They lack experience at the varsity level, but several freshmen have emerged as key contributors in central Ohio high school football.
Their raw talent and knowledge of the game have helped them make an impact. Look no further than Pickerington North, where coach Nate Hillerich’s team has received contributions from freshmen Jayden Preece and Jayden Weaver.
“Usually, you do not want to be relying on freshman players in the OCC, but these two athletes are mature and ready,” Hillerich said. “Both have special futures ahead.”
Here are 12 freshmen, in alphabetical order, who have contributed on varsity this season in central Ohio:
AJ Broering, Hilliard Bradley
The 6-foot-6, 290-pound Broering has helped anchor the Jaguars’ offensive line at left tackle. Bradley has passed for 682
yards and rushed for 558 in its 3-1 start. “AJ has been fantastic all season,” coach Mike LoParo said. “He has a tremendous upside.”
Braylen Burnette, Pickerington Central
The 5-10, 170-pound cornerback has been a key contributor to the Tigers’ defense with four interceptions. Burnette had an interception, blocked a field goal and made a tackle for loss in Week 4 as Central earned its first win of the season, beating Logan 55-6.
Micah Cassell, DeSales
The 6-4, 235-pound tackle is one of two freshmen starting on the Stallions’ offensive line, joining Chantz Eisnaugle. Cassell has also seen time at defensive end, helping DeSales to a 3-1 start.
Carson Donohoe, Centennial
The 5-7, 140-pound Donohoe has seen time at wide receiver and defensive back as he looks to lead a resurgence under first-year coach Tyris Diehl. Defensively, Donohoe has 14 tackles, one interception and one pass breakup in the Stars’ 0-4 start.
Chantz Eisnaugle, DeSales
The 6-0, 255-pound tackle joins Cassell in giving DeSales a solid foundation for this season and the future on the offensive line. The Stallions have passed for 1,030 yards and rushed for 339. Eisnaugle has also seen time at defensive tackle.
Xavier Jones, Dublin Scioto
The Irish have had their struggles during a 1-3 start, but the 6-3, 165-pound Jones has been a force at defensive end with 18 tackles, including one for loss, and two sacks in three games.
Scott Murphy, Dublin Jerome
The 6-1, 290-pound Murphy has paid early dividends for the Celtics (1-3), starting all four games while seeing time at guard and center. “He has been super physical and has done a tremendous job,” coach Mark Crabtree said.
Graeme Nelson, Dublin Scioto
The 6-0, 160-pound kicker has been solid, connecting on all 12 extra-point attempts and recording four touchbacks on kickoffs.
Gunnar Oldaker, Delaware Hayes
The 5-7, 155-pound running back has been a key contributor in the Pacers’ 2-2 start, rushing for 286 yards on 58 carries and adding five receptions for 64 yards.
Jayden Preece, Pickerington North
The 5-10, 183-pound running back has helped spark the Panthers’ 3-1 start, rushing for 351 yards and four touchdowns on 56 carries. He started the first two games while Ohio University commit Andyriq Thomas was injured.
Tyrus Walker, Centennial
The 5-9, 185-pound Walker has contributed on both sides of the ball, starting at offensive tackle and defensive end. He has 12 tackles, including two for loss, two sacks, one fumble recovery, one interception and one defensive touchdown.
Jayden Weaver, Pickerington North
The 6-1, 192-pound outside linebacker and running back has 20 tackles, including two for loss, and one fumble recovery for a Panthers defense that shut out Pickerington Central in Week 3 (27-0) and Dublin Coffman in Week 4 (35-0).
High school sports reporter Frank DiRenna can be reached at fdirenna@dispatch.com and at @DispatchFrank on X.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: 12 freshmen making an impact in central Ohio high school football
