Ohio 2024’s Who Are Looking To Blast Off

Jared Luginbill March 28, 2023 @ 11:33 AM

LB [player_tooltip player_id='733679' first='Connor' last='Smith'] (Springboro) 5'10 190- Smith lines up at the inside linebacker position for the Panthers. He was a tackling a machine as a junior tallying almost 140 tackles on the season. He's very good in space and is an excellent open field tackler. He gets downhill quickly but does a good job of not overrunning plays. He has a great motor and frequently runs down plays from the backside because he never gives up on plays. He's also a top-notch student.   OL [player_tooltip player_id='733683' first='Luke' last='Halsey'] (Edgewood) 6'3 275- If you've watched Edgewood, you know they like to run the football. Halsey is a big part of that run game. He's violent at the point of attack. He has great feet that he uses on pulls and getting to the second level. He loves to finish. I really like Luke at the interior offensive line position at the next level.   RB [player_tooltip player_id='733682' first='Quentin' last='Youngblood'] (Beavercreek) 6'1 175- Youngblood is a running back for the Beavers. He does a good job of utilizing his speed and agility in space to make guys miss and gain yards, but he's also not afraid to lower his shoulder and deliver a blow. He does a great job of absorbing hits and maintaining balance. He's also used as a kickoff returner.   DB [player_tooltip player_id='733680' first='Kamron' last='Payne'] (Fairmont) 6'0 180- is a fun watch. From blocking multiple field goals to playing lock down defense at the cornerback position, to making plays in the return game on special teams, Payne was a playmaker for the Firebirds. Payne has good size for a defensive back and he has the speed and short space quickness not only run with receivers but to make plays. I could really see his recruitment taking off this offseason.   DL [player_tooltip player_id='733681' first='Carter' last='Lucas'] (West Clermont) 6'4 270- Lucas is a versatile DT with a great combo of size and get-off. He's versatile in that he can one gap or 2 gap which is pretty rare for a lineman his size. He has the size and the strength to drive his man into the backfield and take on doubles. He also has a really strong get-off that he uses shoot gaps and beat blockers. Lucas could really pick up some recruiting steam this camp season.

LB Connor Smith Connor Smith 5'11" | 190 lbs | LB Springboro | 2024 OH (Springboro) 5'10 190- Smith lines up at the inside linebacker position for the Panthers. He was a tackling a machine as a junior tallying almost 140 tackles on the season. He's very good in space and is an excellent open field tackler. He gets downhill quickly but does a good job of not overrunning plays. He has a great motor and frequently runs down plays from the backside because he never gives up on plays. He's also a top-notch student.