Next Up: Pickerington North Reloads with Decorated Underclassmen

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pickerington North continues to set the standard in Central Ohio, and the next wave is already delivering. This isn't projection; it's production with recognition. Multiple underclassmen have earned OCC and District honors, a clear sign that the Panthers trust young players in fundamental roles and develop them early.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pickerington North's identity remains intact: physical football, disciplined execution, and competitive depth. With a core of decorated 2027s and 2028s, the Panthers are positioned to stay in the postseason conversation for years to come.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prospects to Watch</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='852080' first='Andyriq' last='Thomas'] | RB | 2027</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Honors: OCC Offensive Player of the Year; 1st Team All-District</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Thomas is the engine. A decisive, powerful runner with patience and balance, he consistently finishes runs and forces defensive adjustments. Winning OCC OPOY as an underclassman speaks to both volume and impact. He can control tempo and flip field position with one cut, and his ceiling continues to rise as his pass-game usage and frame develop.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Robinson Report: League-dominant production at a young age; foundational piece for the offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='949473' first='Massuod' last='Seidu'] | DB | 2027</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Honors: 2nd Team All-OCC; Honorable Mention All-District</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Seidu is a steady presence in the secondary. He reads routes well, closes with intent, and is physical in run support. His recognition reflects consistency and trust within the scheme. As his press technique and ball production continue to improve, his role should expand.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Robinson Report: Reliable defender with growth potential as a matchup option.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1620681' first='Geo' last='McKnight'] | ATH | 2028</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Honors: 1st Team All-OCC; 1st Team All-District</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Freshmen don't earn first-team honors by accident. McKnight impacts games wherever he lines up, showing advanced football IQ, competitiveness, and poise against varsity competition. He processes quickly and plays fast—traits that separate early. He is a big-time P4 prospect who will end up being a national recruit. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Robinson Report: Early separator in the 2028 class; program cornerstone upside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='963746' first='Avery' last='Price'] | 2028</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Honors: 2nd Team All-OCC</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Price brings effort, toughness, and dependable execution. He consistently handles assignments and plays with urgency from snap to whistle. As his physical development accelerates, expect a noticeable jump in production.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Robinson Report: Ascending prospect with a strong developmental arc.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Class of 2027 – Other Name</strong>s to watch </h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Teshawn Smith | FB/LB</strong> </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Matthew Peterson | WR</strong> </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Troy Caines | LB</strong> </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Justin Butler | DB</strong> </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Brock Huston | LB</strong> </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Muhammad Rehman | QB</strong> </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Raphson Tangkiang</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Jay'Veon Massey </strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Tyice Warren | WR/CB</strong> </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1990211' first='Kingston' last='Williams'] | OL/DL</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Outlook</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pickerington North isn't waiting for the future; the future is already producing. When underclassmen earn league and district honors, it's a clear indicator of a healthy pipeline and a program built to sustain success. With Thomas setting the tone offensively, Seidu anchoring the back end, and McKnight is a difference-maker, the Panthers remain a team to watch in Central Ohio.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->