Ohio Super Sophs
It is often tough for a sophomore in a football crazed state like Ohio to break into the starting lineup. It is even more rare for a sophomore to become a difference maker for his program. I have identified five of those sophomores from traditionally strong football programs around the state that are already making a name for themselves.
Brenan Vernon 6’5” 245 DE Mentor
No player could be a more prototype defensive end than Brenan Vernon. He has all the tools to be a great collegiate end with his long arms and quickness off the ball, he is destined to be a big-time pass rusher. He not only is fast off the edge but displays excellent lateral quickness when executing inside moves. Brenan uses his hands well to keep offensive linemen off his body showing the ability to disengage and get to the ball. Vernon has multiple D1 offers already but expect to see him in the scarlet and gray of Ohio State in the future.
Trevor Carter Trevor Carter 6'2" | 205 lbs | ATH Ironton | 2023 State OH 6’2” 195 SS/RB Ironton
Carter rarely comes off the field for the Fighting Tigers. He is especially impressive on defense as a safety where he closes on run support like a heat-seeking missile. Trevor loves contact and drives his feet when making openfield tackles. He is also a good pass defender where he displays great anticipation by breaking on the pass route like a seasoned veteran. Trevor is a tough between the tackles running back that has just enough shake in his hips to make defenders miss but prides himself in running over the opposition.
C.J. Hester 5’10” 170 RB Cincinnati Wyoming
C.J. is a stick of dynamite as a running back. He can take it to the house every time he touches the ball. He has all the moves as he slips and slides through defenders whether going up the middle or to the outside. Hester has powerful legs for a small back and often carries defenders for extra yards. He has a nose for the endzone and is a natural jump-cutter making defenders miss in space. Hester is also a dangerous returner on special teams along with having good hands catching the football out of the backfield.
Griffin Johnson 5’10” 175 RB/KOR Marysville
Griff is a quick and versatile wingback that runs the jet sweep to perfection. He can stretch the play to the perimeter or make a sharp north-south cut when necessary reading his blocks as well as the defensive support scheme. Johnson is a strong runner for his size and rarely goes down on first contact. He is also physical as a lead blocker for his teammates along with shoeing his overall athleticism as a kick returner for the Monarchs.
Tayden Carpenter 6’0” 200 QB Ironton
With sophomores like Trevor Carter Trevor Carter 6'2" | 205 lbs | ATH Ironton | 2023 State OH and Tayden Carpenter, it’s easy to see why the Ironton football program is so strong. Carpenter has one of the strongest arms for a young quarterback in the entire state. This leftie can step up in the pocket and deliver the ball on a rope to his receivers on patterns between the hashes and, at the same time deliver the outside fade with exceptional touch and accuracy. Tayden keeps drives alive by scrambling till his receivers get open or by putting the ball away and heading upfield.