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<p>As the 2025 season kicks off, Northwest Ohio is once again proving to be a hotbed for high-level football talent. From rising underclassmen with Division I offers to seniors looking to cement their legacies, the region is loaded with playmakers ready to take over Friday nights. Here are four players who stand out heading into the fall:</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1516813' first='Landon' last='Echelberry'] – QB – Clay – Class of 2028</strong><br>After bursting onto the scene as a freshman at Findlay, Echelberry is now the face of Clay's future. At 6'3” and 215 pounds, he already looks the part of a Division I quarterback. With offers from Toledo and Miami (OH), his combination of poise, arm strength, and toughness makes him one of the top underclassmen in Ohio. Expect his development in year two to accelerate under Coach Derek Pennington.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1676132' first='Jamon' last='Holmes'] – RB – Whitmer – Class of 2026</strong><br>Holmes headlines Whitmer's three-headed backfield, but his physicality sets him apart. At 6'0”, 215 pounds, he's a bruiser with the speed to pull away once he hits the second level. Holding multiple MAC offers already, Holmes will be a focal point of the Panthers' offense this season.</p>
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<p><strong>George Eggers – RB/LB – Napoleon – Class of 2026</strong><br>Eggers is the definition of a workhorse. He set a school record with 24 rushing touchdowns last fall while adding 54 tackles as a linebacker. At 6'1”, 210 pounds, he's a two-way star who also excels on the wrestling mat, placing fifth in the state at 215 pounds. Few players embody toughness like Eggers.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1317511' first='Isaiah' last='Hayward'] – WR – Whitmer – Class of 2026 (Bowling Green commit)</strong><br>Hayward brings speed and polish to Whitmer's passing game. With 659 yards and 6 touchdowns last season, the Bowling Green commit has shown the ability to create separation and make contested catches. His senior year should be his most productive yet as the Panthers transition under new head coach Justin Keller.</p>
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As the 2025 season kicks off, Northwest Ohio is once again proving to be a hotbed for high-level football talent. From rising underclassmen with Division I offers to seniors looking to cement their legacies, the region is loaded with playmakers ready to take over Friday nights. Here are four players who stand out heading into the fall:
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