As the 2026 Ohio high school football season approaches, coaches and recruiters are turning their eyes to Stark County, where a handful of athletes have distinguished themselves by excelling on both sides of the ball.
Among them, Brayton Feister of Massillon stands out after transferring from Hoban, where he earned Ohio’s Division II Co‑Defensive Player of the Year honors with 133 tackles, 39 for loss and 13 sacks. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses while also contributing offensively has made him a focal point of local discussion.
Deontay Malone, also a Massillon product, has committed to Ohio State and is being celebrated for his dual‑threat capabilities. As a wide receiver he has recorded 34 catches for 498 yards and seven touchdowns, while his work at cornerback adds a defensive dimension that has drawn praise from analysts.
Ty DeGeorge from Lake, limited by an ankle injury early in the year, still managed to score ten touchdowns — five rushing, two receiving — and returned two punts for scores. His resilience illustrates the depth of talent in the county.
Jonathan Lemon of Perry brings a versatile skill set, rushing for eight touchdowns and catching passes while also leading the area with four interceptions. His knack for finding the ball in the secondary underscores his all‑around impact.
Versatility Redefines Stark County Football
Other standouts include Aden Norris of Louisville, a 6‑foot‑8 tackle committed to UConn who posted 38 tackles last season, and Cameron Evanich of Marlington, who amassed 571 receiving yards and five touchdowns despite a broken arm, while also making 35 tackles as a safety.
Evan Crissey from GlenOak will operate in multiple roles under new head coach Matt Dennison, having previously started at quarterback, while Aydan Stephens of East Canton has piled up 84 receptions for 863 yards and 12 touchdowns, plus four interceptions and 113 tackles.
Torez Conley from Canton South contributed 49 catches for 796 yards and nine touchdowns, and added three interceptions as a cornerback, and Shad Davis of Canton McKinley, though limited offensively, tallied 68 tackles, including 44 solo, with an interception and two forced fumbles.
College Commitments and Future Outlook
The common thread among these players is not just their on‑field versatility but also their early commitments to prominent collegiate programs. From Ohio State to UConn, the county’s talent pipeline is feeding major programs, promising a dynamic future for both local teams and the schools that recruit them.
As the season unfolds, the performances of these two‑way athletes will be closely watched by scouts and fans alike, as each game offers a glimpse of how high school football is evolving toward greater flexibility and multifaceted impact.