All-Gridiron Glory Preseason Team
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Eric Manley Jr. | Eastern (Pike), Senior QB
Eric Manley Jr. enters his second season starting for the Eagles and the senior has already established himself among the region’s best quarterbacks. He immediately impressed last season with 3,214 total yards and 44 total touchdowns to his name, leading Eastern to their best offense in team history and a regional finals appearance.
His 6’6” frame allowed the Eagles to be aggressive in the passing game, and his athletic ability made him an intimidating rusher for opposing defenses, averaging close to six yards per carry last season. Manley should prove to put up big numbers again this season as Eastern makes another push for Canton.
Zander Bice | Miller, Senior RB
After a fantastic junior season, Zander Bice might soar even higher in his senior year. Bice finished the 2024 campaign with 1,563 yards on 8.4 yards per carry with 21 touchdowns. He also led the Miller Falcons in tackles with an even 100 and added 5.5 tackles for loss. Bice had a penchant for the big moment, leading the way for the Falcons’ biggest rushing performance in their first road playoff game in school history. Bice was the leading rusher for Miller as they rushed for nearly 400 yards against Steubenville Central Catholic.
With the departure of Logan Doughty, the Falcons excellent running quarterback, Bice will carry more of the load for the Falcons on offense. While he will have to battle the departure of important offensive linemen like Wyatt Porter, Bice’s ability to shake off tacklers makes it possible to fight through any potential tacklers in the backfield or in the open field. Bice is the heart of the MPT, the Falcons signature identity as the most physical team.
Anthony Bishop | Portsmouth West, Junior RB
With the graduation of Mason Parker, Anthony Bishop finds himself as the centerpiece to the Senators’ offense. Despite not being the primary back, Bishop received First Team All-District honors and was named the SOC-II Offensive Player of the Year last season.
The junior led Portsmouth West in rushing with 1,560 rushing yards, averaging 130 yards per game. He found the endzone 14 times last year and will likely see an increased workload this season as the Senators fight for the top of the SOC-II.
Ryan Seimetz | Jackson, Senior WR
The All-GG 2nd team member has an interesting season ahead of him. Coming off a 2024 campaign that saw Seimetz go for over 1,000 receiving yards, Seimetz will have a slightly different role for 2025. Think Deebo Samuel when you see Seimetz this year—used a little bit out of the backfield while continuing to go out wide, making him even more dangerous of a weapon for an Ironmen team that returns loads of talent.
Kole Nungester | Circleville, Senior WR
Kole Nungester emerged as a vital part of the Circleville offense that scored the most points per game in a decade. Nungester was the premiere endzone threat for the Tigers, finishing the year with 608 yards on 55 catches and seven touchdowns. He and fellow receiver Jack Kline formed a potent connection with quarterback Hudson Phalin, and all three will be back with a chance to go even higher this season.
With the graduation of star running back Drew Thornsley, the Tigers will have to rely more on the passing attack this year, but even then, Kline and Nungester will both have a role to play in the running game for Circleville. Further, Circleville hired legendary coach and alumni Jay Sharrett this offense. In addition to his unprecedented resume at Pickerington Central, Sharrett led those Tigers to the most points in a single season in school history, and the Tigers averaged over 30 points per game in 10 different seasons. Nungester and the passing attack will reach new heights in the capable hands of Jay Sharrett.
Tanner Pepper | Warren, Senior WR
Tanner Pepper is a force to be reckoned with on the Warren offense. With nine receiving touchdowns and 876 all-purpose yards, this All-Ohio Honorable Mention has been a huge contributor to Warren’s ground game for the past two seasons. When he gets going, he just doesn’t stop. Pepper is a huge returner for the Warriors this season.
Adam Guthrie | Miami Trace, Senior OL
Guthrie is the only 2024 All-GG first-team member and GG Player of the Year finalist on this list, as he’s coming off a dominant junior campaign. Guthrie tallied 89 pancakes through just 7 ½ games, as his season was cut short after an injury in week eight. After gaining an extra 15 pounds over the offseason, Guthrie is poised to continue his quest to become the first-ever offensive lineman to win Gridiron Glory Player of the Year.
Jacob Allen | Jackson, Senior OL
Allen, an All-GG second team selection last year, anchors an offensive line that carries on one of Jackson’s greatest traditions—dominating the trenches. The Ironmen have possibly the best and most-rounded offensive line in the region once again. Star senior quarterback Bodhi Wolford won’t have much to worry about with Allen at guard, as he looks to make the All-FAC first team and receive all-district honors for yet another season.
Eli Stephens | New Lexington, Junior OL
Eli Stephens was one of the most dominant linemen in the MVL-Small last season and was a critical part of leading the Panthers to their 11-win season and Regional Semifinal appearance. As part of both the offensive and defensive lines his play in the trenches earned him MVL-Small defensive lineman of the year and a nod as an honorable mention to the DIV All-State team.
Defensively, Stephens recorded 41 tackles including 7.0 TFL and 3.0 sacks. On offense, Stephens helped lead a rushing attack that averaged 145.8 yards per game and 5.5 yards per carry.
Matt Marcum | Eastern (Meigs), Senior OL
Matt Marcum had an outstanding junior season for the Eagles, where he finished as a first team all-conference lineman. In his junior year, he had 35 pancake blocks and 21 de-cleating blocks. Marcum helped Eastern produce 3,100 rushing yards in 2024.
On the other side of the ball as a defensive lineman, he racked up eight tackles for loss, six sacks and forced three fumbles. There’s no doubt he will be a key part to Eastern’s success this season.
Cole Smith | Meigs, Senior OL
A fresh face for the Marauders this season is senior offensive lineman Cole Smith, who was previously seen anchoring Southern’s offensive line. The six foot seven inches and 295-pound lineman was an All-Conference player for the TVC-Hocking last year.
Smith is set to be a problem for any pass rushers looking to go after Gunner Cleland, as Meigs is ready to push for the top of the conference.
Preseason All-GG Defense/Special Teams
Creed Hill | Sheridan, Senior DL
Red Rage Head Coach Paul Culver III has high expectations for Creed Hill this season stating that he could be “one of the best we’ve ever had.”
Big praise and it’s all deserved. Hill, an all-MVL selection last season on the defensive front, has recovered from injuries he suffered last season and is preparing for a breakout senior season.
Blake Brower | Zane Trace, Junior DL
Blake Brower was a huge asset for Zane Trace’s defense during his sophomore season with the Pioneers. Brower ended the season with 87 total tackles, and put up over 10 tackles in five games throughout the season. 29 of his tackles were solo, while 58 were assists. With Brower returning both this year and the following season, Zane Trace can count on him to boost their team’s defensive efficiency.
Mason Wheeler | Ironton, Senior DE
Before and after Ironton’s dominant state championship run, Mason Wheeler was an extremely important force on the Tigers’ defense. Last season, he totaled 57 tackles, 19 solo tackles, and 14 tackles for loss.
Wheeler’s aggressive and assertive play style is part of the reason why Ironton will reload, not rebuild, this year. With several powerhouses now out of the program, Coach Trevon Pendleton can rely on Wheeler to lead the team back to victory.
Cade Leist | Eastern (Pike), Junior DE
Cade Leist did it all on a defense that helped lead the Eastern Eagles to their first ever regional finals appearance last season. The junior notched 71 tackles, 23 tackles for loss, eight sacks, four forced fumbles and four pass deflections in his sophomore campaign. His performance earned him First Team All-District honors and First Team All-SOC honors.
As the Eagles gear up for another playoff run this season, Leist will prove to be a key contributor on a defense that dominated the SOC-I last year.
Kenyon Evans | Wheelersburg, Senior DB
Kenyon Evans makes it onto this year’s All-GG Preseason team after making the All-GG team last season. The two-way Wheelersburg senior impressed on both sides of the ball for the Pirates last year but excelled on defense.
Evans finished the season with 62 tackles and eight tackles for loss, two sacks, six pass deflections and a forced fumble. Wheelersburg has boasted an exceptionally strong defense in recent years and Evans will particularly be a force to be reckoned with for opposing teams next season.
Brycen Mullins | Ironton, Junior DB
Brycen Mullins has proved to be a standout player for the Tigers since his freshman year. Last year, however, he broke out as a star on defense with 86 total tackles and 44 solo tackles. He also totaled 6 tackles for loss and 5.4 tackles per game.
As Ironton prepares to take on this season as reigning Division Five champions, Mullins will be a staple in keeping the defense tight. High expectations have turned into high performance for the junior in the past, and he’ll be prepared to shine again come week one.
Braxton Brownrigg | West Muskingum, Senior DB
As a junior Braxton Brownrigg was a lockdown defensive back leading the West Muskingum defense. His play resulted in a selection to the All-East District Division V team. He was also an honorable mention on the Division V All-State team. The Tornadoes defense gave up just 14.08 points per game in 2024, the lowest total since the 2009 season when they allowed 13.09.
In 2025, Brownrigg will still likely see snaps in the secondary, however, he will also transition into a new role serving as a quarterback for the t
Hayden Bankes | Morgan, Senior DB
Out of McConnelsville, Hayden Bankes is a fascinating athlete. He can match the speed of almost any teams top receiver and has excellent hands.
It will be an important year to keep an eye on Bankes as the Raiders are on the come up. Bankes will be widely important to the squad on both sides of the ball.
Bryce Mclaughlin | Minford, Junior LB
Bryce McLaughlin served as part of a linebacker duo that was central to the Falcons defense last season. He flew across the field for Minford, tallying 115 total tackles, nine tackles for loss, three sacks, and a forced fumble.
Mclaughlin is a dynamic defender that can defend all levels of the field. As the Falcons return several of their top players on defense, he will be a key piece as Minford looks to compete for the SOC-II.
Hudson Williams | Zane Trace, Junior LB
Hudson Williams also comes from Zane Trace, and put on a defensive display during his sophomore season. Williams finished the year with 143 total tackles, and was able to put up 18 of those against North Union in week three. Williams is a threat to any team’s offense, and has helped support the Pioneer defensive line throughout last season. With two more years to develop with Zane Trace, it’s safe to say Williams is a player that can help lead the Pioneer defense to new heights this season.
Blaise Davison | South Gallia, Senior LB
Blaise Davison broke onto the scene last season as one of the region’s premier linebackers, impactful in every stage on defense. In only nine games, he notched 88 total tackles, nine tackles for loss, six sacks, three forced fumbles and an interception.
Davison seemed unstoppable as a threat in coverage, run defense and the pass rush. His junior campaign earned him about every award he could, including DVII All-Ohio honors, DVII All-District Defensive Player of the Year, First Team All-District honors, SOC-I Defensive Player of the Year and First Team All-SOC.
South Gallia looks to threaten Eastern at the top of the SOC-I again this season and Blaise Davison will be the centerpiece.
Jaylen Bender | Valley, Senior K
Jaylen Bender returns to the All-GG Preseason team after making the All-GG team last season. Bender proved automatic for Valley last year, giving the Indians a unique advantage in special teams.
Bender broke school records last season, including a 47-yard walk off field goal against Northwest. Bender’s season earned him First Team All-District honors, and he will prove to be a weapon again for a Valley team reloading ahead of this year.
Judah Cremeens | South Gallia, Senior All-Purpose/KR
Described as their “best playmaker” by head coach Bryan Morrow, Judah Cremeens is the definition of a plug-and-play player. In his junior season, Cremeens found the endzone 13 times and totaled 1,103 yards.
He was a weapon on offense for the Rebels, putting up 363 rushing yards with six rushing touchdowns alongside 262 receiving yards with four receiving touchdowns. But Cremeens found an even greater impact on special teams, with an impressive 279 yards and a touchdown on only eleven kickoff returns, as well as 199 yards and two touchdowns on 12 punt returns.
Cremeens excels as a player that can be played anywhere on both offense and defense and will prove to be a key weapon for South Gallia again this season.