2024 High School Football: Preseason All-Blade Player of the Year Watchlist and More

As the 2024 high school football season prepares to start next Friday, The Blade is predicting which local players might earn the title of the 30th All-Blade Player of the Year by late November.

The first recipient of this honor was Eddie Ziemke from St. John’s Jesuit in 1995, and since then, two other Titans players have received the award: Cheatham Norrils in 2010 and Dallas Gant in 2017.

Perrysburg leads with four Blade Player of the Year honorees: Gus Dimmerling (2014), Chaz Westfall (2015), Cade Zimmerly (2020), and Connor Walendzak (2022).

Central Catholic and Whitmer each have three honorees as well, matching St. John’s. The Fighting Irish’s recipients include Dane Sanzenbacher (2006), DeShone Kizer (2013), and Michael Warren (2016), while Whitmer’s awardees are Donnie Dottei (2007), Chris Wormley (2011), and Nick Holley (2012).

Findlay has seen two All-Ohio quarterbacks win this honor: NFL Hall-of-Famer Ben Roethlisberger in 1999 and current senior Ryan Montgomery last year.

Who will be the 30th All-Blade Player of the Year?

Here’s a preseason preview of 10 leading candidates, starting with Ryan Montgomery from Findlay.

As a top contender to become the first two-time winner of the All-Blade Player of the Year award, the Trojans’ 6-foot-3, 215-pound senior aims to cap off an outstanding four-year career with an impressive final season.

Montgomery, the most sought-after quarterback from northwest Ohio, has committed to powerhouse Georgia, which captured national championships in 2021 and 2022 and is currently ranked No. 1 for 2024. He chose the Bulldogs from a pool of 27 Division I offers, which included Ohio State, Michigan, and Notre Dame.

Last season, Montgomery completed 258 of 376 passes for 3,377 yards and 38 touchdowns, while also rushing for 257 yards and 10 touchdowns for Findlay (8-3), who shared the Northern Lakes League’s Buckeye Division title.

He earned first team Division I All-Ohio, All NLL Buckeye, and all-district honors last year, and over three varsity seasons, he has thrown for 7,584 yards and 89 touchdowns.

One significant hurdle for Montgomery this season will be playing without his top target from 2023, All-Ohio receiver Javonte Hill, who had 90 catches for 1,257 yards and 18 touchdowns.

Grant Kinnee, Anthony Wayne

If Montgomery or the Findlay Trojans stumble, Grant Kinnee, a 6-4, 195-pound quarterback, is primed for player-of-the-year recognition. After recovering from an injury-riddled sophomore season in 2022, he guided the Generals to a 10-3 record and a share of the NLL Buckeye Division title last year.

Kinnee excelled as both a passer and a runner, completing 109 of 197 passes for 1,556 yards and 22 touchdowns, while also rushing 122 times for 1,245 yards and 19 scores. He earned second team All-NLL Buckeye Division honors at quarterback, but was named first team All-Ohio in Division II. He has committed to Colgate University.

Much of Anthony Wayne’s success will hinge on their ability to replace a talented receiving corps that gave Kinnee the freedom to utilize his rushing skills effectively.

Mason Heintschel, Clay

The University of Pittsburgh commit, Mason Heintschel, steps into his third year as the Eagles’ starting quarterback, aiming to enhance his impressive stats. Known for his solid passing ability and creative scrambling, Heintschel aspires to lead Clay to an NLL Cardinal Division title in 2024.

Last season, the 6-2, 200-pound quarterback completed 199 of 323 passes for 2,385 yards and 20 touchdowns, while rushing 121 times for 692 yards and 13 touchdowns. He was named first team All-NLL Cardinal Division and second team Division II All-District.

Tyler Morgan, Central Catholic

Tyler Morgan, a dynamic player at 5-8 and 165 pounds, is expected to be the top running back for the Irish as they chase a third consecutive state championship. Known for his speed and elusiveness, Morgan aims to step into a lead role following the graduation of standout RB Marquan Braswell (1,923 rushing yards, 31 TD).

Last season, Morgan carried the ball 156 times for 1,055 yards (6.8 average) and scored 25 touchdowns for the undefeated Irish (16-0). However, he faces the challenge of a completely graduated offensive line, which was renowned for its size and effectiveness.

Napoleon Jemison, Whitmer

Entering his third season as a starting linebacker, 6-3, 210-pound Napoleon Jemison will also shift to defensive end depending on the situation and is expected to be a key defensive leader for the Panthers. He will additionally contribute at tight end, adding depth to Whitmer’s offense.

Jemison has received offers from several Mid-American Conference schools as well as from Duke, Kentucky, and West Virginia. Last season, he recorded 78 tackles in just 10 games, with 17 tackles for loss and seven sacks. His accolades include NLL Buckeye Division Defensive Player of the Year and first team All-Ohio.

Carter Lowe, Whitmer

Standing at 6-6 and weighing 310 pounds, Carter Lowe is a top offensive line recruit who has committed to Ohio State. Previously considering a final five that included elite programs like Michigan and Georgia, Lowe aims to anchor the Panthers’ offensive line this season.

As a left tackle, Lowe was named to the All-Ohio first team in Division I last season after earning third team recognition as a sophomore. He is expected to help propel a powerful Panther offense.

Victor Singleton, Central Catholic

A four-star prospect, Victor Singleton is one of the top players in Ohio’s Class of 2026. The 6-foot, 165-pound junior has received 18 Division I offers, including several from Big Ten and SEC schools. Last season, he recorded four interceptions (one for a touchdown), 15 pass breakups, and excelled on a defense allowing 10.4 points per game.

In June, he showcased his athleticism by winning the Ohio Division II state long jump championship.

Seth Elchert, Liberty-Benton

A standout receiver, 6-4, 190-pound Seth Elchert earned first team All-Ohio honors as a sophomore and recently committed to the University of Toledo. In 2023, he caught 74 passes for 1,052 yards and 13 touchdowns, giving him 123 receptions for 1,923 yards and 24 touchdowns midway through his high school career.

Trey Rubinstein, Napoleon

Trey Rubinstein, a versatile 6-3, 190-pound player, shines on both sides of the ball for Napoleon. With 45 catches for 587 yards and seven touchdowns as a receiver, he was also recognized as first team All-Ohio at defensive back last season, recording five interceptions.

Recruited as a linebacker, Rubinstein has committed to Kent State and showcased his talent in both football and basketball.

Josh Takats, Perrysburg

6-2, 195-pound Josh Takats returns as the starting quarterback for Perrysburg, looking to build on an 8-4 season. Last year, he completed 139 of 257 passes for 2,004 yards and 24 touchdowns, along with 82 rushing attempts for 266 yards and four scores. He has received scholarship offers at the Division II level.