Independence High School senior Braden Sears HighlightsWatch the standout lineman in action against Kirtland.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.
Grandview Heights senior Joey Bertani was third team OPSWA Division VI All-Ohio last year.
Photo by ScoutingOhio.com
Key names to know Fridays this fall.
Player, School, Ht, Wt, Graduating Class
* Braden Sears, Independence, 6-2, 220 (2020)Second team
OPSWA Division VI All-Ohioan made huge impact on both sides of ball. A junior captain, he had 52 tackles, 10 tackles-for-loss and four sacks. As a tight end, he caught 14 passes for 173 yards and three touchdowns. Scored five two-point conversions.
* Anthony Czap, South Range (Canfield), 5-10, 210 (2020)Second team
OPSWA Division V All-Ohio. Registered 67 tackles, 14 tackles-for-loss and four sacks.
* Nathan Reichert, Indian Lake (Lewistown), 6-4, 240 (2020)Second team
OPSWA Division V All-Ohio last season after making 77 tackles eight tackles-for-loss and four sacks. Was first team All-Central Buckeye Conference at offensive line.
* Jailen Breedlove, Lutheran East (Cleveland Heights), 6-0, 210 (2020)Third team
OPSWA Division V All-Ohio. Had 11 tackles-for-loss, eight sacks, 16 quarterback hurries and 65 tackles.
2018 Ohio HS Football Statewide Postseason Brackets* Kyle Wolfe, West Liberty-Salem (West Liberty), 6-0, 284 (2020)Had 58 tackles, 11 tackles-for-loss and 6.5 sacks last season en route to second team
OPSWA Division VI All-Ohio honors. Two-way starter.
* Kenny Crouch, Pymatuning Valley (Andover), 5-11, 190 (2020)
2018 Ohio HS Football Statewide Statistics* Joey Bertani, Grandview Heights (Columbus), 6-3, 215 (2020)Third team
OPSWA Division VI All-Ohio. Had 64 tackles, three Sacks, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and a safety.
* Mason Taylor-Loyd, Loudonville, 5-9, 170 (2020)Third team
OPSWA Division VI All-Ohio. Had 66 tackles, 14 tackles-for-loss, six sacks and three forced fumbles.
* Ryan Eldrod, St. John (Ashtabula), 6-1, 290 (2022)Third team
OPSWA Division VII All-Ohio as a freshman. Had 71 tackles, two forced fumbles and a recovered fumble.
2018 Ohio HS Football Pictures
* Garet Cramer, Monroe Central (Woodsfield), 5-10, 275 (2021)Second team
OPSWA Division VII All-Ohio selection registered 89 tackles, 15.5 tackles-for-loss and 3.5 sacks.
* T.J. Rhamy, Patrick Henry (Hamler), 5-9, 175 (2020)First team
OPSWA Division VII All-Ohio and reigning Northwest Ohio Athletic League Defensive Player of the Year. Had 55 tackles and 10 sacks.
* Mitch Sanders, Newbury, 6-0, 210 (2020)First team
OPSWA Division VII All-Ohio. Had 91 tackles, 12 tackles-for-loss, five quarterback hurries and four sacks.
* Travis DuBois, Mapleton (Ashland), 6-3, 200 (2020)Second team
OPSWA Division VII All-Ohio. Registered 73 tackles, 19 tackles-for-loss and eight sacks.
