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Underrated Olentangy Underclassmen Pt.2

Underrated Olentangy Underclassmen Pt.2
Tyler Stevens
Tyler Stevens October 16, 2025 @ 03:19 AM
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In this article:

Cooper Ailes
Cooper Ailes 5'11" | 170 lbs | WR | 2029
OH
Jacob Linley
Jacob Linley 5'11" | 160 lbs | DB | 2027
OH
Mike Alexander
Mike Alexander 6'3" | 190 lbs | WR/QB | 2027
OH
Max Zigo
Max Zigo 5'10" | 190 lbs | DL/LB | 2027
OH
Chase Thornton
Chase Thornton 6'0" | 185 lbs | DB | 2027
OH
Jake Hendon
Jake Hendon 6'1" | 275 lbs | OL | 2028
OH
Ben Rucker
Ben Rucker 6'1" | 220 lbs | DL | 2027
OH
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Olentangy is the fastest-rising area in Central Ohio sports. With Olentangy Liberty taking home the D1 state championship and Olentangy Orange looking like a top contender for D1 this season, I want to take time to search around the area for some of the top underclassmen who are helping out all four programs that are not in our current rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1954955"],"_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-68ef57f605a79"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jake has been an impressive piece for the Olentangy Orange offensive line. From his film, he's currently playing at RT, but can kick into guard if needed. He's got quick feet and moves well. He can get to second blocks beyond the first level. He's got a good anchor for his size and can hold his ground against defenders well in pass protection. I like the current package that Jake has shown in his early film.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1956482"],"_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-68f090e74b48a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mike has been a key player in the Olentangy offense this season. He lines up inside at receiver and can make plays at every level of the field. He's a huge YAC target who can create explosive plays out of simple designs. He also lines up as a quarterback at times. He typically runs an option run when lined up at quarterback, and can create huge plays from that position. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1954959"],"_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-68ef57f605bf5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Max is a versatile piece for the 2025 Liberty program. He's making plays on defense as a linebacker who can line up both on and off the line, as well as a defender on kick returns. He's a great athlete who brings energy to the defense. He has an aggressive play style. His best use has been on blitzes and in short-distance run defense. At his size, he has a lot of power and can often overwhelm offensive linemen when pursuing the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1956483"],"_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-68f090e74b524"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jacob is the only athlete who's been covered by me this season. Since week one, we've played seven weeks of football, and with more tape to review, I see the growth Linley has shown. He's balanced in what he can do. He's comfortable in man coverage downfield and is great at taking leverage away from the receiver. He can read rushes coming his way and get in the area to make a tackle. Linley is a solid piece in this Braves defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1954956"],"_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-68ef57f605b16"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Chase is a safety who holds the front line down for the Liberty defense. He's not an exceptional defender against the pass, but he makes up for that in his rush defense. He's quick to pursue the ball. He showcases disciplined tackling technique. He can blitz from the slot and make plays in the backfield.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1956491"],"_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-68f097b3cc0c8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Cooper is one of the very few underclassmen who get starting reps for Olentangy Berlin. As a freshman, he showcases great athleticism with home run speed. He's a top track athlete in Ohio who has made the transition to varsity football. He can bring down catches through contact. It's still early for Cooper, but I like what he's put out so far.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1954000"],"_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-68ef57f605c3a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ben lines up on the 3-man Liberty defensive line. For his size, he's a good run stuffer. He's got a knack for containing blocks to slow down rushers when rushing past his gap. Rucker isn't a flashy defensive lineman, but he does his part in a defense that only allows 12 points per game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->

Olentangy is the fastest-rising area in Central Ohio sports. With Olentangy Liberty taking home the D1 state championship and Olentangy Orange looking like a top contender for D1 this season, I want to take time to search around the area for some of the top underclassmen who are helping out all four programs that are not in our current rankings.

Jake Hendon

Jake Hendon

HEIGHT 6'1"
WEIGHT 275
POS OL
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Jake
Hendon OL
Class
2028
Height
6'1"
Weight
275
HS
Olentangy Orange
|
OH
Underrated Olentangy Underclassmen Pt.2
Jake has been an impressive piece for the Olentangy Orange offensive line. From his film, he’s currently playing...
Written by Tyler Stevens
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Jake Hendon

Twitter
State: Ohio
School: Olentangy Orange
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Mike Alexander

Mike Alexander

HEIGHT 6'3"
WEIGHT 190
POS WR/QB
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Mike
Alexander WR/QB
Class
2027
Height
6'3"
Weight
190
HS
Olentangy
|
OH
Underrated Olentangy Underclassmen Pt.2
Mike has been a key player in the Olentangy offense this season. He lines up inside at receiver...
Written by Tyler Stevens
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Mike Alexander

Twitter
State: Ohio
School: Olentangy
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Max Zigo

Max Zigo

HEIGHT 5'10"
WEIGHT 190
POS DL/LB
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Max
Zigo DL/LB
Class
2027
Height
5'10"
Weight
190
HS
Olentangy Liberty
|
OH
Underrated Olentangy Underclassmen Pt.2
Max is a versatile piece for the 2025 Liberty program. He’s making plays on defense as a linebacker...
Written by Tyler Stevens
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Max Zigo

Twitter
State: Ohio
School: Olentangy Liberty
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Jacob Linley

Jacob Linley

HEIGHT 5'11"
WEIGHT 160
POS DB
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Jacob
Linley DB
Class
2027
Height
5'11"
Weight
160
HS
Olentangy
|
OH
Underrated Olentangy Underclassmen Pt.2
Jacob is the only athlete who’s been covered by me this season. Since week one, we’ve played seven...
Written by Tyler Stevens
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Jacob Linley

Twitter
State: Ohio
School: Olentangy
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Chase Thornton

Chase Thornton

HEIGHT 6'0"
WEIGHT 185
POS DB
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Chase
Thornton DB
Class
2027
Height
6'0"
Weight
185
HS
Olentangy Liberty
|
OH
Underrated Olentangy Underclassmen Pt.2
Chase is a safety who holds the front line down for the Liberty defense. He’s not an exceptional...
Written by Tyler Stevens
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Chase Thornton

Twitter
State: Ohio
School: Olentangy Liberty
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Cooper Ailes

Cooper Ailes

HEIGHT 5'11"
WEIGHT 170
POS WR
CLASS 2029
View Player
​
Cooper
Ailes WR
Class
2029
Height
5'11"
Weight
170
HS
Olentangy Berlin
|
OH
Underrated Olentangy Underclassmen Pt.2
Cooper is one of the very few underclassmen who get starting reps for Olentangy Berlin. As a freshman,...
Written by Tyler Stevens
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Cooper Ailes

Instagram
State: Ohio
School: Olentangy Berlin
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Ben Rucker

Ben Rucker

HEIGHT 6'1"
WEIGHT 220
POS DL
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Ben
Rucker DL
Class
2027
Height
6'1"
Weight
220
HS
Olentangy Liberty
|
OH
Underrated Olentangy Underclassmen Pt.2
Ben lines up on the 3-man Liberty defensive line. For his size, he’s a good run stuffer. He’s...
Written by Tyler Stevens
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Ben Rucker

Twitter
State: Ohio
School: Olentangy Liberty
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

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