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<p>The best high school football programs rarely depend on one graduating class. They identify the next group, adapt to its strengths, and ask returning players to embrace greater responsibilities.</p>
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<p>That process is unfolding across Northern Ohio as the 2026 season approaches. From proven state champions to emerging Division I recruits, these six seniors have the talent and experience to become defining players for their respective programs.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1631427' first='Jeremiah' last='Fuller'], RB/ATH, Toledo Central Catholic</h2>
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<p>Central Catholic lost several major contributors from last season's Division III state runner-up, but [player_tooltip player_id='1631427' first='Jeremiah' last='Fuller'] gives the Fighting Irish a proven player around whom they can construct their offense.</p>
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<p>The 5-foot-9, 170-pound senior produced more than 1,600 all-purpose yards and 29 touchdowns as a junior. He averaged 6.8 yards per carry while contributing as a runner, receiver, and return specialist. He also earned first-team All-Ohio recognition.</p>
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<p>Fuller's most impressive quality is his ability to change direction without surrendering his acceleration. He presses the initial running lane, forces linebackers to commit,t and can escape through the backside crease. He also runs with better contact balance than his measurements might suggest.</p>
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<p>With offers from Bowling Green, Eastern Michigan, Miami Ohio), and Western Michigan, Fuller will enter the season as one of Northwest Ohio's most dangerous offensive players. Central Catholic's supporting cast will look different, but Fuller gives the Irish a reliable centerpiece as they move into Division II.</p>
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<p><a href="https://x.com/Jeremiah2027RB?utm_source=chatgpt.com">Fuller on X</a> | <a>Hudl highlights</a></p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Baxter Barrett, RB/LB, Liberty Center</h2>
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<p>Liberty Center captured the Division V state championship behind an experienced, physical group that finished 15-0. Now, Baxter Barrett is expected to help the Tigers establish their next identity.</p>
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<p>Barrett moves from wingback to halfback following the graduation of Thomas Mohler, who rushed for 1,182 yards and 17 touchdowns. It is a significant responsibility, but Barrett spent last season learning the offense and gaining meaningful experience within Liberty Center's championship system.</p>
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<p>At 5-foot-10 and approximately 180 pounds, Barrett is a decisive runner who fits the Tigers' downhill approach. He follows his blocks patiently, gets vertical once the lane develops, and maintains his balance through initial contact. His experience at linebacker also shows in his physical playing style.</p>
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<p>Liberty Center may distribute the workload differently this season, but Barrett is positioned to become the senior tone-setter for a program pursuing its fourth consecutive appearance in the state championship game.</p>
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<p><a>Hudl highlights</a></p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1851679' first='Savior' last='Owens'], RB, Massillon Washington</h2>
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<p>Few returning running backs in Ohio combine production and physicality like Massillon's [player_tooltip player_id='1851679' first='Savior' last='Owens'].</p>
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<p>The Michigan State commit rushed for more than 1,500 yards during his junior season and earned All-Ohio recognition. At approximately 5-foot-11 and 215 pounds, Owens possesses the frame to handle a heavy workload while still creating explosive plays.</p>
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<p>Owens runs behind his pads and consistently finishes forward. He can absorb contact in the backfield, regain his balance, and turn a potential loss into positive yardage. His vision is equally important. Owens recognizes when the designed lane is congested and has the foot quickness to locate a cutback opening.</p>
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<p>Massillon will have multiple offensive options, but Owens is the player who can control the pace of the game. His combination of power, patience, and short-area acceleration makes him a natural foundation for the Tigers' offense.</p>
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<p><a href="https://x.com/SaviorOwens">Owens on X</a> | <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16563219/Savior-Owens">Hudl highlights</a></p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2075022' first='Fin' last='Jerdonek'], WR/CB, Avon</h2>
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<p>Avon has won consecutive Division II state championships, and [player_tooltip player_id='2075022' first='Fin' last='Jerdonek'] enters his senior season as one of the Eagles' most dependable returning playmakers.</p>
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<p>Jerdonek caught 54 passes for 776 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2025. Those numbers reflect his reliability, but his value extends beyond the box score. The 5-foot-10, 170-pound receiver understands spacing, adjusts his routes against coverage,e and consistently presents his quarterback with a clean target.</p>
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<p>He does not need to overpower defensive backs to create separation. Jerdonek changes tempo during his routes, attacks leverage, and locates openings between defenders. He also tracks the football well and can adjust to throws outside his frame of reference.</p>
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<p>With experience as a defensive back and punt returner, Jerdonek offers the versatility Avon demands from its veteran players. As the Eagles pursue a third straight championship, expect him to become an even larger part of their offensive and special-teams plans.</p>
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<p><a href="https://x.com/FinJerdone85867?utm_source=chatgpt.com">Jerdonek on X</a> | <a>Hudl highlights</a></p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">D'Angelo White, TE/DE, Villa Angela-St. Joseph</h2>
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<p>D'Angelo White gives Villa Angela-St. Joseph has a matchup problem on offense and a disruptive presence on defense.</p>
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<p>The Louisville commit stands approximately 6 feet 5 inches and weighs more than 235 pounds. He has the length, catch radius, and developing strength to operate as an attached tight end, work through the seam, or become a red-zone target.</p>
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<p>White's athleticism becomes especially evident when the ball is in the air. He extends beyond his frame, shields defenders from the catch point, and has enough mobility to separate from linebackers. As his blocking technique develops, he has the potential to become a complete every-down tight end.</p>
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<p>He is equally intriguing on defense. White earned All-Ohio recognition at defensive end after recording six sacks last season. His length makes it difficult for offensive tackles to control him, while his frame allows him to set the edge against the run.</p>
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<p>VASJ finished 10-2 last season. With White contributing on both sides, the Vikings possess one of Northern Ohio's most impactful two-way seniors.</p>
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<p><a href="https://x.com/_DAngeloWhite?utm_source=chatgpt.com">White on X</a> | <a>Hudl highlights</a></p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='949494' first='Landon' last='Lehmer'], S/WR, St. Edward</h2>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='949494' first='Landon' last='Lehmer'] has already established himself as one of St. Edward's defensive leaders. His senior season could showcase an even more complete version of his game.</p>
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<p>The Miami (Ohio) commit led the Eagles in tackles last season, finishing with 79 solo stops and four interceptions while earning second-team All-Ohio honors. At 6 feet and approximately 195 pounds, Lehmer has the build to play near the line of scrimmage without sacrificing coverage range.</p>
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<p>Lehmer diagnoses plays quickly and takes direct paths to the football. He is a secure open-field tackler who arrives under control, but he can also accelerate downhill and deliver force against the running game. In coverage, his anticipation and ball skills allow him to challenge throws rather than prevent completions.</p>
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<p>St. Edward has also been preparing Lehmer for an expanded role as a wide receiver. His strength, explosiveness, and experience tracking the football could make him a valuable two-way contributor.</p>
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<p>For a program accustomed to championship expectations, Lehmer provides exactly what is needed from a senior: production, versatility, and an understanding of the standard.</p>
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<p><a>Lehmer on X</a> | <a>Hudl highlights</a></p>
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<p></p>
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The best high school football programs rarely depend on one graduating class. They identify the next group, adapt to its strengths, and ask returning players to embrace greater responsibilities.
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