Six 2029 Prospects to Watch in Week Four

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Drayton Morris, WR/DB/RET, Columbus West — 2029</h2>   <p>Drayton Morris is one of the more intriguing under-the-radar prospects in Central Ohio's 2029 class. The 5-foot-11, 157-pound sophomore brings legitimate athleticism to West as a receiver, defensive back, and return specialist. Morris is at his most dangerous with the football in space, where his vision allows him to recognize developing lanes and his elusiveness makes the first defender miss. He has already shown the ability to turn kick returns into touchdowns, combining good initial acceleration with enough top-end speed to finish explosive plays. Morris does not simply run toward open grass; he understands how to set up blocks, change direction without losing significant speed, and accelerate once a crease develops. His current frame leaves room for continued physical development, but the natural movement skills and playmaking ability are already present. West is playing competitive football and providing Morris with opportunities to display his talent in multiple phases. If his offensive role continues expanding alongside his special-teams production, he could emerge as one of the more exciting young prospects in the Columbus City League.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Colton Wadle, QB, Medina Highland — 2029</h2>   <p>Colton Wadle delivered one of the most impressive starting debuts of the season after Highland lost senior quarterback Johnny Prucha to an injury in Week 2. The 6-foot-4, 200-pound sophomore completed all 11 of his passes for 270 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for 39 yards and two additional scores in a 55-20 victory over Avon Lake. Perfect completion numbers are impressive under any circumstances, but Wadle's efficiency while unexpectedly taking control of the offense revealed unusual composure. He distributed the ball accurately, created explosive plays, and avoided the mistakes that often accompany a young quarterback's first start. Highland will place considerably more pressure on him in Week 4 when the 2-1 Hornets host undefeated Nordonia. The Knights should provide a stronger defensive test, giving Wadle an opportunity to prove his debut was the beginning of a sustained breakout rather than a one-night performance.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">K.J. McLain, QB, Chesapeake — 2029</h2>   <p>K.J. McLain helped Chesapeake earn only its second victory in its last 16 games by completing 18 of 27 passes for a career-high 300 yards and three touchdowns in a 35-6 win over McDermott Northwest. The sophomore transfer has been trusted with a major leadership position at a young age, and Week 3 showed why the Panthers were willing to place the offense in his hands. McLain displayed the confidence to attack downfield while also developing chemistry with fellow sophomore Jayden Washington, who caught five passes for 89 yards and two touchdowns. McLain's ability to remain aggressive without losing control of the offense was an encouraging sign for a rebuilding program. Chesapeake hosts winless Coal Grove in Week 4, presenting McLain with an opportunity to help the Panthers win consecutive games for the first time in several seasons.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Xander Matchack, QB, Watkins Memorial — 2029</h2>   <p>Xander Matchack's legs powered Watkins Memorial to its first victory of the season as the sophomore quarterback scored four rushing touchdowns in a 49-7 win at Mansfield Senior. Matchack reached the end zone on runs of 17, 35, 11, and 10 yards, demonstrating that he can be dangerous both in designed quarterback runs and when a play breaks down. His acceleration stresses the edge of a defense, while his change of direction makes him difficult to square up once he reaches the second level. The next stage of his development will be to show that he can consistently punish defenses through the air when opponents commit additional defenders to stopping his rushing. Watkins Memorial hosts Marietta in Week 4, giving Matchack another chance to expand his command of the offense and help the Warriors build momentum.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1645885' first='Carter' last='Rhyan'], WR/S, Granville — 2029</h2>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1645885' first='Carter' last='Rhyan'] became the primary playmaker in Granville's passing attack during a 35-12 rivalry victory over Johnstown. The sophomore caught 11 passes for 154 yards and three touchdowns as the Blue Aces erased an early 12-0 deficit and scored 28 points during the second quarter. Rhyan's production demonstrated more than big-play speed. Recording 11 receptions required him to consistently create separation, locate openings, and provide senior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1858857' first='Jackson' last='McMillan'] with a dependable target. He can finish downfield opportunities, but he also possesses the awareness to work through traffic and make himself available when a play extends. Rhyan had already flashed his explosiveness with a 72-yard touchdown in Week 2, and his Week 3 performance showed he can also handle considerable volume. Granville's Week 4 assignment is a road matchup with Columbus Academy, where Rhyan will attempt to continue establishing himself as one of Central Ohio's most productive young receivers.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Eli Shaffer, RB, Eastern (Beaver) — 2029</h2>   <p>Eli Shaffer needed only 17 carries to rush for 215 yards and three touchdowns in Eastern's 31-6 victory over Minford. Averaging more than 12 yards per attempt demonstrated Shaffer's ability to turn ordinary openings into explosive gains. He runs decisively, reaches the line without unnecessary movement, and possesses enough acceleration to separate once he reaches open space. Producing that type of performance as a sophomore also suggests that Eastern can continue to increase his workload as the schedule becomes more demanding. Shaffer's next challenge comes on the road in Week 4 when Eastern (Beaver) faces Eastern (Reedsville). The matchup should reveal how he responds when an opponent enters the game fully aware that limiting him must be its first defensive priority.</p>