Preseason Tony Fisher Award watch list

The Tony Fisher Award goes to The News-Herald player of the year in football. It is named after the former Ohio Mr. Football recipient, a graduate of Euclid, who went on to star at Notre Dame and play in the NFL.

The Fisher Award watch list can and will change on a weekly basis. The preseason list, in alphabetical order: Ryan Baer, North, Sr.: The 6-foot-7, 320-pound University of Pittsburgh commit is a road-grader of a blocker on offense, and will also play defense this year.

Derell Bedingfield, Benedictine, Sr.: The 6-foot-2, 190-pound linebacker has committed to Toledo. He’s a lightning-fast playmaker who can force turnovers and leave his mark with big hits.

Rick Coleman Jr., Harvey, Sr.: He threw for 479 yards and ran for 472 yards last year. Having the ball in his hands every play is a good place to start for the Red Raiders this year.

Marvin Conkle, Benedictine, Sr.: As a junior, he had 32 catches for 528 yards. It’s safe to say the Bengals are going to do everything they can to get the ball in the hands of this electric playmaker.

Jaxon French, Lake Catholic, Sr.: The first-year quarterback for the Cougars can whip it around the field, that’s for sure. But he also has running ability, and is the linchpin to Lake’s offense this year.

Nikko Georgiou, Kenston, Jr.: He only got in a handful of games last year as a starting sophomore quarterback, but with the skill set around him in the Bombers’ lineup, he should put up big numbers in a high-scoring offense.

Alex Henry, Chardon:

Whoever is the quarterback for the vaunted Chardon rushing attack always puts up highlight reel numbers — see Drew Fetchik (2020) and the Benenati brothers before him. Henry is going to have a big year whether he’s at quarterback or at running back. Claishon Ivory, Euclid, Sr.: He had 25 catches for 395 yards last year and will be a major focal point for the Panthers this season.

Ryan Miller, Kenston, Sr.:

A matchup nightmare as a 6-foot-7 tight end who can flex out at receiver, Miller should be one of the primary targets for Kenston QB Nikko Georgiou, who is also on this list.

Jalen Minter, VASJ, Sr.: He was a third-team All-Ohioan last year at Beachwood, with more than 1,500 yards of offense passing and rushing. Mason Rus, Kirtland, Sr.: Rus was a wrecking ball as a linebacker last year, and will be again this year. But keep an eye on him as a running back this year, too. He’s primed to have an All-Ohio type of year as a two-way starter.

Ira Sampson, South, Sr.: College coaches are clamoring for this 5-foot-11, 205-pounder either/or at running back and linebacker. The marquee player for the Rebels should be a big playmaker on both sides of the ball this year.

Tyrone Singleton, South, Jr.: What a luxury South has, with Singleton, Ira Sampson and Jaydon Searcy. Singleton

had a breakout year last year and has entrenched himself

as a major threat this year. Jacob Snow, Mentor, Jr.: He made his first varsity start last year in a Division I state semifinal. Now that he’s got his feet wet, look for a highly productive year both passing and rushing.

Gage Sullivan, Kirtland, Sr.: A very versatile player, the 6-foot-4, 200-pound Sullivan is a game-breaker as a receiver and one of the best defensive backs in the area. Oh, he’s also an AllOhio punter.

Danny Stewart, West Geauga, Sr.: He had a breakout season last year for the Wolverines. He has most of his skill set returning this year, too, so don’t be surprised if he puts up eye-popping numbers. Curtis Thomas, North, Jr.: This speedy back looks to be getting a lot of touches in the Rangers’ new offense this year, both running the ball and catching out of the backfield.

Brenan Vernon, Mentor, Jr.: The big, 6-foot-5, 250-pound defensive end is one of the premier defensive players in the nation in the class of 2023. Look for him to have a huge year.