Izaiah Wright, Graham Junge head list of top offensive talents

Monroe County Region players could post some staggering offensive numbers in 2024 – even if they just duplicate what they did last year.

On top of the list of Monroe County Region players to watch in 2024 are Gibraltar Carlson running back Izaiah Wright and Flat Rock quarterback Graham Junge.

Wright, a junior, already has offers from more than a dozen Division 1 schools including Michigan State, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Indiana, Pittsburgh and West Virginia.

That’s understandable after he ran for 1,965 yards and 29 touchdowns last season.

Cast your vote: Who will dominate on defense for Region football teams?

Junge is pondering offers from colleges in both basketball and football after throwing for 2,419 yards and 27 TDs in 2023.

Jackson Wertenberger of Ida, Tyler Dafoe of Summerfield, Hunter Faunce of Beford, Joe Krolak of Carlson and Adam Szalay of Flat Rock also are back after earning spots on the All-Region team last fall.

Here is a list of some of this year’s top offensive players follows.

Alternate positions are listed in parenthesis. All quotes are from the players’ head coach. Players at each position group are listed in alphabetical order.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Andrew Booth, Flat Rock, 6-1, 235, 12, (DL) : Beginning his third season as a starter. “Andrew will anchor our O-line and D-line. He has started the past two years at left guard and is a tremendous puller.”

Connor Bott, Whiteford, 6-2, 275, 12 (DL) : Started at tackle as a junior for one of the best offensive teams in the Monroe County Region. Helped the Bobcats reach the Division 8 state championship game.

Nolan Cacioppo, Monroe, 6-2, 220, 11 (DL) : Had his season cut short by injury last fall, but will be counted on to lead the offensive line this year. “He also will show strength and toughness in the interior of our offensive line from the guard position.”

Cam Davis, Erie Mason, 5-8, 185, 11 (DL-LB) : Entering his third year as a starter. “Despite playing on the offensive line, he is one of the fastest guys on our team. His speed, quickness, and agility will be an asset.”

Hunter Faunce, Bedford, 6-2, 250, 12 (DL) : A two- year starter who attained All-Region status last fall. “He had a break out season last year. He has spent his summer working hard honing his skills.”

Jay Hickey, Dundee, 5-11, 230, 12 (DL) : An anchor for the Vikings. “Jay will continue to be a leader on our offensive and defensive line like he has been since his sophomore year.”

Isaac Kemp, Airport, 6-0, 220, 12 (LB) : “He is the leader of the O-line and will be someone that we will rely on to settle us down offensively when things don’t go our way.”

Cooper Kimberly. Milan, 6-4, 253, 12 (DL) : A standout on both lines. “Talented athlete, long and strong. Primed to be one of the top tackles in the Region.”

Chase Lee, Whiteford, 6-1, 265, 12 (DL) : Was an All-Tri-County Conference center for a team that racked up more than 5,000 total yards and over 3,500 rushing.

Colton Marentette, Huron, 6-0, 280, 12 (DL) : Will anchor Huron’s line. “Plays well in the trenches.”

RJ Percha, Flat Rock, 6-5, 255, 12, (DL) : “RJ has started the past two years at right tackle and defensive end. He will switch to left tackle this year and is one of the best tackles in the area.”

Caiden Pfeiffer, Jefferson, 6-4, 235, 11, (DE) : Comes into 2024 bigger and stronger. “Caiden has had an unbelievable offseason; he has added size and speed to his already big frame and will be a force on both sides of the ball.”

Cameron Satkowski, Ida, 5-10, 235, 12 (DL) :  Will move from center to tackle this season. “He is quick off the ball while being stout and strong. He has progressed exceptionally well at tackle in the early going.”

Jackson Wertenberger, Ida, 6-4, 300, 12, (DL) :  Earned a spot on the All-Region team last season. “He will be a force on the offensive line and be improved defensively.  Jackson has taken on a leadership role in the off season to push himself and his teammates.”

TIGHT END

Tyler Furman, Airport, 6-3, 195, 12 (LB) : “Tyler should give us a deep threat this season and his ability to block will help create rushing lanes for our backs. Tyler is a strong kid with a lot potential.”

Drew Sikora, Carlson, 6-4, 215, 12 : Caught 8 passes for 93 yards as a junior. “Put on 30 pounds this offseason. Has exceptional hands for a tight end. Can play grounded or split out. Will be a key factor in our run game as a blocker. NAIA and D-II offers.”

Joel Treece, SMCC, 6-3, 215, 12 (DL) : “Joel emerged as one of our better blockers for us last season. He is a versatile athlete for us on the line of scrimmage. He can block and catch the ball. Joel has a great opportunity in from of him this year.”

WIDE RECEIVER

Ryan Anderson, Huron, 6-2, 200, 12 (DB) : A three-year starter who will make an impact all over the field. “Multi-talented.”

Tyler Dafoe, Summerfield, 6-3, 165, 12 (DB) : Led his team with 365 receiving yards in 2023. “He will be our go-to receiver. He is a very smart and talented athlete. He is very good at finding the open areas and using his body to shield defenders.”

Karson Petit, Jefferson, 5-10, 170, 11 (LB) : “We are really excited about his potential; he will be a huge part of our offense this season.”

Aidyn Stahr, Airport, 6-0, 170, 11 (DB) : Earned more playing time last year as the season moved into the playoffs. “He is a smart player that has the ability to stretch the field from the receiver position. We are excited to see his potential and growth this season.”

Adam Szalay, Flat Rock, 6-2, 180, 12 (DB) : Led the Rams in 2023 with 592 receiving yards and 7 TD catches. “His pass catching ability makes him a threat every time the ball is thrown his way.”

Landon Vida, Carlson, 5-11, 170, 12 : Caught 18 passes for 440 yards and 7 touchdowns last season. “Crisp route runner with great hands. Has big-play capability.”

Jaxen Wourman, Milan, 6-0, 172, 12 (DB) : One of Milan’s top offensive threats. “Playmaker and difference maker. Jaxen is much more comfortable in our system. We need him to play well for our team to reach its potential.”

RUNNING BACK

Drew Harris, SMCC, 5-6, 165, 12 (DB) : Ran for 734 yards and 4 TDs last season. “Drew has made great strides this off-season. He looks really good carrying the ball in practice. His vision has improved and he is seeing things develop quicker this year.”

Quinton Lephew, Dundee, 5-10, 195, 12 (LB) : Begins his third season as a starting linebacker and will make a big shift on the other side of the ball. “Last year he was a critical part of our offensive line. This year he moves back to the backfield.”

Landen Nastale, Erie Mason, 6-0, 180, 12 (LB) : The school-record holder in the 100 and 200-meter dashes decided to come out for football as a senior. “He will add an element of speed on both sides of the ball that is a bit more than what we have had the last several seasons.”

Dean Thomas, Ida, 5-10, 170, senior, RB (DB) : Could be headed for a big season behind Ida’s talented offensive line. “Dean had some huge games last season but needs to be more consistent each week.  Dean has improved his speed and strength and is deceptively quick. He also will play a prominent role in the secondary as a solid cover corner.”

Izaiah Wright, Carlson, 5-10, 205, 11 (DB) : Ran for 1,965 yards and scored 31 touchdowns last season. “A true power back with exceptional speed. Holds multiple Power 4 offers.”

QUARTERBACK

Luke Beaudrie, Jefferson, 5-8, 160, 10 (S) : Ran for 1,163 yards and 16 TDs last year and threw for 677 yards. “Luke is the key to our offense, extremely high football IQ, and his speed and agility makes him hard to contain.”

Tre Eitniear Whiteford, 5-10, 175, 10 : Started all 14 games last season for a state runner-up team. Completed 49-of-97 passes for 1,075 yards and 16 touchdowns with just 3 interceptions.

Ian Foster, SMCC, 6-0, 165, 12 (DB) : Ran for 522 yards and 8 touchdowns while throwing four TD passes in 2023. “Ian is a tremendous athlete. He has a strong presence on the field and in the huddle for us. We have asked him to do more mentally this season and has responded well.”

David Jankowski, Airport, 5-9, 156, 12 (DB) : Has big shoes to fill taking over for Cooper Nye. “His ability to make big plays on the offensive side of the football will be what we need to keep drives moving.”

Graham Junge, Flat Rock, 6-1, 180, 12 : Threw for 2,419 yards and 27 touchdowns last season. “He will be the focal point of our offense both throwing and running and has many weapons to distribute the ball to.”

Joe Krolak, Carlson, 5-11, 180, 12 : Threw for 1,069 yards and 15 touchdowns and also ran 626 yards and 8 TDs. “A dual-threat quarterback with big-game experience. A leader on and off the field for us.”

Drew Logsdon, Bedford, 6-2, 200, 12, (DB) : Won the starting quarterback job in training camp last year, then suffered a season-ending injury. “He has used the off season to rehab and improve his skill set and play-making ability.”

Mike Narew, Erie Mason, 5-9, 170, 12 (LB) : One of four players vying for the starting quarterback job. If he does not win that job, he will be at running back, H back or slot. “Will play a key role in our offense.”

Trace Secor, Summerfield, 6-2, 180, 12 (S) : Threw for 832 yards and 12 TDs last season. “Trace has worked very hard and put himself in a position to have a great senior year.”

Collin Steele, Monroe, 6-3, 190, 12 : Got off to a good start last season before being sidelined by injury. “The leader of our offense. … Has a strong and accurate arm with big-play ability.”

Ryan Zanger, Dundee, 6-1, 190, 12 (LB) : A three-year starter who fought through injuries to throw for 950 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. “This will be Ryan's fourth year starting on varsity. He started as a freshman, playing outside linebacker and backup QB.”

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Izaiah Wright, Graham Junge head list of top offensive talents