Friday nights at Ohio State have produced a lot of outstanding high school football talent over the years.
Each of the state’s northern, southern, eastern, and western regions holds a significant place in history, with teams always giving a chance to be considered among the nation’s best while complemented by star athletes who eventually go to NCAA level and even the NFL.
And the 2022 Ohio high school football season certainly looks to continue the general trend.
As the gridiron action begins, we take a look at the top five players to watch in the Buckeye State, according to Ohio State reporters within the USA TODAY Sports Network.
Here’s how the players lined up, per Cincinnati.com | The questioner:
USA TODAY Ohio Network staff members across the state researched and compiled a list of the top players in their field. Journalists voted for these players on a point system. Players in first place received 22 points, players in second place received 21, and so on until the 22nd player finished with 1 point. These points were tabulated to determine the top 22 players.
See the full list here
And with that in mind, here are the top five…
5. Jordan Marshall — Archbishop Moeller
Syndication: The Enquirer
Position: Running back
Height Weight: 5-10.5/185
the spoon: Marshall is only a junior, but considered the best running back in the state. He helped lead Möller to a Final Four spot last season, so he’s definitely a backline talent to keep an eye on in 2022.
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4. Jermaine Matthews Jr. – Winton Woods
Syndication: Akron Beacon Journal
Position: ATH
Height Weight: 6-0/175
the spoon: The picture explains it perfectly — Matthews is an outstanding talent, one of the best in the class of 2023, and it’s no surprise that Ohio State targeted the 4-star recruit.
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3. Ben Minich — Lakota West
Mick Walker, 247 Sports
Position: Safety
Height Weight: 5-11/185
the spoon: Another standout in the second, Minich has a top-level defensive skill set that’s highlighted by blistering speed (his 100m times clocked in at 10.47!). The West Chester, Ohio, product will head to South Bend for his college sitter.
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2. Malik Hartford — Lakota West
Syndication: The Enquirer
Position: Safety
Height Weight: 6-2.5/175
the spoon: Hartford joins teammate Ben Minich in a secondary of minors: a battle against Notre Dame, an Irish commitment and an Ohio State Buckeyes commitment. In short: Good luck getting through if your team faces the Firebirds in 2022.
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1. Luke Montgomery — Findlay
Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch
Position: Offensive tact
Height Weight: 6-5/280
the spoon: Anytime a player is scouted as having “potential to play on Sunday,” you know you’re talking about a unique talent. And that’s exactly what Montgomery is, a remarkable athlete with the kind of multi-sport athleticism that will only help him improve at a position he hasn’t played consistently throughout his HS career (OT). And when will he get to Ohio State in 2023? Be careful!
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Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch
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