CLEVELAND — Get ready to turn on those Friday Night Lights!
Yes, high school football returns to Northeast Ohio this week, with schools across the region setting their sights on the playoffs and (hopefully) the state championships in Canton.
This part of the country has long been known for its wealth of football talent, and that fact once again holds firm in 2022. Indeed, some of the areas best players are not only making noise in their hometowns, but in the national recruiting boards, as well.
Without further adieu, here's a look at the top high school football players in Northeast Ohio. We'll use 247sports' composite recruiting rankings (for juniors and seniors) as our guide.
Bryce West – ATH, Glenville
247 rankings (2024): No. 36 nationally, No. 7 ATH, No. 1 in Ohio
He's only a junior, but the young West has become a highly toured prospect thanks to his skills as a hard-hitting lockdown cornerback who also sees time as a skill position player and kick returner. He'll anchor an elite Tarblooder defense (more on that later) and already has offers from nearly 20 colleges including Alabama and Michigan, although he is rumored to be leaning towards Ohio State.
Brenan Vernon – DL, Mentor
247 rankings (2023): No. 114 nationally, No. 15 DL, No. 2 in Ohio
At 6-foot-5 and 275 pounds, Vernon's talents as a pass-rusher and run-stopper are unquestioned, and it's why the soon-to-be graduate committed to Notre Dame more than a year ago. But injuries have cut into his playing time over the past two seasons and limited him to just two sacks in what was a disappointing 5-6 campaign for his team in 2021. Still, with him anchoring the defense, the Cardinals will no doubt be a force to be reckoned with in Division I.
Luke Hamilton – OT, Avon
247 rankings (2024): No. 171 nationally, No. 10 OT, No. 5 in Ohio
The Eagles love to win games in the trenches, and Hamilton was an unstoppable force last year on a team that returned to the D-II state semifinals. The junior can play either right tackle or right guard just as well, and sports offers from more than 20 schools including Michigan and Penn State.
Damarion Witten – ATH, Glenville
247 rankings (2024): No. 30 ATH, No. 10 in Ohio
A 6-foot-4 tight end who can also play receiver and quarterback, Witten will lead the Tarblooders' offensive attack with unmatched hands and even some breakaway speed. The junior has standing offers from Michigan and Michigan State, among other notable programs.
Arvell Reese – LB, Glenville
247 rankings (2023): No. 20 LB, No. 7 in Ohio
We wrap up the Tarblooder trio with undoubtedly the best linebacker in Greater Cleveland. Reese actually transferred from Euclid for his senior year, and he still showed off his talents as a pass-rusher despite the Panthers bottoming out to 0-10 last season. Unlike his two teammates on this list, Reese has already committed to Ohio State.
Ben Roebuck – OT, St. Edward
247 rankings (2024): No. 17 OT, No. 11 in Ohio
St. Ed has long been known for its hulking offensive linemen, and a 6-foot-7 and 320 pounds, Roebuck certainly fits the bill. Only a sophomore in 2021, he helped pave the way for the Eagles' fifth state title as an overpowering right tackle, and will look to lead a repeat effort as a junior. Michigan and Penn State are among the 20 schools currently vying for his services, and the latter appears to be the leader in the clubhouse at this moment.
JacQai Long – QB, Archbishop Hoban
247 rankings (2024): No. 26 QB, No. 12 in Ohio
Originally from Charleston, West Virginia, Long transfers into Akron and has immediately become the region's hottest quarterback prospect. With his strong arm, quick release, and tight spiral, he'll look to continue Hoban's ongoing run of five state titles since 2015. His father Jerrald also played with Randy Moss and Chad Pennington at Marshall, one four schools currently offering JacQai a scholarship.
Ardell Banks – WR, Massillon Washington
247 rankings (2023): No. 94 WR, No. 26 in Ohio
Standing at an impressive 6-foot-4, few in Northeast Ohio have better hands than Banks, and he used them to catch eight touchdowns in 2021. Now a senior, the Toledo commit will be essential if the Tigers want to finally snap their 52-year state title drought.
Sam Williams-Dixon – RB, West Holmes
247 rankings (2024): No. 31 RB, No. 17 in Ohio
Way down in Northeast Ohio's Amish country, Williams-Dixon burst on the scene as a sophomore a year ago, juking out defenders for more than 1,500 yards and 25 touchdowns as the Knights made it all the way to the D-III state semifinals. He'll surprise no one as a junior, especially with Penn State and Pittsburgh among the schools hoping he comes to play for them.
Other notable players (committed colleges listed):
- Michael Kilbane – EDGE, St. Edward (Northwestern)
- Tommy Ricard – OL, Hudson
- Dominic Rivera – OT, Olmsted Falls (Rutgers)
- Ryne Shackelford – WR, Keystone (Purdue)
- Collin Dixon – ATH, Tallmadge (Wisconsin)
- Willtrell Harston – RB, Massillon Washington
- A.J. Spellacy – ATH, St. Ignatius
- Sean Patrick – RB, Kenston
- Tanelle Rose – RB, Lyndhurst Brush
- Mason Williams – TE, Mogadore (Ohio)
- Colin Van Rooy – OT, Strongsville (Pittsburgh)
- Keontez Bradley – CB, Mansfield Senior (Kent State)