PRZOH Team Previews: St. Edward

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>July is here, and that brings us to team preview season! Throughout the entire month of July and into early August, I will be releasing team previews to prepare everyone for the upcoming season and highlight key players to watch. Articles will be published frequently, so be sure to check back to see if your favorite program is featured! In this article, we will highlight D1 powerhouse St. Edward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Head Coach: Tom Lombardo (112-22)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Last Season (9-6)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Key Losses</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>LB Nate Gregory (Coastal Carolina)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DB Bradley Eaton (Princeton)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>OL Sawyer Prementine (Mercyhurst)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>QB Thomas Csanyi (Ashland)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DL Alec Dabney (Dennison)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DL Jaden Woods</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2026 DL [player_tooltip player_id='402328' first='Diondre' last='Taylor'] (Transfer)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2026 WR [player_tooltip player_id='1297759' first='Joseph' last='Saffold'] (Transfer)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">2025 Season Outlook</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After a 21-7 state semifinal loss to eventual state champions Olentangy Liberty, St. Edward looks to reload and capture its 4th state title in five seasons. The biggest asset of this loaded Eagles team is what has always been a strong suit under Coach Lombardo: trench play. With several D1 FBS commits lined up along the front, physicality and toughness will be something many teams can't match. Turnovers plagued St. Edward in its biggest tests last season. With a new quarterback at the helm, ball security is the top priority with the offensive scheme. Defense has always been the side to watch when it comes to the Eagles. They allowed 18 points per game in 2024, an increase from 2023. Even with a dominant defense yet again, it seemed to crack at times in the biggest games played, but I expect that to flip coming into the season with the amount of talent coming back. 2025 will be a year circled on the calendars for many St. Edward fans, as they think they can be on top yet again come the end of the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Players to Watch</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1184432"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68884ceabdb48"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Wilhelm is a recent riser in our 2026 rankings update and will look to continue his dominance into his senior campaign. At right tackle, he moves well and shows great athleticism. He projects to be a great zone blocker at the college level, and could flex as a guard and a tackle in his future.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1317990"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68884ceabdbe4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Makhi was someone who saw a lot of love from college programs through the offseason and committed to Miami (OH). He's a lengthy defensive back who is very well balanced. He can play the ball and has great coverage skills in both press and off-ball. He can also make plays at the line of scrimmage as a tackler. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1317480"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68884ceabdc80"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brayden is someone who rose earlier in our rankings update in January, and since then has committed to Michigan State. He's a do-it-all type of safety. He is a great tackler and can tackle in open space. He can line up close to the box and attack or drop back into coverage. He has great instincts in the passing game and flips his hips quickly to make plays on the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1313832"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68884ceabdd1a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hackleman could turn some heads regionally this season for the Eagles offense. Hackleman has excellent top end speed and can get down the field well. He cuts well in his movements down field and offers home run ability. He goes up and gets the ball against defenders at a good clip, and has a great catch radius. I look forward to seeing what Zach can put on film.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1185731"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6888849ef2561"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Paulozzi will be one defender I have my eyes on in terms of recruiting hype. Paulozzi has nasty hands, both fast and powerful. He's got good burst off the line and has good bend. He has excellent closing speed on quarterbacks to finish sacks. I'm excited to see what Bradyn can do in 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1171272"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68884ceabddc6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Brodon is a thumper. He can blitz from the boundary and the slot and get home. He's quick and gets up to speed in rapid fashion. He can match up well in press coverage and does a great job at allowing minimal space. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1065301"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68884ceabdeb6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Brandon will be a break out candidate for this St. Edward offense. He's shifty and explosive off the release. He picks a hole and shoots through it, and can get into the second level with a strong lower half. If he breaks past the last line of defense, he has top end speed and is hard to catch. Brandon is also used in the passing game, and can be a great mismatch for slower defenders. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":[1141675],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-688a184dac384"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Marquard is another product of the St. Edward factory. He's got great size with time to fill out his frame a bit. He plays right tackle for the Eagles. He moves well laterally. I would like to see him be more vicious in his blocks, but he plays with good play strength. Watch out for the 2027 giant in 2025. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1171406"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68884ceabdf29"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Crocker led the Eagles in sacks and tackles for loss in 2024 against a stacked schedule. He has good bend and burst off the line. He works well with stunts to the inside. He attacks well with his hands and can use them well to rip past offensive tackles. Crocker is a solid athlete who plays bigger than his size.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["949832"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6888849ef2643"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Krzak is another giant in the Eagles program. At guard, he moves very well. He's reactive to blocks coming from several angles, and can move into the second level. He has great hands and can stun defensive linemen. I'm excited to see Xavier's development into his junior campaign.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1178351"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68884ceabe010"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Tyrese knows what he wants to do with the ball in his hands. He's decisive and gets to his spots. He fights through contact and can drive forward on contact. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">More Names to Know</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2026 DL/TE [player_tooltip player_id='1299899' first='Brendan' last='Shultz']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 RB/DB Jayvon Woods</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2026 QB/WR [player_tooltip player_id='1740929' first='Jonny' last='Evanchick']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2026 DB Braylen Adams</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 OL Landon Walkem</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 DB/WR [player_tooltip player_id='949494' first='Landon' last='Lehmer']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 LB [player_tooltip player_id='949855' first='Luke' last='Ardito']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 QB [player_tooltip player_id='949831' first='Langston' last='Lucas']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2026 WR [player_tooltip player_id='1740931' first='Jonah' last='Koopman']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 OL/DL [player_tooltip player_id='1141963' first='Connor' last='Morris']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2026 WR James O'Donnell</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2026 QB Caden Yondo</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">2025 Schedule</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>8/22</strong>&nbsp;– Pickerington North</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>8/30 (Sat.)</strong>&nbsp;– Delbarton School (NJ)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>9/5</strong>&nbsp;– Wayne</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>9/12</strong>&nbsp;– Glenville</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>9/19</strong>&nbsp;– at Massillon Washington</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>9/27 (Sat.)</strong>&nbsp;– Bishop McNamara (MD)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>10/3</strong>&nbsp;– St. Ignatius</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>10/10</strong>&nbsp;– Clarkson North (AK)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>10/17</strong>&nbsp;– Archbishop Moeller</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>10/24</strong>&nbsp;– at Archbishop Hoban</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->