The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Preseason Tony Fisher Award watch list
The Tony Fisher Award goes to The News-Herald’s football player of the year. This year’s award will be handed out Nov. 26, as part of a special edition of the Varsity Chalk Talk Show at Hooley House in Mentor, with Bill Tilton hosting. We will publish a weekly watch list for the top players in the area every week from now until the night of the show.
This list is fluid and can change week to week. The opening list is a guideline for some of the area’s top returners and a benchmark to start the season. In alphabetical order:
• Jacob Allen, Perry, Sr.: Caught 37 passes as a junior for 660 yards, ran for 439 yards and scored 19 touchdowns.
• Jaylen Anderson, Perry, So.: Between rushing and receiving, he piled up 1,436 yards as a freshman.
• Christian DeMitro, Lake Catholic, Jr.: The Cougars will play him in multiple offensive positions to get him the ball in space to make plays.
• Nick Gattozzi, NDCL, Sr.: The experienced signal-caller is primed for a big year, with the Lions looking to throw more this season.
• Michael Huss, Mayfield, So.: He threw for 1,337 yards and 23 touchdowns as a freshman. Expect a huge year.
• Ian Kipp, Mentor: He’s only a sophomore, but his skill set is impressive. He is primed for a major coming out party.
• Mitchell Kellogg, Brush, Sr.: The Arcs have a big, physical offensive line. Kellogg could benefit in the ground game.
• Jack Kosar, Gilmour, Sr.: The Brown University commit could have well over 100 tackles on defense and maybe be a 1,000-yard rusher on offense.
• Jake Neibecker, Kirtland, Sr.: He ran for 1,500 yards and 20 touchdowns last year. He has bulked up to 205 pounds.
• Isaac Pettway, Wickliffe, Sr.: As a junior, he ran for 1,510 yards and 24 touchdowns.
• Jack Porter, Kenston, Jr.: As a sophomore, he ran for 1,447 yards and 22 touchdowns.
• Noah Potter, Mentor, Sr.: The Ohio State recruit is the most dominating defender in the area. A terror at defensive end.
• Rico Small, South, Sr.: An electric type of playmaker who can get the ball in space and take it to the house any play.
• Ty Tiggs, Mayfield: The 6-foot, 210-pounder is a fast, active, hard-hitting linebacker/safety. He’s a game-changer for the Wildcats.
• Joey Torok, Kirtland, Sr.: He ran for 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns last year. He’s gearing for a third straight 1,000-yard rushing season.
• Brandon Wright, Euclid, Sr.: The Michigan State recruit ran for more than 700 yards last year, and will be the focus of Euclid’s offense this year.