Every season relies on new faces. Here's a look at 17 ready to help their football teams

To have a successful season on the gridiron, a deep roster is a key component. Every team will have their share of returning standout lettermen that will be counted on to lead the team's effort on the football field.

Often times, it's the underclassmen, maybe even freshmen, or returning players who are asked to take on a larger role on the team to fill a void. These complimentary players often make huge contributions that prove to be the difference in achieving that winning campaign.

With the new season right around the corner with opening night quickly approaching on Friday, Aug. 23. We take a look at 17 players who are poised to step up and contribute for Cambridge, Buckeye Trail, Meadowbrook and John Glenn this season.

Field generals to defensive stalwarts: Meet 16 football players to watch ahead of the 2024 season

Buckeye Trail High

DREW MCCLUMPHY, SOPHOMORE (QB/CB): "Drew didn't play much as a freshman but is a talented kid who works really hard. He takes hard coaching well, which is the only way you can be a good QB. He doesn't get down and say "poor me" he looks you in the eye says "yes sir" and moves on. That is exactly what you need from your QB." − Buckeye Trail coach Donnie Kerns said

SAMMY BROWN, JUNIOR (WR/CB): "Sammy is the best natural receiver I have seen at Buckeye Trail since Billy Rome in the 90's. He has great hands, runs great routes and has a the type of work ethic you want your players to have. The key is going to be finding ways to get him the ball, he needs touches." − Kerns said.

BRYER WALTER, SENIOR (LB/OL): "Bryer is a strong kid who is really athletic. Middle linebacker is a new position for him, but something we are excited to see him do. He is a kid who has paid his dues the last three years, and this year he finally gets to put it all together." − Kerns said.

Meadowbrook High

CHASE MYERS, SOPHOMORE (OL/DL): “Chase Myers went through a pretty significant leg injury last year. He totally committed himself to getting stronger in the weight room and it shows. He would often do morning and after-school lifts. He looks to be someone we can lean on and build around now and in the future.” − Meadowbrook coach Steve Norman said.

Mark your calendar: A list of the area football schedules for 2024 season

BENTLEY SEDOR, SOPHOMORE (WR/DB): "Bentley started as a receiver last year as a freshman and hauled in 21 receptions for 408 yards with two touchdowns for us. He's a very athletic kid and just has big play written all over him.” − Norman said.

COOPER MCMANAWAY/ BRAYDEN BLACK, JUNIORS (RB/LB): "Cooper and Brayden will split time in the backfield for us this year. Last season, Coop had 174 yards and a TD, while Brayden had 374 and 5 TDs. Both are tough hard-nosed kids that enjoy the game of football between tackles." − Norman said.

Cambridge High

MICHAEL MICALE, JUNIOR (QB/DB): "Michael will be competing for the QB position. He has been doing a wonderful job learning and competing all summer. Really has been putting in the time necessary and feel he's ready for a solid year." − Cambridge head coach Kevin Gunn said.

DAMIEN SHAW, JUNIOR/ RYLEE HOMKO-GRENN, SENIOR (TE/LB): "We are looking for Damien and Rylee to be key pieces on the defensive side of the football for us this year. They both have a great work ethic and lead the rest of the team by example." − Gunn said.

NATE SCHULTZ/ ISAIAH MAYLE, SENIORS (WR/DB): "Nate and Isaiah have looked very good this summer at wide receiver. They both have good hands and get off the line quickly. Both of them have been very reliable, dependable and great leaders for our team thus far." − Gunn said.

More: Field generals to defensive stalwarts: Meet 16 football players to watch ahead of the 2024 season

JACOB RIGGS/ALEC PORTER, SENIORS (OL/DL): "Jacob and Alec have really been providing us a lot of leadership, which is want you want from your seniors. They both play with passion and heart. I'm looking forward to coaching them in their final year at Cambridge." − Gunn said.

John Glenn High

CASHTON PAISLEY, SOPHOMORE (TE/LB ): "Cashton will move from the OL/DL to an Outside LB and TE this season. Worked really hard in the weight room and has transformed his body to play his new positions. Physical, skilled athlete (also plays basketball) who will be counted on to step in day one at a linebacker spot."− John Glenn coach Matt Edwards.

KOLE ROBINSON, SENIOR (WR/DB ): "Kole moved into our district from Ridgewood. He is expected to start at DB and get meaningful snaps at WR for us. He is a tall, athletic player, who also plays basketball and should fit in very well in a senior dominated secondary." − Edwards said.

RYDER PENNINGTON, JUNIOR (WR/DB ): "Ryder saw some action as a sophomore at WR but will be a huge focal point on this year's offense. Has grown several inches this past season and worked really hard in the off-season on route running and ball skills. His height and speed should give us a legitimate deep threat in our offense. Could also see some snaps at Free Safety." − Edwards said.

KSutton1@gannett.com; X: @KSuttonDJSports; Instagram: kevinsutton_dailyjeffsports

This article originally appeared on The Daily Jeffersonian: Every season relies on new faces. Here's a look at 17 ready to help their football teams