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Helmholdt: Midwest offensive top performers

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Helmholdt's top defensive performers
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Rivals.com Midwest analyst Josh Helmholdt takes a look at the top offensive performers from games he scouted this weekend in Northeast Ohio.
1. Eric Glover-Williams, ATH, Canton (Ohio) McKinley (2015):
Although his team did not come out with a win, the Bulldogs were in the game at the end after falling down 24-0 to Massillon Washington in the first half, mostly due to the play of Glover-Williams. That a 5-foot-9, 165-pound sophomore can lead his team back in one of high school football's biggest rivalries by making so many big plays speaks to the ability and toughness Glover-Williams possesses. Playing quarterback for McKinley, Glover-Williams did most of his damage on the ground, though he did connect on several key pass completions. He could play the slot receiver role in college, but his balance, body lean, quickness and speed would be ideal at the running back position if he can gain some weight.
2. Jimmy Byrne, OT, Cleveland (Ohio) St. Ignatius (2014):
The recruiting process started early for Byrne, and already the junior holds offers from the likes of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Ohio State and West Virginia. Playing right tackle for his team, Byrne appears likely to stay at that spot in college or possibly even kick down to guard. He looked all of his listed 6-foot-4 and 275 pounds and may even be an inch or two taller. Byrne does not have great athleticism for the position and has trouble finding his blocks in space, but his pass protection set is outstanding, and it was no contest with defensive ends trying to come off the edge.
3. Odell Spencer, WR, Cleveland Shaker Heights (2014):
With fellow class of 2014 wide receiver and teammate Nolan Jackson-Daniel out after suffering his second concussion of the season, the 6-foot, 173-pound Spencer put on a show against Normandy Thursday night. The highlight of the game was his diving 26-yard touchdown reception in the first half on shich he displayed outstanding body control and presence of mind to secure the catch. Spencer would add a 69-yard touchdown reception later in the game on a screen pass. An ideal slot receiver-type, Spencer has great hands and is a sharp route-runner. He is not blazing fast, but is quick in small spaces and runs hard after the catch.
4. Kyle Kempt, QB, Massillon (Ohio) Washington:
This was one of Kempt's better performances of the past two seasons. He has a tendency to turn the ball over and take a lot of sacks, but he took much better care of the football Saturday afternoon and managed his offense efficiently. Kempt still has an awkward delivery that is way too long, and he releases the football well away from his head. That affects his velocity and ability to spin the football, but Kempt has improved his pocket presence and his accuracy was spot on in this game. His best pass of the day came on a 66-yard touchdown pass to teammate Gareon Conley where he hit the three-star perfectly in stride.
5. Nathaniel Devers, OG, Massillon (Ohio) Washington (2014):
One of the reasons Kempt had plenty of time to throw in Saturday's showdown with rival Canton McKinley was the play of Devers, who lined up at both guard positions depending on the formation and play called. Listed at 6-foot-5 and 273 pounds, Devers is not quite that tall. He is plenty big enough to play the guard spot in college, though. Over the summer we were able to see Devers athleticism, but in Saturday's game he simply played a near-flawless game of football. He is better blocking down than setting up in pass pro at this stage of his career, but Devers can keep his quarterback clean and pave holes for running backs.
6. Ja'Merez Bowen, OL, Cleveland Shaker Heights (2014):
The recruiting process started early for Bowen, who lists offers from Cincinnati, N.C. State, Pittsburgh, UCLA and Akron. Listed at 6-foot-5 and 270 pounds, Bowen is not quite that tall but he does have freakishly long arms which help him keep edge rushers at bay from his right offensive tackle position. Physically Bowen looks the part. He is solidly built with little bad weight and the frame to add bulk when he gets to college. Technically he is still raw and has trouble connecting with his blocks in open space, but his strength allows him to control defenders once he locks on and his length makes him difficult to get by in pass protection.
7. Chris Durkin, QB, Youngstown (Ohio) Ursuline (2014):
Listed at 6-foot-4 and 216 pounds, Durkin is a big, strong passer who showed toughness when he tucked and ran with the football. He is not going be confused with a dual-threat quarterback, but he is not a statue in the pocket either. When needed, Durkin can move his feet to avoid pressure. He threw some of his best passes while rolling out. His delivery is short, quick and low, which negates some of the advantages his height provides. The ball is not always coming out pretty and he missed on a few easy throws Friday night. Interestingly, Durkin also does the punting for his team and while he throws right handed, he kicks left-footed and has a pretty big leg.
8. Anthony Young, Lakewood (Ohio) St. Edward:
Outside receivers at the high school level often have trouble factoring into games, and the 6-foot-1, 170-pound Young is definitely an outside receiver. He was predictably quiet in the early going of Saturday's rivalry contest with St. Ignatius, but made some big plays down the stretch to help his team to the win. The biggest play as far as the game was concerned came when Young hauled in a 33-yard reception after breaking into the open when his team ran a flea-flicker in the backfield. I also liked what I saw out of the Indiana commit on a wide receiver screen late in the game. Young has a nice little burst after the catch and he did a great job working back to his quarterback on a broken play.
Others:
Derek Burgess, WR, Cleveland Shaker Heights:
The process has started late for Burgess, but someone is going to get a steal in the 6-foot-3, 195-pound prospect. He does list offers from Youngstown State and Ohio Dominican.
Greg Claytor, RB, Cleveland Shaker Heights (2014):
It was a frustrating night for the 5-foot-11, 195-pound Claytor, who had beautiful touchdown runs of 80 and 24 yards called back because of penalty. Claytor is a nice mix of size, agility and quickness.
David Dowell, WR, Lakewood (Ohio) St. Edward (2015):
There is not anything particularly flashy about the 6-foot, 175-pound Dowell from a physical attributes standpoint, but then he is just a sophomore. What we were able to see is that he is a very solid possession receiver who made some difficult catches on Saturday night.
Jordan Hargrove, WR, Akron (Ohio) St. Vincent St. Mary:
Hargrove is a solidly built slot wide receiver type at 5-foot-11 and 186 pounds, but he had a case of the drops in Friday night's contest against Youngstown Ursuline.
Beau Huffman, TE, Massillon (Ohio) Washington (2014):
An undersized tight end prospect who is listed at 6-foot-3 and 184 pounds on the roster, Huffman actually played more of an H-back role and could be a nice fit there in college. He displayed his ball skills with a ridiculous one-handed reception in the first quarter.
Nolan Jackson-Daniel, WR, Cleveland Shaker Heights (2014):
Jackson-Daniel suffered his second concussion of the season last weekend, so he was not dressed for Shaker Heights' Thursday night contest. Iowa has already offered and he definitely looked the part even in street clothes.
Marcelys Jones, OT, Cleveland Glenville:
The 6-foot-4, 325-pound Jones had a good last couple months, picking up offers from Indiana and Ohio State. We were unable to see him when his team played Cleveland John Adams on Friday because he did not play or even dress, presumably due to injury.
Chase Lash, OL, Massillon (Ohio) Washington (2014):
The 6-foot-5, 298-pound Lash started off this game much the same as he did last year when he held Rivals100 defensive end Se'von Pittman in check. As the game went on, though, McKinley's Antoine Miles was able to get the better of him with the speed rush.
Xzavier McAllister, OL, Canton (Ohio) McKinley:
Last year when I saw the 6-foot-5, 325-pound McAllister he was simply a big kid with almost no refined skills. Now finishing his senior season, however, McAllister is starting to put some polish on and move his feet to keep defenders off his quarterback.
Tim McVey, RB, Cleveland (Ohio) St. Ignatius:
The 5-foot-9, 180-pound McVey is committed to Buffalo, and it will be interesting to see what role he plays for the Bulls. His style is that of a between-the-tackles grinder, but he is not quite big enough to be a fullback. While McVey does not have great speed, he does have functional speed.
Rameses Owens, RB, Cleveland Shaker Heights (2014):
A tall running back with a long-stride, Owens shows some potential but he is far from where he will be physically in a few years. He had an 82-yard touchdown run called back on a penalty, but did score on a 50-yard run earlier in the game.
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