Mid-Season Notes: Ohio Freshmen You Need to Know

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The playoffs are right around the corner, and we've seen some impressive talent throughout this 2022 campaign. Well, today, we wanted to look at which freshmen from around the state are already making their presence felt. Some of the youngsters featured have already picked up division one scholarships on the recruiting trail. The group features a mixture of immediate-impact guys on varsity, along with others that are developing quickly on the lower levels. Look for them to finish this season in a big way and enter this off-season with a ton of momentum.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator {"className":"is-style-wide"} --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>WR: [player_tooltip player_id='1163032' first='Tanner' last='Pepper'], 6' 170, Warren</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><li>Sure hands on all three levels.</li><li>Subtle jabs cause defenders to stop their feet, allowing Tanner to run right past them.</li><li>Has the body control to adjust and make tough catches. </li></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:separator {"className":"is-style-wide"} --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>RB: [player_tooltip player_id='402359' first='Shahn' last='Alston'], 5'10" 195, Harvey</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><li>Accelerates through arm tackles with authority.</li><li>Patience and burst work hand in hand.</li><li>Has a violent running style and never shies away from contact.</li></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:separator {"className":"is-style-wide"} --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>ATH: [player_tooltip player_id='402345' first='Malachi' last='Taylor'], 6'1" 165, Pickerington North</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><li>Quite instinctive for a young defensive back.</li><li>Impressive change of direction and top-end speed.</li><li>One tough man to bring down in space.</li></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:separator {"className":"is-style-wide"} --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>ATH: Kaden Gebhardt, 6'1" 180, Olentangy</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><li>Reads the quarterback's intentions like a polished veteran.</li><li>He consistently rolls his hips and speeds his feet on tackle attempts.</li><li>Has a quick trigger and can close a ton of ground once he reads run.</li></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:separator {"className":"is-style-wide"} --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>ATH: [player_tooltip player_id='402356' first='Robert' last='Lathon'], 5'11" 175, Bishop Hartley</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><li>Shows breakaway speed when given a crease.</li><li>Does a good job letting his blocks set up in front of him before kicking it into the next gear. </li><li>He's pretty twitchy and extremely physical as an in-box tackler. </li></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:separator {"className":"is-style-wide"} --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>WR: Chris Henry Jr., 6'3" 170, West Clermont</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><li>Length and leaping ability gives cornerbacks major problems.</li><li>Releases are explosive, compact, and refined.</li><li>His balance and vision make him a YAC monster. </li></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:separator {"className":"is-style-wide"} --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>RB: Lemuel Grayson, 5'7" 170, Badin</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><li>Has a smaller yet compact frame that he runs behind well.</li><li>Shows outstanding contact balance between the tackles.</li><li>Grayson has natural vision and can stick his foot in the ground &amp; accelerate with no wasted steps.</li></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:separator {"className":"is-style-wide"} --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>QB: [player_tooltip player_id='402329' first='Donovan' last='Moorhead'], 6'2" 175, Hawken School</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><li>Displayed rhythmic feet throughout.</li><li>He plays fearless and is willing to sit inside the pocket and take a shot from an unblocked defender.</li><li>He shows precise touch and has proven that he can fit the football into tight cover two windows. </li></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:separator {"className":"is-style-wide"} --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>OLB: Cam Thomas, 6'1" 190, Lakota West</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><li>His motor is always turned on and ready to go.</li><li>Plays angry and looks to punish ball carriers with his tackle attempts.</li><li>Has a great get-off and can bend around the edge.</li></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->