Cam Fancher, Kendel Dolby, Gavin Gerhardt among local prep products thriving in

That includes some who took a circuitous route, including walking on or junior college.

After covering the players using extra seasons thanks to the pandemic, here is a closer look at the group who will be redshirt juniors, seniors or redshirt seniors this fall:

Class of 2020

Larry Stephens, receiver, Toledo

Springfield High School grad has played in 28 games for the Rockets after redshirting in 2020. The business major started 10 games last season and finished with 22 catches for 272 yards and two touchdowns.

Jaiden Cameron, defensive end, Northwestern

Injuries have disrupted the Northmont grad’s career so far, but he made his college debut last season for the Wildcats.

Gavin Gerhardt, offensive lineman, Cincinnati

Xenia native is already a two-year starter at center for the Bearcats. He was a captain last season and is back for one more year in red and black after helping UC rank fifth in the nation rushing last season.

Class of 2021

Cam Fancher, quarterback, Florida Atlantic

After redshirting in 2021, the 6-foot-1, 201-pounder from Wayne High School went 6-1 as a starter at Marshall in 2022 and led the team to wins in their last five games. Last season, the left-hander completed 202 of 309 passes with 11 touchdowns and 11 interceptions but entered the transfer portal in December. He chose to play for former Ohio State offensive coordinator Tom Herman at FAU, where battled Tyriq Starks for the starting job this spring.

Ben Van Noord, receiver, Purdue

Springfield High School grad who also played at Northwestern High made the Boilermakers as a walk-on three years ago and has appeared in five games. He is a two-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree.

Rod Green, offensive lineman, Purdue

An All-Southwest District defensive lineman at Springfield, Green began his carer at Grambling then spent a season at Tennessee State, where he played in four games in 2022.

Last fall, he moved to offensive line at Coffeyville Community College and became a sought-after recruit in the transfer portal. The 6-foot-5, 315-pound Green chose the Boilermakers from a long list of offers that also included Virginia Tech, Arizona State, BYU and Houston in December.

Matthew Dapore, kicker, Air Force

Springboro grad did not see action his first two seasons with the Falcons, but he was their primary kicker last season. Dapore made 15 of 19 field goals last season, including a 50-yarder. He was 8 of 9 from beyond 40 yards and also averaged 64 yards on three kickoffs, which were all touchbacks.

Aidan Plate, defensive back, Air Force

Alter High grad made his collegiate debut last season when he appeared in two games for the Falcons.

Nathan Hawks, kicker, Cincinnati

A Greenon grad who began his college career at Wittenberg, Hawks became the Bearcats’ kickoff specialist in the second half of last season. He finished with 1,855 yards on 30 kickoffs with 12 touchbacks and a 61.8 average.

Rod Moore, defensive back, Michigan

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