The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Divisions II, III All-Ohio gridiron teams unveiled
The Divisions II and III high school football All-Ohio teams are unveiled. Several area standouts earned top honors, including Chardon linebacker Chase Kline, who was D-III defensive player of the year.
Chase Kline has been named the Division III defensive player of the year by the Ohio Prep Sports Writers Association.
The announcement was made Nov. 28 when the association’s D-III all-Ohio teams were announced.
Kline finished the season with 129 tackles, 23 tackles for loss, nine sacks and seven pass breakups.
“That means a lot to me,” the 6-foot-3, 225-pound linebacker from Chardon said. “That was one of my goals going into the season. I’m truly honored. I am happy I was able to finish my senior season strong.”
Kline said he hoped for a better season record-wise — Chardon finished 6-4 — but he said his time with his teammates was a cherished and memorable one.
Kline is headed to Michigan State on a football scholarship.
Teams ran away from Kline all season long, yet he still piled up a huge season.
“It was a little challenge to chase guys down from behind, but it helps when you face some adversity,” Kline said. “It helped me prepare for Michigan State.”
Kline isn’t quite ready for college life yet, he said. He is playing basketball for the first time in his career, joining the Hilltoppers’ basketball squad this winter.
“It was something I always wanted to try,” he said. “I love getting up and working out, but I love competing. I didn’t want to look back at my high school experience and know I hadn’t done everything possible. This is my last chance to play basketball, so I’m doing it.”