Jay Sharrett takes over at Circleville after accomplished career at Pickerington Central
By: Charlie Ihlenfeld
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CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio (WOUB) – There are going to be high expectations for the Circleville Tigers this year. Legendary head coach Jay Sharrett takes over the mantle of head coach for his alma mater this year. While Sharrett graduated from Circleville in 1984, the coach rose to prominence as the head coach of Pickerington Central. With those Tigers, Sharrett led them to a record of 211-42, 17 league titles and two state titles. Despite all the hype, Sharrett is taking the opportunity to enjoy coaching and getting to know a new group of players.
“The 50 players I have been getting to know on this personal relationship level, I’ve missed this,” said Sharrett. “Because they stay young, and I stay old.”
Sharrett takes over a talented roster for Circleville, highlighted by returners on the offensive side of the ball. Leading the way, senior quarterback Hudson Phalin returns after throwing for more than 1,700 yards, 18 touchdowns and just six interceptions. Phalin is thrilled to be working with the coach who earned his stripes against the best central Ohio has to offer.
“It’s been awesome having a guy from Circleville,” said Phalin. “He really cares about the community, the people in the town. Having someone in the locker room who cares about the community as much as we do, it’s been great.”
Phalin has his top two targets back from last season. Jack Kline and Kole Nungester enter their senior year. Kline finished the 2024 campaign with over 700 yards and five touchdowns, while Nungester had over 600 yards and seven touchdowns. The pair will have to contribute more in the backfield this year alongside Ray Ezell due to the graduation of Drew Thornsley.
Thornsley finished his senior year with close to 1,500 yards rushing. But, despite the key departure for the Tigers, Sharrett lauded the strides his offensive line has made in the offseason.
“Our offensive and defensive lines are making huge strides in the weight room,” said Sharrett. “And sometimes those jumps don’t transfer to the field. But these are transferring to the field. I hope that anybody that sees this team sees a good, mean, physical team.”
Sharrett’s confidence was echoed by the players in the trenches.
“It started in the weight room, we got our strength up, and it built confidence on the field,” said junior offensive lineman Braydon Brisker. “We know we are going to be the most physical team on the field every night.”
While Circleville has plenty of tough games and rivalry matches, Sharrett and company have their eyes set on taking the first step: winning week one.
“Everything we’re doing right now is for week one,” said Sharrett. “What we need to do is make sure we can hike it to the quarterback and hand it to the tailback.”
That no-nonsense attitude has translated to the players, and they are ready for Tiger Field on August 22nd.
“We are going to bring each and every Friday night,” said Phalin.