There’s Plenty Of Beef Along Ohio Offensive, Defensive Lines

WHEELING - When people wonder where the beef is, they only need to look at the Offensive and Defensive Linemen on the Ohio roster for Saturday night's 80th annual OVAC Rudy Mumley All Star Football Game.

The Buckeyes have 12 players totalling 3,200 pounds - an average of 266.67 per player - and 11 of those tip the scales at at least 230, and six standing at least 6-3. Seven will be playing at the next level.

The mid-summer classic will kick off at 7:15 inside Wheeling Island Stadium.

A brief capsule of each player follows:

NISHON WHITE (Indian Creek) - This mammoth 6-7, 380-pounder was a force on both sides of the ball for head coach Andrew Conner and the Redskins.

He was Division IV first team all-Ohio and all-Eastern District. He was selected the Defensive Player of the Year after charting 40 tackles, 15 of which resulted in lost yardage, and a trio of quarterback sacks.

White will continue his academic and athletic careers at Robert Morris University.

DYLAN WALTERS (Harrison Central) - A 6-8, 330-pounder, Walters was second team all-Eastern District and participated in the Ohio North-South Game.

He played for head coach Anthony Hayes and the Huskies.

Walters is the son of Jeremy and Danielle Walters. They reside in Scio.

QUENTIN SCOTT (Bellaire) - This 6-0, 190-pounder was a menace along the defensive line for the Big Reds. He charted 85 tackles, with 67 being solo stops. He also recorded 10 quarterback sacks and forced four fumbles.

Scott was named to the first team all-OVAC, all-Eastern District and all-Buckeye 8. He was also an honorable mention all-Ohio.

His father, Clark Scott, played in the 1993 game.

He played for head coach Mark Bonar at Bellaire.

Scott is also the son of Dawn Ziants and resides in Bellaire.

EPHY KELLY (Steubenville) - A 6-3, 275-pounder, Kelly played for head coach Reno Saccoccia and the Big Red.

He will attend West Liberty University to continue his academic and athletic careers.

Kelly is the son of Brett Kelly and lives in Steubenville.

HEATH THOMAS (Toronto) - This 6-4, 270-pounder was a two-sport standout for the Red Knights as he also qualified for the Division III state wrestling tournament as a senior, finishing fourth in the heavyweight division.

As a defensive end, he made 49 tackles, 41 solos, sacked the quarterback four times and deflected two passes. Offensively, he charted eight pancake blocks.

He was first team all-Eastern District and all-OVAC.

Thomas will continue his academic and athletic careers at Wheeling University.

He is the son of Tom and Cathie Thomas. They reside in Toronto.

KALEB HANLON (East Liverpool) - A 6-foot, 200-pounder, Hanlon played for head coach Paul Cusick and the Potters.

He is the son of Nosh renner and Nichole Simms. He resides in East Liverpool.

CAYDEN RUCKER (Shenandoah) - This 6-4, 290-pounder was second team all-MOVL for head coach Mac McLean and the Zeps.

He will continue his academic and athletic careers at Walsh University in Canton.

Rucker is the son of Billy Rucker and Arrissa Baker. He resides in Pleasant City.

JEVEN VELEZ (Buckeye Local) - A 5-10, 230-pounder, Velez was a standout along the defensive line for head coach Chris Kiedaisch and the Panthers last fall.

He recorded 70 tackles - with six resulting in negative yardage - broke up three passes,had a pair of quarterback sacks, forced two fumbles and recovered one.

He is working as an electrician's apprentice.

Velez is the son of Ronald Velez and Jennifer Lovell. He resides in Wheeling.

COLTEN FLORENCE (St. Clairsville) - This 6-4, 235-pounder had an exceptional final two seasons for the Red Devils and head coach Brett McLean.

As a senior he logged 39 tackles, eight for minus yards, a dozen quarterback sacks and 19 quarterback hurries from his defensive end slot. He recorded 38 tackles, 14 sacks and 14 hurries as a junior.

He was named the Division V Eastern District Defensive Player of the Year and participated in the Ohio North-South Game. He was also a first team all-OVAC and all-Buckeye 8 selection.

Florence will continue his academic and athletic careers at the University of Dayton.

He is a third generation player in the game, following his uncle, Shane Florence (1992, and cousin, Ryan Florence (2022).

Florence is the son of Jason and Lauren Florence. They reside in Cadiz.

LUKE McMILLION (Indian Creek) - A 6-3, 250-pounder, McMillion also excelled as a wrestler for the Redskins.

On the gridiron, he charted 65 tackles, with a dozen resulting in lost yardage, and eight quarterback sacks.

He was first team all-Eastern District and all-OVAC.

McMillion will attend Ohio Northern University in Ada where he will play football and wrestle.

He is the son of David McMillion and Melissa Thompson. He resides in Wintersville.

DILLON LUCAS (Barnesville) - A 5-9, 280-pounder, Lucas shined on both sides of the ball for the Shamrocks and head coach Blake Allen.

A three-year starter on the offensive line, Lucas earned first team honors as the all-Eastern District, the all-OVAC and all-Buckeye 8 teams, as well as honorable mention all-Ohio.

Defensively, he charted 30 tackles and 3.5 TFLs.

Lucas is the son of Justin and Tabitha Lucas. They reside in Barnesville.

DEVIN KRAFT (Beaver Local) - This 6-1, 271-pounder was nearly unbeatable as the center for head coach Mike McKenzie and the Beavers.

He recorded 73 career pancakes blocks and achieved a 94-percent block win rate.

He will attend the United States Naval Academy.

Kraft is the son of Chris and Taunja Kraft. They live in Wellsville.

NIKO JACOB (St. Clairsville) - A 6-2, 200-pounder, Jacob was all over the field for the Red Devils and head coach Brett McLean.

Defensively, he logged 37 tackles, with three coming behind the line of scrimmage. He also had two forced fumbles, a pair of fumble recoveries and a quarterback sack. Offensively, he caught 17 passes for 254 yards and three touchdowns.

He was first team on the all-Eastern District, all-OVAC and all-Buckeye 8, while also earning honorable mention all-Ohio.

Jacob will attend West Liberty University to further his academic and athletic careers as a member of the Hilltoppers baseball program.

He is the son of Lance and Nikki Jacob. They reside in St. Clairsville.

KAYSE REJONIS (Bellaire) - A 6-0, 225-pounder, Rejonis was a standout along the lines for head coach Mark Bonar and the Big Reds.

On defense, he logged 71 tackles, with five for lost yardage. He also had a quarterback sack.

Rejonis earned all-Eastern District and all-Buckeye 8 first team, as well as all-OVAC second team and honorable mention all-Ohio.

He will attend West Virginia University.

His uncle, John LaRoche played in the 1989 game, and his cousin, Cole LaRoche, played in 2019.

Rejonis is the son of Keith and Carri Rejonis. They live in Bellaire.

TAYSON PALMER (Martins Ferry) - This 5-9, 219-pounder was a stellar two-way performer for the Purple Riders and head coach Justin Kropka. However, he was injured during wrestling season and will not be able to participate in the game.

Palmer had 45 tackles, 14 TFLs, eight quarterback sacks and recovered four fumbles as a senior. He also graded out at 88 percent along the offensive line.

He was first team all-Buckeye 8, second team all-Eastern District and honorable mention all-Ohio.

Palmer will attend Zane State College.

He is the son of Trista Palmer of Martins Ferry.