The Enquirer reached out to every head football coach in the Greater Cincinnati area, asking them which players on their team are still on the market and would be steals for any college program.
Here are Cincinnati’s under-the-radar football recruits, divided by class. The Enquirer will update this story.
Class of 2025
Ky’Ron Carter, RT/DT/DE, Lloyd Memorial
Height: 6’0. Weight: 268. 40-yard dash time: 5.01 seconds. Recruiting rating: N/R.
2024 stats: 58 tackles, 16.0 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks.
Scouting report: “On defense, he’s quick off the ball and can get in the backfield to create problems for the offense,” Lloyd Memorial coach Jason Maynard 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.
Intangibles: “He’s a laid-back guy, but when he puts on that helmet, he’s all business and makes everyone around him better,” Maynard said.
Colin Daniels, LB/DB, La Salle
Height: 6-foot. Weight: 185 pounds. Recruiting rating: N/R.
2024 stats: 65 tackles, 6.0 tackles for loss, 4 passes defended, 2 interceptions.
Scouting report: La Salle head coach Pat McLaughlin said Daniels will be a valuable piece for a college coach because he can cover and defend the run well from multiple different positions.
College interests so far: Valparaiso, Wheeling, Thomas More, Walsh and more.
Zach Gates, EDGE/LB, La Salle
Height: 6-foot-1. Weight: 200 pounds. Recruiting rating: N/R.
2024 stats: 62 tackles, 11.0 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks, interception, pass defended.
Scouting report: According La Salle head coach Pat McLaughlin, Gates is a versatile player who can rush the passer, defend the run and even move back to off-ball linebacker. McLaughlin believes that Gates can do all of those things at the next level as well. He was second-team all-conference in 2024.
College interests so far: Tiffin, Wheeling, Marian, Walsh and Thomas More.
Jovan Love, WR, Moeller
Height: 6-foot-2. Weight: 200 pounds. Recruiting rating: N/R
2024 stats: Played 16 games for the Division I runner-up Crusaders. 57 receptions, 960 yards, 13 touchdowns.
Scouting report: Twice named first-team All-Ohio, All-Southwest and All-Cincinnati, Greater Catholic League Wide Receiver of the Year.
College interests so far: Army, Navy, Dayton, Butler, Ashland, Slippery Rock, Indianapolis, Ohio Dominican
Intangibles: Starting outfielder for Moeller baseball team.
Roman Mason, WR/DB, Moeller
Height: 6-foot-1. Weight: 195 pounds. Recruiting rating: N/A.
2024 stats: 38 receptions, 376 yards, three touchdowns. On defense: 22 tackles, league-high five interceptions.
Scouting report: Football team captain. Twice named first-team All-GCL.
College interests so far: Thomas More, Ashland, Ohio Dominican, Butler
Intangibles: Starter for Moeller basketball team.
Markel McConnell, EDGE/LB, La Salle
Height: 5-foot-11. Weight: 180 pounds. Recruiting rating: N/R.
2024 stats: 52 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 2 passes defended.
Scouting report: According to La Salle head coach Pat McLaughlin, McConnell is a very physical defender who can stop the run and rush the passer. His motor never stops. He has good speed and strength.
Intangibles: “He has worked himself into a college football player,” McLaughlin said.
Devan Nigam, QB, Turpin
Height: 6-foot-5. Weight: 225 pounds. Recruiting ranking: N/R.
2024 stats: 10 games played, 186-for-329, 2,373 yards, 21 touchdowns, 45 rushes, 259 yards. Leonidas Leadership Award from Turpin football. Division II All-Ohio honorable mention, All-Southwest District second team, Eastern Cincinnati Conference first team and The Cincinnati Enquirer all-city first team. Devan Nigam exits Turpin as the all-time career and single-season passing yardage leader and has the most completions in a career.
College interest: Took unofficial visit to Illinois and University of Dayton. Attended several camps over the summer including Illinois and West Virginia.
Scouting report: Turpin head coach Bryan Walker: “Very strong arm, all the measurables, smart and a good leader, too. This kid is the real deal, better than some of the QBs I watch on Saturdays, best football ahead of him, someone is going to get real lucky with Devan.”
More: Turpin hasn’t won the ECC since 2019; Devan Nigam hopes to lead them there again
Cason Patrick, OL/DL, Grant County
Height: 6-foot-4. Weight: 262 pounds. Recruiting rating: N/R.
Scouting report: Grant County head coach Josh Cole said Patrick was the anchor of his team’s offensive and defensive lines. His footwork and his short burst speed, combined with his size, make him a force to reckon with.
College interests so far: Several NAIA schools have shown interest.
Intangibles: “I have no doubt he could play for any team in the state of Kentucky,” Cole said. “It was clear that all our opponents would scout to avoid him. I remember one drive early in the season having to move him to three different positions on the defensive line on the same drive, and he dominated at all of them. He’s also a great leader and student of the game. I feel like he’s a DI player.”
Isaiah Sebastian, WR/CB/QB/return specialist, Lloyd Memorial
Height: 6-feet. Weight: 174 pounds. Recruiting rating: N/R. 40-yard dash time: 4.60 seconds.
2024 stats: 26 rushes, 302 yards, five touchdowns; 39 catches, 704 yards, 9 touchdown catches; 40 tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions; 1 punt return touchdown.
Scouting report: “When he gets the ball in his hands, he makes things happen,” Lloyd Memorial coach Jason Maynard 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: Thomas More University, Georgetown College.
Intangibles: “He’s a true leader on and off the field,” Maynard said. “He takes pride in being a team player and making everyone around him be better.”
Connor Yeager, TE/DE/P/K Clermont Northeastern
Height: 6-foot-5. Weight: 220 pounds. Max Bench: 250. Max squat: 405. Max deadlift: 450. Recruiting rating: N/R.
2024 stats: 2 rushes, 29 yards; 18 receptions, 417 yards, 5 touchdowns; 81 tackles, 8 passes defended 7.0 tackles for loss, 7.0 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumbles recovered, interception; 3-4 field goals, 41-yard long, 12-15 extra points; 40 punts, 46.1 average, 66 long, 19 downed inside the 20-yard line.
Scouting report: Athletically, Yeager is in a league by himself, according to Clermont Northeastern head coach Steve Thompson. Standing at 6-foot-5, 220 pounds and athletically inclined, Thompson felt he could trust Yeager with nearly any assignment on the field. Yeager plays five varsity sports, soccer, football, basketball, baseball, and track, and is captain in each.
College interests so far: Miami (Ohio), Mount St. Joseph.
Intangibles: Yeager has a 4.3 GPA and is ranked 2nd in his class. He is the vice president of his school’s National Honor Society and secretary general of Model UN.
“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.”
Class of 2026
Jeremy Bader, OT, Oak Hills
Height: 6-foot-2. Weight: 270 pounds. 40-yard dash time: 5.00. Vertical: 25 inches. Shuttle: 3.64. Recruiting rating: N/A
2024 stats: First-team All-Greater Miami Conference, second-team all-city
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.”
College interests so far: Dartmouth, Columbia
Intangibles: From Coach Klotz: “Jeremy is a fantastic player for us. He shows up each practice with a great insight to improve each day. He has great feet which allow him to block some of the best defenders in the city. Lastly, he is a great student who takes AP and Honors classes.”
Reid Baker, LB, Anderson
Height: 6-foot-1. Weight: 210 pounds. Recruiting rating: N/R.
2024 stats: 82 tackles, 15.0 tackles for loss, 9.0 sacks, 3 passes defended.
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.
Chris Bouyer, WR, Lakota East
Height: 6-foot-5. Weight: 182. 40-yard dash time: 4.69 seconds. 5-10-5 shuttle time: 4.33 seconds. Broad jump: 9-feet, 8-inches. Recruiting rating: N/R.
2024 stats: 25 receptions, 270 yards, 2 touchdowns.
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.
College interests so far: Mid-American Conference schools.
Intangibles: “Chris has an intense commitment to greatness in all facets of his life,” Kitna said. :He has not missed or shown up late to one day of school or workouts or practice since July 2023.”
Cole Canter, DE, CHCA
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.
2024 stats: 39 tackles, 12.0 sacks, 7.5 tackles for loss.
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.
College interests so far: Several Division II and NAIA universities have shown interest.
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.
Nick Cozzi, WR/DB, Bishop Brossart
Height: 6-foot-1. Weight: 185 pounds. Recruiting rating: N/R.
2024 stats: 25 receptions, 428 yards, 9 touchdowns; 51 tackles, 7 interceptions, interception return touchdown.
Scouting report “Nick is a very Gritty player,” said Adam Kozerski, the head coach of Brossart football. “He plays every rep in practice and every down in games with every ounce of heart he has. He is an incredibly talented athlete who will outwork the guy across from him.”
Intangibles: Kozerski said that in addition to Cozzi’s nose for the ball on defense, he’s often the Mustang’s go-to guy when they need a few yards because of his tenacity.
Luke Faler, QB, Lebanon
Height: 6-foot-1. Weight: 185 pounds. Recruiting rating: N/R. 40-yard dash time: 4.70 seconds. Vertical jump: 37 inches.
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).
Scouting report: Micah Faler, Lebanon’s head coach, said Luke is an accurate passer who can also use his legs, but his best attribute might be his football IQ, especially where the quarterback position is concerned. Next season will be Faler’s third starting for Lebanon.
College interests so far: Mid-American Conference schools, particularly Ohio, Toledo and Kent State.
Intangibles: “He is a winner,” Faler said. “He led his team to a 7-3 season and the playoffs as a sophomore, beating several rival teams that Lebanon had not beaten in decades. His junior year he led the team to a 6-4 record and the team’s first Division I playoff win in school history. Luke is successful in whatever he does, and he is one of the fiercest competitors I have ever seen.”
Carter Fausnaugh, DT, Lakota East
Height: 6-foot-3. Weight: 262 pounds. Recruiting rating: N/R.
2024 stats: 4 games, 6 tackles.
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: Ivy League schools.
Intangibles: “He will attack everything in front of him with great fervor,” Kitna said.
James Hall Jr., WR/OLB, St. Bernard-Elmwood Place
Height: 6-foot-4. Weight: 200 pounds. 40-yard dash time: 4.74. Recruiting rating: N/R.
2024 stats: 124 tackles, five sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, one interception
Scouting report: Conference, city, district and state honors. From Coach Hogan: “Tremendous upside with a lean 6’4 frame that is constantly putting on muscle. Can play any position defensively and is one of the best run blocking wide receivers I’ve ever seen.”
College interests so far: NAIA/Division II
Intangibles: “James will be a four-year two-way starter and after finishing second on the team in most defensive stats last year we will look to him to be our defensive leader. On top of being a stud football player is also a great student who works a full-time job and also has a two-year-old little baby that he takes care of. He really is the definition of a hard worker.”
Cash Harney, ATH, Covington Catholic
Height: 5-foot-10. Weight: 180. Recruiting rating: N/R.
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.
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.
“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.”
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.
“Just like any high-level player, Cash always shows up every Friday night but especially in the big-time games,” Eviston said.
Carson Harris, QB, Batavia
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.
2024 stats: 256-407, 62.9% completion percentage, 3,623 yards, 42 touchdowns; 83 rushes, 550 yards, 6 touchdowns.
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.
College interests so far: Division III Schools.
DeShawn Hicks, TE/DE, St. Bernard-Elmwood Place
Height: 6-foot-4. Weight: 240 pounds. 40-yard dash time: 4.83 seconds. Recruiting rating: N/A.
2024 stats: Did not play in 2024. 2023 stats: 246 receiving yards, two touchdowns, 46 tackles, five sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries
Scouting report: From Coach Kyle Hogan: “Truly gifted athlete. Possesses the size and ability to play in-line as a tight end but also the athletic skillset to line up at wide receiver and dominate his position. Missed the 2024 season with an injury after a very dominant 2023 season. I look for him to come back in 2025 and pick up where he left off.”
College interests so far: NAIA/Division II.
Intangibles: Hogan: “A freak athlete with tremendous upside, he is learning how to use his big frame to be successful in the football field. He is also one of our top contributors in the weight room.”
Ryder Hooks, RB, Lakota East
Height: 5-foot-7. Weight: 179 pounds. 40-yard dash time: 4.69 seconds. 5-10-5 shuttle time: 4.21 seconds. Broad jump: 9-feet, 6-inches. Recruiting rating: 3-star, No. 74 running back, No. 71 Ohio recruit.
2024 stats: 191 rushes, 1,423 yards, 7.5 yards per carry, 14 touchdowns; 24 catches, 216 yards.
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.
College interests so far: Has offers from Bowling Green, Eastern Kentucky, Kent State, Miami (Ohio) and Toledo.
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.
“This young man loves football,” Kitna said.
Jawuan Hopgood, DB, Colerain
Height: 5-foot-11. Weight: 180 pounds. Recruiting rating: N/R.
2024 stats: 29 tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss, interception, pass defended.
Scouting report: New Colerain coach Jordan Stevens said Hopgood’s mix of speed and physicality makes him a true lockdown corner at this level. He’s a smart player who knows his job in run defense, stays in position and does it. Not the biggest at this point, but a fearless tackler who brings down bigger players either using leverage or by putting the pedal to the medal when running downhill before contact. He flies down the field on special teams.
Mason Howard, OL, Highlands
Height: 6-foot-5. Weight: 305 pounds. Recruiting rating: N/R.
Scouting report: “Mason is the ultimate Swiss army knife on the offensive line,” said Hayden Sphire, an assistant coach for Highlands. “Throughout this past season he started all 14 games on the offensive line, lining up at tackle, guard and center.”
College interests so far: Ohio, Miami (Ohio), Toledo, Marshall, Eastern Kentucky and Ball State.
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.”
Marcus Hughbanks, WR, Batavia
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.
2024 stats: 67 receptions, 1,308 yards, 19 touchdowns; 17 tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, 2 passes defended, interception return touchdown.
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.
Gavin Kullgren, TE, Colerain
Height: 6-foot-3 inches. Weight: 225 pounds. Recruiting rating: N/R.
2024 stats: 5 receptions, 66 yards.
Scouting report: Head coach Jordan Stevens said Kullgren is a big, physical player who can catch and run as well as make a difference in the trenches. A strong, tenacious run blocker, he manhandles smaller players and hangs with linemen and linebackers. He’s adept at finding soft spots in zone coverage as a receiver.
Brady Kuhn, LB, Anderson
Height: 6-foot-3. Weight: 225 pounds. Recruiting rating: N/R.
2024 stats: 78 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks, 7 passes defended.
Analysis: Earned all-conference honorable mention honors playing on a defense that allowed more than 10 points just three times during the regular season on the way to an appearance in the Division II state final. Game speed and quickness are impressive for a player his size, and he uses those attributes to be a consistent threat around the edge on the pass rush and even run defense.
Mario Litmer, QB, Highlands
Height: 6-foot. Weight: 180 pounds. 40-yard dash time: 4.48 seconds. 5-10-5 shuttle time: 4.19 seconds. Vertical leap: 32 inches. Recruiting rating: N/R.
2024 stats: 193-281, 68.7% completion percentage, 2,791, 33 touchdowns; 68 rushes, 236 yards, 5 touchdowns.
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.
College interests so far: Troy, Ohio, Miami (Ohio).
Intangibles: “Rio has been working to earn an opportunity to play college football his entire life,” Sphire said. “He dedicates himself in the weight room and nutritionally to taking care of his body and preparing to lead his team to a state championship.”
Cole Miranda, ATH, Lakota East
Height: 5-foot-10. Weight: 171 pounds. 40-yard dash time: 4.89 seconds. 5-10-5 shuttle time: 4.50 seconds. Broad jump: 8-feet, 6-inches. Recruiting rating: N/R.
2024 stats: 37 tackles, three passes defended, interception.
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: Cole’s dad played wide receiver in college. Kitna said Miranda could start on any team in the Greater Miami Conference at receiver, but he starts at safety for Lakota East because he’s a team-first guy.
Dawson Reip, LB/S, Lakota East
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.
2024 stats: 5 games, 21 tackles, 2 fumble recoveries, 2 passes defended.
Scouting report: Some strengths of Reip’s that Lakota East head coach Jon Kitna lists include his high football acumen, playmaking ability, physicality and positional flexibility. He can play four or five different positions on defense.
Griffin Ridner Richard, QB, CHCA
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.
2024 stats: 120-188, 63.8% completion percentage, 1,909 yards, 23 touchdowns; 13 rushes, 143 yards, 2 touchdowns.
Scouting report: CHCA coach Calvin Renfroe said Ridner Richard is a rare combination of size, athleticism and intelligence. He is a true competitor who is only beginning to show what he is capable of being on the football field.
College interests so far: Several FCS, Division II and NAIA schools.
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.”
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.”
Jayden Seay, WR, Lakota East
Height: 6-foot-3. Weight: 181 pounds. 40-yard dash time: 4.68 seconds. 5-10-5 shuttle time: 4.38 seconds. Broad jump: 9-feet, 4-inches. Recruiting rating: N/R.
2024 stats: 22 receptions, 486 yards, 5 touchdowns.
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.
College interests so far: FCS schools.
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.”
Carson Shroyer, LB, Lakota East
Height: 5-foot-11. Weight: 213 pounds. Recruiting rating: N/R.
2024 stats: 49 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks.
Scouting report: Lakota East head coach Jon Kitna calls Shroyer a physical, intense tone-setter who can play inside or outside. He has a nose for the football, especially adept at shedding blocks and shooting gaps in defending the run and screen passes. When he hits an opponent, the opponent is going to feel it.
Intangibles: According to Kitna, Shroyer’s intensity and tenacity can change the identity of a defense.
Andre Warren, DL, Deer Park
Height: 6-foot. Weight: 210 pounds. Recruiting rating: N/R.
2024 stats: 39 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks.
Scouting report: Warren is strong enough to push through people on the pass rush and fast enough to turn around the edge. He’s good at setting edges and defending the run as well.
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.”
Alex Wells, WR/DB, CHCA
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.
2024 stats: 17 receptions, 302 yards, 2 touchdowns; 31 tackles, 3 passes defended, interception.
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.
College interests so far: FCS schools, including the Ivy League, along with some Division II and NAIA schools.
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.”
Class of 2027
Lucas Cannady, QB, St. Bernard-Elmwood Place
Height: 6-foot-2. Weight: 205 pounds. 40-yard dash time: 4.75. Recruiting rating: N/A.
2024 stats: 1,851 passing yards, 19 passing touchdowns, 530 rushing yards, 5 rushing touchdowns
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.”
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.”
Tink Sellers, WR/DB/QB, Deer Park
Height: 6-foot. Weight: 170 pounds. Recruiting rating: N/R.
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.
Scouting report: Sellers has advanced ball skills, which could help him at either receiver or defensive back at the next level. He has the length and speed to contribute on either end at the next level. Berger said he has great football knowledge, and he’s always in the right spot to make a play.
Trevon Smith, WR, Colerain
Height: 5-foot-11. Weight: 175 pounds. Recruiting rating: N/R.
2024 stats: 30 receptions, 324 yards; 3 kickoff returns, 140 yards, touchdown.
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.
Class of 2028
Morgan Brown, RB/DB, Deer Park
Height: 5-foot-6. Weight: 165 pounds. Recruiting rating: N/R.
2024 stats: 46 rushes, 508 yards, 11.0 yards per carry, 7 touchdowns; 36 receptions, 427 yards, four touchdowns; 55 tackles, 7.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, 2 interceptions.
Scouting report: “Morgan is an electric athlete on the field,” Deer Park coach Tucker Berger said. “He has a chance to turn the ball into an explosive play whenever he touches it.“
Intangibles: Berger said that Brown is always working to get better, never missing a practice or a workout.
Roman Garr, QB, Colerain
Height: 6-foot-4. Weight: 180 pounds. Recruiting rating: N/R.
2024 stats: N/A.
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
Intangibles: “He will be an elite QB in the state,” Stevens said.
C.J. Warner, RB/DE/LB, Deer Park
Height: 6-foot. Weight: 175 pounds. Recruiting rating: N/R.
2024 stats: 61 tackles, 7.0 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks, 5 passes defended.
Scouting report: “C.J. is a great athlete and has the ability to play many positions on the defensive side of the ball,” Deer Park head coach Tucker Berger said “He is quick enough to rush the passer effectively while being a good enough athlete to cover skill players.”
Intangibles: “He puts 100% effort into everything he does while pushing his teammates to match his level of commitment,” Berger said.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati high school football’s under-the-radar recruits, 2025
