The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Gilmour standout takes Tony Fisher Award
Senior rushed for 2,585 yards and scored 51 touchdowns for Gilmour this season
C.J. Charleston had one of the most memorable seasons in News-Herald football history.
Now the decorated running back from Gilmour Academy has a trophy to show for it.
Charleston was named the winner of the 2018 Tony Fisher Award on Nov. 26. The award goes to The News-Herald’s football player of the year. The presentation was made in front of a capacity crowd at Hooley House as part of a special edition of Varsity Chalk Talk.
“This is amazing. I’m without words,” Charleston said. “I can’t thank my teammates back there enough, and to Coach K (Chris Kosiorek) for putting me in position to win this award.”
Charleston, a 5-foot-11, 170-pound senior, was presented the trophy by the trophy’s namesake, Tony Fisher, the 1997 Ohio Mr. Football who went on to star at Notre Dame and then in the NFL.
In leading Gilmour to an 11-1 record, an NCL White Division title and into the second round of the Division V playoffs, Charleston ran 198 times for 2,585 yards (a 13.1yard average) with 51 touchdowns and a trio of two-point conversions.
In addition to his rushing totals, Charleston caught seven passes for 90 yards, threw for 20 yards and a touchdown, punted for a 33.2-yard average and had 41 tackles on defense.
For his efforts, Charleston was named the Division V offensive player of the year in Ohio this week.
Prior to this season, Charleston played receiver at Gilmour.
“Yeah, I’m really glad (for the change,” said Charleston, who said he still prefers playing receiver and his favorite player is Odell Beckham Jr. “I probably wouldn’t be able to do what I did at receiver.”
Charleston is one of the best multi-sport athletes in The News-Herald area. He was an All-Ohioan in basketball as a junior, and also won a pair of state titles in track in the long jump and in the 4x100 relay.
“Whatever season it is, that’s my favorite season,” Charleston said. “So right now it’s basketball.”
Charleston said he has offers from Brown University, Dayton and Youngstown State, but his recruiting remains open.
Charleston was tapped as the winner of the Fisher Award over five other finalists, a list that includes (in alphabetical order):
• Ryan Jacoby, Mentor, Sr.: The Cardinals’ left tackle, an Ohio State commit, was voted the Northeast Lakes District offensive player of the year this week after leading the Cardinals to an 11-2 record and Division I regional runnerup finish.
• Drew Schiano, Perry, Jr.: He finished the season with 2,525 passing yards and 34 touchdowns (against only nine interceptions), as well as 267 rushing yards and a score. He was the Northeast Lakes Division IV offensive player of the year and led the Pirates to the regional championship game.
• Jack Porter, Kenston, Jr.: Heading into the Bombers’ appearance in the Division III state final four, he has run for 2,299 yards and has scored 29 touchdowns. He also has 14 catches for 225 yards.
• Jon Tomcufcik, Kenston, Jr.: Heading into the Bombers’ appearance in the Division III state final four, he has completed 168 of 273 passes (61.5) thrown for 2,747 yards and 24 touchdowns (against only four interceptions), while also running for 501 yards 14 scores. He has a quarterback rating of 172.1.
• Joey Torok, Kirtland, Sr.: Heading into the Hornets’ Division VI state final against Marion Local, he has run for 1,728 yards and has scored 35 touchdowns. He also has 35 total tackles, 9 pass breakups, two interceptions, two blocked punts and one tackle for loss.