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MVP Fab 5 Football Rankings Division I: Preseason
We’re back again with the third annual MVP Fab 5 Football Rankings. Today we start by releasing Division I. Over the course of the next week we will unveil a new division daily and wrap with D-VI on Saturday.
Here’s a look at our Preseason Division I Rankings…
1. Northmont (6-4)
* Players to Watch – LB Kaleb Ringer (6-1, 220, sr.), DT Jeremy Campbell (6-0, 250, sr.), DB Justin Woods (6-1, 185, sr.), DB Bobby Hardy (5-9, 174, sr.), DB Cody Grillot (6-2, 195, jr.), WR Jamal Trammell (6-4, 185, sr.), OL K.J. Rieder (6-6, 290, sr.), QB Cameron Belton (6-2, 170, jr.), RB Gaven Kenerly (6-0, 215, jr.), TE Troy Mangen (6-5, 235, jr.), FB Dante Bland (6-1, 240, so.)
* Outlook – The Thunderbolts have qualified for the playoffs seven of the last 10 seasons, but have missed the postseason two straight years. Coach Lance Schneider, starting his 13th year at Northmont, has the talent back to stop that slide. Ringer has committed to Michigan and will spearhead the defense along with Campbell and Woods. Last season Northmont started five sophomores and freshmen on offense, which should play dividends this year. Belton led the GWOC in passing last year with 1,684 yards and 14 TDs. Trammell caught 33 passes for 487 yards and five TDs last year.
Opener: vs Hamilton (at Welcome Stadium)
2. Troy (8-3, D-I R3 Quarterfinalist)
* Players to Watch – DB/RB Marcus Foster (6-0, 195, sr.), RB Isiah Williams (5-9, 170, sr.), QB Cody May (6-3, 190, sr.), LB Chris Blair (6-0, 220, sr.), DL Alec Sears (6-1, 290, sr.), OL Ethan Hargrove (6-3, 290, sr.), DB Seth Predziola (6-1, 190, sr.), LB Zach Butcher (6-0, 210, sr.), WR Ian Dunaway (5-9, 180, sr.), RB/LB Zach Jones (5-9, 170, sr.)
* Outlook – The Trojans and head coach Steve Nolan (194-90 at Troy, 225-97 overall) made the playoffs for the first time since 2004 last year. Anything but a return trip this season would be a disappointment. Troy returns a talented nucleus that includes its QB, leading receiver, top three rushers, top two tacklers and seven All-GWOC performers. Foster has committed to Cincinnati and was the team’s leading rusher last year (870 yards and 13 TDs). He also caught 14 passes for 336 yards and three TDs. Defensively, Foster had three INTs. Williams (755 yards, eight TDs) and Jones (480 yards, six TDs) were second and third in rushing, respectively, while Williams (the leading receiver) added 14 receptions for 231 yards and a TD. Dunaway caught 17 passes for 208 yards and three TDs. May threw for 922 yards and seven TDs. Blair (125 tackles) will lead the defense along with Butcher (109 tackles) and Sears (38 tackles). An early season meeting with Middletown will tell a lot about each team.
Opener: @ Chaminade Julienne
 3. Centerville (9-3, D-I R4 Semifinalist)
* Players to Watch – OL/DL Benny McGowan (6-4, 290, sr.), S Jay Mastin (6-1, 200, sr.), DE Ifeadi Odenigbo (6-4, 207, sr.), OL/DL Evan Lisle (6-5, 260, jr.); OL/DL Brant Gressel (6-1, 265, jr.); FB Chris Barr (5-11, 210, sr.)
* Outlook – The Elks have been one of the most consistent programs in Ohio under Ron Ullery, who returns for his 35th year at Centerville and 12th as head coach (86-30 career record). The Elks, who lost to rival Wayne in double OT last year in the regional semifinals, return a number of starters. Odenigbo (5.5 sacks last year) is one of the state’s Top 10 prospects and holds offers from over 30 schools (including Ohio State, Michigan, Oklahoma, Notre Dame, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Alabama and Oregon). McGowan is a Michigan State commit and Barr (Air Force) and Mastin (Miami, Ohio, Toledo, BG, Ball State and Buffalo) hold D-I offers. Gressel and Lisle are D-I prospects. Barr (813 yards, 10 TDs) is the top returning rusher. Mastin (62 tackles) was the team’s second leading tackler last year.
Opener: vs Cincinnati Elder
 4. Wayne (11-4, D-I State Runner-Up)
* Players to Watch – WR Armani Miller (6-0, 175, sr.); Marcus Bonner (6-2, 190, sr.); Toney Peters (6-1, 190, sr.); DL Jonas Mims (6-1, 260, sr.); LB Darien Thornton (5-11, 190, sr.); OL Lovell Peterson (6-4, 280, jr.); QB Javon Harrison (6-1, 190, jr.); DB Jarrod Hardrick (6-0, 180, jr.); OL Cole Newsome (6-3, 260, jr.)
* Outlook – After finishing state runner-up for the second time under his lead, head coach Jay Minton (164-63 in 13 years) said the Warriors goal is easy. “We’re trying to not come in second anymore,” the coach said. Wayne lost in the 1999 state final and followed with a 6-5 record. Overcoming complacency Minton said will be key. A return trip won’t be easy. The Warriors, who play Middletown, Canton McKinley and Trotwood-Madison in the first four games, lost a lot from last year’s team, including superstar QB Braxton Miller (Ohio State). Harrison steps into the QB role and is another young talent. Miller (Toledo commit) is a D-I receiver and Peterson (Illinois offer) and Newsome might be the best 1-2 junior OL tandem in the state. The cupboard is far from bare. “There is not much to say when you come in second place,” Minton said. “We are either going to come at this thing hungry for another shot at it or satisfied with being runners-up. I have faith our guys will be hungry.”
Opener: vs Middletown (at Welcome Stadium)
5. Springboro (7-3)
The Panthers are 15-5 the last two years under head coach Ryan Wilhite who is back for his sixth year. According to Wilhite the program’s next step is to earn the school’s first “D-I” playoff berth. Boro became D-I in 2006. This year might be the one in which they get it done. Senior RB Jalen Campbell (6-2, 175) and QB Josh Little (6-2, 200) will lead the charge. Little was the GWOC’s second leading passer last year (1,602 yards and 18 TDs), while Campbell ran for 925 yards and eight TDs. Other key contributors are senior DB Austin Rines (6-0, 185, 81 Tackles), junior WR Jake Johnson (5-11, 165, 25 receptions, 410 yards, 4 TDs) and junior OL/DL Sean Welsh (6-3, 275).
Opener: vs Mason
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