A Look at the Class of 2024: Cincinnati

To say that there is great high school football in Cincinnati would be an understatement as Cincinnati is home to some of the best programs in the state of Ohio. Here are five outstanding players from the class of 2024 looking to have a great Junior season in 2022. DL, [player_tooltip player_id="284547" first="Elias" last="Rudolph"], 6’4, 220, Taft [player_tooltip player_id="284547" first="Elias" last="Rudolph"] is the #2 ranked DL and 6th ranked player overall in the class of 2024 overall.  In 2021, he helped the Taft Senators to a 10-3 record, advance to the 3rd round of the playoffs and hold opposing offenses to 11.2 points per game. He plays as an EDGE where he lines up in a 5T or 4i. Against the run, he displays very good play strength and use of hands as he easily sheds the block from the OT. Displays good instincts as he takes the correct angle in pursuit and brings down the RB before significant yardage is gained. Against the pass, he shows good burst off the ball, easily shedding the OT block, uses his good play speed and motor in pursuit and forces the QB to make an early throw. ATH, [player_tooltip player_id="284650" first="TJ" last="Engleman"], 5’9, 170, Princeton [player_tooltip player_id="284650" first="TJ" last="Engleman"] is the #1 ranked ATH and the 7th ranked player overall in the class of 2024. As a Sophomore in 2021, he helped the Princeton to an 11-2 record, advance to the 3rd round of the playoffs and average 36.3 points per game. As a receiver, he lines up in the slot and is a good route runner who shows good hands as he makes the catch with ease. After the catch, he displays great athletic ability and play speed as he outruns defenders for a long touchdown run. In addition to being a great athlete, he also shows good toughness as he lowers his shoulder running through a defender as he picks up a couple of extra yards. RB, [player_tooltip player_id="284612" first="Jordan" last="Marshall"], 5’11, 190, Archbishop Moeller [player_tooltip player_id="284612" first="Jordan" last="Marshall"] is the #1 ranked RB and the 9th ranked player in the class of 2024 overall. In 2021, he helped the Archbishop Moeller Fighting Crusaders to an 11-4 record, advance to the Division I state semifinals and average 35 points per game. He shows good burst through the hole and accelerates to top speed quickly once he enters the secondary. He displays very good play speed and athletic ability as he outruns all defenders for a long touchdown run. A reliable receiver coming out of the backfield, he quickly gets open running flat routes, displays excellent hands as he makes a one-handed catch and uses his play speed and athletic ability to gain significant YAC. DB, [player_tooltip player_id="284533" first="Koy" last="Beasley"], 6’0, 180, La Salle [player_tooltip player_id="284533" first="Koy" last="Beasley"] is the #3 ranked DB and the 17th ranked DB overall in the class of 2024. In 2021, he helped the La Salle Lancers advance to the 3rd round of the playoffs. He plays as a FS. Against the pass, he shows excellent ball skills as he reads the QB, uses his very good closing speed to put himself in position to make a play while tracking the ball in the air and displays good hands as he makes the interception. Against the run, he reads and reacts quickly, takes good angles in pursuit, squares his shoulders and delivers a good form tackle on larger RB preventing a potential TD. OL, [player_tooltip player_id="284584" first="Henry" last="Johnson"], 6’4, 250, Winton Woods [player_tooltip player_id="284584" first="Henry" last="Johnson"] is the 6th ranked OL and the 43rd ranked player in the class of 2024 overall. In 2021, he helped the Winton Woods to a 13-3 season, average 37.4 points per game and win the Division II state championship. He plays as a LT. While run blocking, he is quick off the ball, delivers a powerful punch with good hand placement and uses his very good play strength and physical toughness to drive the EDGE off the ball with ease. In pass pro, he sets up vertically or at a 45 degree angle and plays with a good base while bending at the knee. He uses his good use of hands and play strength to anchor against the bull rush and gives the QB a clean pocket to pass from.