Rising Sophomores With Plenty of Upside
As we inch closer to the season, we’ll have more and more content for you on some of Ohio’s best. Today’s article centers around a strong core of rising sophomores with plenty of potential. This group features a mixture of…
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Continue ReadingAs we inch closer to the season, we’ll have more and more content for you on some of Ohio’s best. Today’s article centers around a strong core of rising sophomores with plenty of potential. This group features a mixture of prospects, some of whom played at the varsity level in 2021, while a few others got their work done at the lower levels.
Currently, no one featured in this piece has yet to pick up a single scholarship offer. These young men have plenty of time to change that, and it all starts this fall. Keep an eye on them as we enter this season because a few more of them could make that jump to varsity, and a few others could become major standouts.
OL: Parker Harden, 6’4″ 275, Pickerington Central
- Consistent knee drive.
- Takes pride in finishing blocks.
- Raw power is still being trained.
- Stays hip to hip on zone or gap double teams.
- Constantly winning at the point of attack leads to steady hand placement.
ATH: Shiren Mabry, 6’3″ 190, KIPP Columbus
- Shows a swift first step off the snap.
- Can hold his own against base blocks inside the box.
- Speed gives opposing tackles problems.
- Has a projectable frame he can grow into; I think he bodes well as a 3-4 OLB at the next level.
DB: Reese Powell, 5’11” 170, Licking Heights
- Outstanding physicality for a young defensive back.
- Reads his keys and explodes downhill like a missile.
- Takes good angles to the ball, fighting to stay square when he gets there.
- Has the speed to make up for others’ mistakes.
RB: Cooper Josefczyk, 5’11” 190, Medina
- Impressive contact balance.
- Has the speed to outrun defenders with an angle on him.
- Can provide a major vertical threat when lined up in the slot.
- Combines both finesse and strength in his running style.
- Sticks his foot in the dirt and gets north & south when the time calls for it.
DB: Sayre Smothers Sayre Smothers 6'0" | 155 lbs | DB LaSalle | 2025 State OH , 5’10” 150, La Salle
- Sees through the wideout in his zone to the quarterback.
- Hip fluidity to not lose a step when being challenged vertically.
- Not afraid to stick his nose in there in the run game.
- Shows a natural, low pedal.
- Controls downfield vertical routes.
ATH: Vincent Giordano, 6’3″ 230, Kings
- Was a major contributor on both sides of the football.
- Size gives tacklers issues after the catch.
- Easily adjusts to make catches on balls thrown behind him.
- Bullrush causes serious knockback on the defensive side.