2024 stats: 179-273, 65.6% completion percentage, 17 touchdowns; 82 rushes, 302 yards, 5 touchdowns. (1st Team Eastern Cincinnati Conference, Honorable Mention All-Southwest Ohio).College interests so far: FCS schools, including the Ivy League, along with some Division II and NAIA schools. Class of 2025 Ky’Ron Carter, RT/DT/DE, Lloyd Memorial College interests so far: FCS schools.Height: 5-foot-11. […]
2024 stats: 179-273, 65.6% completion percentage, 17 touchdowns; 82 rushes, 302 yards, 5 touchdowns. (1st Team Eastern Cincinnati Conference, Honorable Mention All-Southwest Ohio).College interests so far: FCS schools, including the Ivy League, along with some Division II and NAIA schools.
Class of 2025
Ky’Ron Carter, RT/DT/DE, Lloyd Memorial
College interests so far: FCS schools.Height: 5-foot-11. Weight: 180 pounds. Recruiting rating: N/R.College interests so far: NAIA/Division IIScouting report: “On defense, he’s quick off the ball and can get in the backfield to create problems for the offense,” Lloyd Memorial coach Kyle Niederman said. “On offense he stands his ground and very few can get past him.”College interests so far: Thomas More University, University of Pikeville, John Carroll University, University of Puget Sound, Lindsay Wilson College, Kentucky Christian University, University of Findlay. On Jan. 24, Carter received an official offer from McPherson College, an NAIA school in Kansas.Intangibles: “He’s a laid-back guy, but when he puts on that helmet, he’s all business and makes everyone around him better,” Niederman said.Colin Daniels, LB/DB, La Salle
Cason Patrick, OL/DL, Grant County
College interests so far: Several Division II and NAIA universities have shown interest.2024 stats: 25 receptions, 428 yards, 9 touchdowns; 51 tackles, 7 interceptions, interception return touchdown.Scouting report: From Oak Hills offensive coordinator Robert Klotz: “Jeremy plays left tackle with good size and strength. He excels in pass protection with a quick set-up and strong anchor against power rushers. He uses active hands and excellent footwork allowing him to mirror edge rushers. In the run game, he does a great job climbing to the second level with powerful initial contact and a strong ability to sustain blocks.”2024 stats: 67 receptions, 1,308 yards, 19 touchdowns; 17 tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, 2 passes defended, interception return touchdown.
Marvin Paulino, OL, Norwood
2024 stats: 29 tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss, interception, pass defended.College interests so far: Miami (Ohio), Mount St. Joseph.2024 stats: 1,851 passing yards, 19 passing touchdowns, 530 rushing yards, 5 rushing touchdowns2024 stats: 82 tackles, 15.0 tackles for loss, 9.0 sacks, 3 passes defended.2024 stats: 5 games, 21 tackles, 2 fumble recoveries, 2 passes defended.
Isaiah Sebastian, WR/CB/QB/return specialist, Lloyd Memorial
Scouting report: Wells is an explosive athlete with a penchant for making plays. He’s smooth and sharp in and out of breaks as a route runner and has a high football IQ, allowing him to understand route leverage and adjustments. He has strong hands, can highpoint the ball well, and he’s an elite perimeter blocker, according to CHCA coach Calvin Renfroe.Height: 6-foot-2. Weight: 218 pounds. 40-yard dash time: 5.05 seconds. 5-10-5 shuttle time: 4.65 seconds. Broad jump: 8-feet, 5 inches. Recruiting rating: N/R.Scouting report: Harney has been a star at quarterback for Covington Catholic, but the Colonels’ head coach Eddie Eviston believes he could be a successful defensive back or slot receiver at the next level.
Height: 6-foot-1. Weight: 188 pounds. 40-yard dash time: 4.59 seconds. 5-10-5 shuttle time: 4.48 seconds. Broad jump: 9-feet, 10-inches. Recruiting rating: N/R.Intangibles: “Mason is as lowkey a guy as you will find,” Sphire said. “He doesn’t say much, but he will outwork anyone you put in front of him. He is the prototypical offensive lineman and loves his teammates.”Intangibles: Renfroe said that Wells is highly coachable and highly competitive. He’s second on the team with a 50.8 foot eight-pound medicine ball launch, which Renfroe said is a “huge predictor of game-specific strength and power.”
Connor Yeager, TE/DE/P/K Clermont Northeastern
Scouting report: Batavia head coach Wayne Stacy said Harris is an extremely accurate passer with the legs to extend plays and the mind to make the right throw. First-team all-conference and all district at quarterback, as well as second team all-state. Quarterbacked Batavia to an 8-3 record a season after a 3-7 last-place finish.Scouting report: Despite being relatively new to football, Lakota East head coach Jon Kitna said Fausnaugh has strong technique to compliment impressive strength and a motor that never quits. He eats up blocks, and a single offensive lineman is rarely enough to push him backwards on runs at this level. If he’s one-on-one and an opponent runs in his direction, there’s a very good chance he’ll get at least an arm around the rusher, usually enough to bring him down.
College interests so far: Mid-American Conference schools, particularly Ohio, Toledo and Kent State. COMMITTED: Sebastian committed to Georgetown College on Jan. 26.College interests so far: NAIA/Division II.Intangibles: Hogan: “He’s a very tough and smart kid. He will be in his third year as a starter. He has started every game since his freshman year and he holds every passing record in school history after only two seasons. Also holds an 18-6 Career record in two seasons.”
Class of 2026
Jeremy Bader, OT, Oak Hills
Intangibles: From head coach Gary Pence: “This past year was his first year truly getting to play receiver, and was one of the best receivers in the state in 2A this year. We expect him to truly breakout even more in his senior year. Michael is a hard worker, and is committed to getting even better in the off season.”Scouting report: “When he gets the ball in his hands, he makes things happen,” Lloyd Memorial coach Kyle Niederman said. “He has a true feel for the game which allows him to read the field and make plays. He has the ability to change the game every play he’s on the field.College interests so far: NAIA/Division IIHeight: 6-foot-2. Weight: 270 pounds. 40-yard dash time: 5.00. Vertical: 25 inches. Shuttle: 3.64. Recruiting rating: N/A2024 stats: N/A.
Reid Baker, LB, Anderson
Scouting report: Hughbanks’ size and speed makes him a problem for opposing defenses on every play, according to Batavia head coach Wayne Stacy. He finished second in the state indoor track meet and third outdoors as a sophomore in the hurdles. He earned all-conference, all-district and all-Ohio first team honors for the Bulldogs, who went from last place in 2023 to an 8-3 record in 2024. College interests so far: Columbia, Eastern Michigan and a few other D-1 programs have shown interest.Intangibles: “No one outworks him,” Stacy said. Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.Height: 6-foot-4. Weight: 240 pounds. 40-yard dash time: 4.83 seconds. Recruiting rating: N/A.
Chris Bouyer, WR, Lakota East
Height: 5-foot-11. Weight: 213 pounds. Recruiting rating: N/R.Scouting report: CHCA coach Calvin Renfroe calls Canter a fearless and relentless competitor. He’s a physical disruptor in the run game and a quick and athletic pass rusher. Quick off the ball, he has strong and quick hands, great bend and a relentless motor.2024 stats: 49 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks.2024 stats: 4 games, 6 tackles.Scouting report: Bouyer is a long strider and efficient route runner, who strong in the catch, physical and smooth and a natural catcher of the football, according to Lakota East head coach Jon Kitna. He can play inside or out.
Cole Canter, DE, CHCA
2024 stats: 39 tackles, 12.0 sacks, 7.5 tackles for loss.2024 stats: 120-188, 63.8% completion percentage, 1,909 yards, 23 touchdowns; 13 rushes, 143 yards, 2 touchdowns.Ridner Richard can two-hand dunk with ease. He has the best eight-pound medicine ball launch on the team, at 52.8 feet. Renfroe said this is a “huge predictor of game-specific strength and power.”2024 stats: 191 rushes, 1,423 yards, 7.5 yards per carry, 14 touchdowns; 24 catches, 216 yards.2024 stats: 89-162, 54.9% completion percentage, 1,084 yards, 11 touchdowns; 71 rushes, 598 yards, 6 touchdowns; 28 tackles, 4 passes defended, 3 interceptions.
Lance Cantrell, RB, Talawanda
Scouting report: Miranda is a smooth and physical athlete, as well as a good route runner with the hands to play receiver. He can tackle and play in coverage as a safety. Lakota East head coach Jon Kitna believes he could play multiple positions in college.Intangibles: “He transferred to us late in the spring after having to miss all of his sophomore year due to a broken collarbone,” Lakota East head coach Jon Kitna said. “Immediately, he attacked learning our system and earned his way into an impactful role for us. This season should see him dominate people in every way imaginable.”Analysis: Second team all-conference and honorable mention all-district for a defense that allowed more than 10 points just three times in the regular season on the way to an appearance in the Division II state championship game. In addition to prowess as a run defender and pass rusher that’s evidenced by his statistics, Anderson was comfortable dropping him in coverage against running backs and tight ends, and he has the speed and quickness to do it.2024 stats: Did not play in 2024. 2023 stats: 246 receiving yards, two touchdowns, 46 tackles, five sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveriesIntangibles: From head coach Andy Stuckert: “Tough, gritty running back with great speed. He is shifty with great vision as well. Reminds me of a Christian McCaffrey type the way we are able to use him in the run game and pass game.”
Nick Cozzi, WR/DB, Bishop Brossart
Intangibles: “He is a remarkably intelligent player,” Renfroe said. “He has the ability to process, understand, and communicate complex play calls, identify read keys, work through progressions, and has the ability to stretch a defense thin with his athleticism.”Intangibles: “Marvin is a true leader on the field that wants his greatest performance each and every play. He strives to learn the game to make himself more of an impact and wants to carry his success to all those around him,” Money said.Height: 6-foot-1. Weight: 217 pounds. 40-yard dash time: 4.79 seconds. 5-10-5 shuttle time: 4.52 seconds. Broad jump: 8-feet, 6-inches. Recruiting rating: N/R.Scouting report: Head coach Jordan Stevens said Garr has everything he needs to be successful as a quarterback, from size to arm talent and smarts. He can launch the ball downfield with accuracy and has the athleticism to extend plays with his legs
Luke Faler, QB, Lebanon
Scouting report: According to Lakota East head coach Jon Kitna, Hooks is a great runner with high football IQ and good hands out of the backfield. He’s solid in pass protection, patient in the run game and explosive in the hole with great contact balance.Scouting report: Head coach Jordan Stevens calls Smith: “an extremely gifted athlete that has speed and agility to become elite receiver.” Smith has the strong hands and body control necessary to make difficult catches and stay in bounds while doing it.Height: 6-foot-5. Weight: 191 pounds. 40-yard dash time: 4.69 seconds. 5-10-5 shuttle time: 4.64 seconds. Broad jump: 9-feet. Recruiting rating: N/R.Scouting report: First-team All-SWOC, second-team All-City and All-DistrictCollege interests so far: Dartmouth, Columbia
Carter Fausnaugh, DT, Lakota East
“He’s very versatile and usually one of the best athletes on the field each and every Friday night,” Eviston said. “Covers a lot of open ground as a free safety … Offensively, he is a weapon with the ball. He has great vision and a quick burst with finishing speed. Hard to tackle in the open field. Makes good decisions as the signal-caller and has a strong enough and accurate arm.”Height: 6-foot-2. Weight: 205 pounds. 40-yard dash time: 4.75. Recruiting rating: N/A.Intangibles: “Andre will do anything to make himself better,” Deer Park head coach Tucker Berger said. “He lives in the weight room and pushes his teammates to get faster and stronger.”Scouting report: Seay is a strong route runner who loves contact at the line of scrimmage. He’s strong in and out of his breaks. He can be a deep-ball threat and excels at running slants.Scouting report: From head coach Kyle Hogan: “True dual-threat quarterback who can make incredible plays with his feet and has the arm strength to throw the deep ball with accuracy. Has also been able to prove that he can be a leader at a young age.”
James Hall Jr., WR/OLB, St. Bernard-Elmwood Place
Height: 5-foot-11. Weight: 190 pounds. Recruiting rating: N/AIntangibles: “He puts 100% effort into everything he does while pushing his teammates to match his level of commitment,” Berger said.Intangibles: “Cole has desirable athletic traits combined with high-level production,” Renfroe said. “He isn’t just a great player, he loves the process and has an unmatched work ethic. He’s an elite teammate.Height: 6-foot-1. Weight: 185 pounds. Recruiting rating: N/R.Height: 6-foot-1. Weight: 185 pounds. Recruiting rating: N/R.2024 stats: 5 receptions, 66 yards.
Tink Sellers, WR/DB/QB, Deer Park
2024 stats: 17 receptions, 302 yards, 2 touchdowns; 31 tackles, 3 passes defended, interception.Scouting report: Hayden Sphire, an assistant coach for Highlands, said Litmer possesses dynamic traits necessary for a modern day spread quarterback. He’s efficient with his arm, spoken to by his near-70% completion percentage, and a nightmare for opposing defenses with his legs.2024 stats: 58 tackles, 16.0 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks.
Trevon Smith, WR, Colerain
College interests so far: Ohio, Miami (Ohio), Toledo, Marshall, Eastern Kentucky and Ball State. Howard attended junior day at Toledo on Feb. 1.College interests so far: Ohio Northern, Hocking College, Wittenberg, Rio Grande.2024 stats: 86-148, 58.1% completion percentage, 1,303 Yards, 13 touchdowns; 150 rushes, 1,476 yards, 19 touchdowns (4A District Player of the Year). In 2024, Harney became the only Covington Catholic quarterback to pass and rush for more than 1,000 yards in a season.
Class of 2028
Morgan Brown, RB/DB, Deer Park
College interests so far: Thomas More University, Georgetown College.Height: 6-foot-5. Weight: 305 pounds. Recruiting rating: N/R.Height: 6-foot-4. Weight: 200 pounds. 40-yard dash time: 4.74. Recruiting rating: N/R.Height: 6–foot. Weight: 165. 40-yard dash time: 4.70 seconds. 5-10-5 Shuttle: 4.30 seconds. Broad jump: 9-feet, 1-inch. Recruiting rating: N/R.
Roman Garr, QB, Colerain
College interests so far: Troy, Ohio, Miami (Ohio).College interests so far: Division III Schools.2024 stats: 30 receptions, 324 yards; 3 kickoff returns, 140 yards, touchdown.Height: 6-3. Weight: 195 pounds. 40-yard dash time: 4.51 seconds. 5-10-5 shuttle time: 4.32 seconds. Broad jump: 10-feet, 8-inches. Recruiting rating: N/R.
C.J. Warner, RB/DE/LB, Deer Park
Intangibles: Hooks broke his collarbone during the first week of Lakota East’s training camp this past summer. He was originally told he’d be out for the season, but he got a second opinion. He got surgery, worked hard and returned to limited playing four weeks later. After seven weeks, restrictions were lifted.”When things don’t roll our way, you will never see him utter a word of discontent or criticism to his teammates,” Thompson said. “A true leader by action and example … Connor exhibits all the qualities you hope to find in at least a few players on your team or in your classroom every few years: dedication, selflessness, trustworthiness, grit. The list goes on.”Intangibles: Harney led the Colonels to a win over nationally ranked Boyle County in the state quarterfinals, Boyle County’s first loss at home since 2011. Harney rushed for 234 yards and two touchdowns and threw for 102 yards and another touchdown in that game.Scouting report: From head coach Gary Pence: “Michael is a tall, athletic receiver that is just now starting to come into his own as a receiver. This past year despite having to play with five different QBs, Michael was able set Walton-Verona records for receiving and receiving touchdowns in a season. Michael runs great routes and high points the ball very well. This past year was his first year truly getting to play receiver, and was one of the best receivers in the state in 2A this year. We expect him to truly breakout even more in his senior year.”
