for-loss and five passes deflected.
* David Cumberledge, St. John (Ashtabula), 5-8, 175 (2020)Third team
OPSWA Division VII All-Ohio. Had 56 tackles, four interceptions, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.
