PRZOH Team Previews: Taft

<!-- 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 the Taft Senators.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Head Coach: Tyler Williams (41-12)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Last Season (12-3)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Key Losses</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DL Drayden Pavey (Wisconsin)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DB Jahvion Jarmon (Bowling Green)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>LB Aaron Dowdell (Findlay)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 OL [player_tooltip player_id='1285635' first='Kalel' last='Johnson'] (Transfer)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">2025 Season Outlook</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Taft will look to be a force in D4. They return a stellar core from their 2024 roster, which seen them advance to the D4 state semi final. Explosiveness is the name of the game on the offensive side of the ball. Taft did a great job at being balanced and finding explosive (20 Yards+) plays when needed. Expect the same this season, with quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1345033' first='Monsanna' last='Torbert Jr.'] and a boastful receiving core returning. The offensive line will be the unit to watch in terms of development and progress as the season winds down. Defensively, it boasts a fast defense with several playmakers. Headlined by senior and Cincinnati commit [player_tooltip player_id='817943' first='Adam' last='Kirtley'], this defense aims to utilize its athleticism and raw talent to get off the field and let the offense take over. When examining the Taft defense, there is no noticeable position group that is lacking. Within the Taft program, confidence is high, and they will try to leave their mark in the history books in the 2025 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":["1345033"],"_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-687f3caba1a53"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Monsanna is one of the best athletes in all of Ohio. At quarterback, he nearly put up a 2,000/1,000 season, and is a dynamic playmaker who can explode at any time. Defensively, he's fluid, and moves smoothly in the secondary. He has great measurables, and with an excellent 2025 season, we could be talking about a prospect wanted by the crown jewels of college football.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["817943"],"_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-687f3caba1b83"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kirtley committed to the in-town Bearcats of Cincinnati recently. The future Bearcat offers great size and instincts. On tape, you can see he's a hard worker with a high motor. He's excellent at reading plays pre-snap and can make a play early to blow up the offense. Adam is a great athlete who can get in pursuit of the ball quickly. I'm excited for Adam, and I can't wait to see his 2025 season unfold.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1285485"],"_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-687f3caba1ab7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">McMullen is an explosive athlete. Half of his receptions in his freshman season went for touchdowns. He's quick to get out of his release, and can get vertical quickly. He moves fluidly and can separate well. Lorenzo has already found interest from P4 programs. If you find yourself at a Taft game this season, watch out for McMullen.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["973567"],"_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-687f3caba1b00"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Holloway is my pick to be the breakout star for Taft's offense. He's got extreme big-play ability. He operates from the slot position in the Senator offense, and does a good job at recognizing coverages and where to adjust to. He's a great athlete who has blazing speed. He's elusive and will be one of the best athletes in southwest Ohio. I'm excited to see what Holloway can put on tape in 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["815895"],"_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-687f4536348a1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kavontae, the Kent State commit, will look to put together a great 2025 season. He has great athleticism and can change direction quickly. He's rangy as a safety and can make great plays on the ball. He can line up as a slot as well and use his athleticism to run with his defender. He can lay the boom on tackles and, in general, plays fast and aggressively. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1599300"],"_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-687f3caba1b42"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Pouncy is a playmaker on both sides of the ball. He has a long frame and is a great athlete. He's got good ball skills both at defensive back and tight end. He's got the ability to play as a linebacker and be a free roamer at safety. His size and how he develops will determine where he plays, but Josiah will be someone to watch in 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1314564"],"_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-687f3caba1bff"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Brewster is a great run stuffer. Bryce put up a monster 2024 season with 20 sacks. He's physical and can effectively utilize his size to attack lead blockers. He's got a good motor and doesn't give up on plays when having to go wider of the pocket. He does a great job at reading runs coming to his side and making a play to get to the proper gap. With Brewster currently committed to Bowling Green, I'll be interested to see what Brewster can accomplish in 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1721003"],"_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-687f4536347ff"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Torbert will play as a defensive back during his varsity season, but he played as a quarterback on the JV team in 2024. Key'Sean picked up four offers throughout the camping season and will be a breakout candidate for the Senators. He's a great athlete. He has good ball skills and can get physical with effective hand placement in press. With a more determined role within the program, expect to be hearing about Key'Sean in the coming years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1589554"],"_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-687f3caba1c3e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Chayse is another run stopper to be aware of on the Taft defensive line. He lines up at defensive tackle and can effectively plug gaps. He plays bigger than 280, and can use his size to drive interior offensive linemen off their feet to create pressure. He has the vision to see where the ball is and can push towards a gap. Chayse isn't a flashy player, but he gets the job done on the interior and then some.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1163012"],"_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-687f3caba1bc1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Naija is a versatile wide receiver. He has great size and can be used for jump balls in the red zone. He can also line up inside and work defensive backs on short breaking routes. Defensively, he's got good ball skills. He's quick to get in pursuit to the ball and can wrap up properly.</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>2028 OL/DL Kris Scott</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2026 DB/LB Kingston Morris</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2026 LB/DL Eli Hurry</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;– Jeffersonville (IN)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>8/29 </strong>&nbsp;– at Archbishop Alter</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>9/5</strong>&nbsp;– at Chaminade Julienne</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>9/12</strong>&nbsp;– Mount Healthy</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>9/19</strong>&nbsp;– Thurgood Marshall</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>9/26</strong>&nbsp;– at Withrow</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>10/3</strong>&nbsp;– Hughes</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>10/10</strong>&nbsp;– Western Hills</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>10/17</strong>&nbsp;– at Aiken</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>10/24</strong>&nbsp;– Woodward</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->