COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Harmon Family Football Park brought together the state’s biggest 7-on7 event last week, bringing in teams from all over the state and beyond. With eight local teams in attendance, Central Ohio was well-represented at Ohio State’s football practice facility. We take a look at a few performers who stood out in a long day of competition. 

Preston Bowman (5’11 WR / Pickerington North / 2025): Bowman was a walking highlight, making multiple catches that left you thinking, “how did he catch that?”. You couldn’t help but notice him even when his team is playing on a different field. Bowman is a versatile wide receiver that can be plugged in the slot and work the middle of the field or line up outside and win a one-on-one matchup. He was the go-to target for his quarterback Landon O’Connell, who had a great day in his own rights finding Bowman for a handful of touchdowns throughout the tournament. The O’Connell to Bowman connection could be one of the more dangerous quarterback-wideout connections in the area this season. Bowman has picked up two offers this month from Kent State and Kentucky on top of seven others he received earlier. 

Jackson Wiley (6’0 WR / Olentangy / 2025): Wiley’s heroic touchdown reception over multiple defenders in the final play of a tournament game to force sudden-death overtime and an eventual comeback win might’ve been enough alone for him to be mentioned. Throughout the day, the Olentangy wideout was impressive, using his speed and route running skills to create separation from his defender. Wiley was all over the field making toe touching grabs along the sideline and catching multiple routes up the seam. Wiley even stepped up on the defensive end, coming away with a big interception to advance to the semifinals. We expect Wiley will have a big year for the Braves this fall as he continues to make a name for himself in Central Ohio.

Beckett Miller (6’5 TE / Olentangy Orange / 2025): 6-foot-5 junior tight end Beckett Miller is one of many under-the-radar talents at Olentangy Orange. Miller can find voids in the defense coming off the ball a three point stance and detached from the line of scrimmage. He uses his frame to hold off defenders and extend for balls that appear to be outside his reach. Miller has soft hands and quick feet for his size that is also displayed on the hardwood. We can’t help but mention that he also plays for last season’s regional runner-up in the winter. Miller has a chance to become a favorite target for sophomore quarterback Levi Davis (also on the basketball team) this upcoming season with his size and ability to find holes in the defense.

Ethan Grunkemeyer (6’3 QB/ Olentangy/ 2024): Ethan Grunkemeyer has been one of the hottest names in Ohio this past month after committing to Penn State and impressing in the Elite 11 finals. Grunkemeyer had a day with an impressive performance in Columbus, leading Olentangy to a semifinal appearance. His ball placement was nothing short of excellent, putting it wherever he wanted and where only his receivers could make a play on the ball. Grunkemayer was also able to stay poised in some high-pressure scenarios and his composure rubbed off on his teammates. It is hard to put too much stock into non-padded competitions, but Olentangy has the talent to be one of the top offenses in Central Ohio with Grunkemeyer under center.

Gavin Grover (6’6 TE/ Olentangy/ 2024): Whenever the Olentangy offense was inside the 20 yard line on Wednesday, all you could hear from opposing defensive coaches was “Watch 87!” We watched 87 as well as he made catch after catch, appearing to be one of Grunkemeyer’s favorite targets. Grover is one of the best 2024 tight end’s in Ohio and committed to Cincinnati this past April. Grover showed off solid route running, being able to create separation in coverage and great hands, catching almost anything thrown in his direction all day. In the red-zone, it's easy to see why he would be a quarterback's best friend with how he is able to create space in the middle of the field and the ability to line-up outside and out-muscle cornerbacks for a jump ball in the end zone. With Jackson Wiley and Andrew Leech emerging as big time playmakers for the Braves, Grover could really establish his dominance as opponents may not be able to double team or gameplan around him as much as they would like.

Tavien St. Clair (6’4 QB/ Bellefontaine/ 2025): Tavien St. Clair is simply a baller. The junior quarterback from Bellefontaine will be one of our favorite players to follow over the next two years. Last Wednesday, he led his team to the final round of the tournament where he and the Chiefs lost their only game of the day to Findlay. Standing at 6-foot-4, St. Clair looks the part of an elite signal caller. There was zip on his ball that not a lot of other quarterbacks had and he was able to fit the ball in tight windows even through gusts of wind that came in the afternoon. St. Clair also showed great touch, putting the ball above defenders and dropping it right into the arms of his receivers in stride. His ability to make throws in the pocket paired with his scrambling ability will make his team a dangerous opponent in the CBC, as well as a legitimate threat in the playoffs. St. Clair ended his day by announcing his commitment to Ohio State, leaving fans in Central Ohio even more excited for what’s to come. 

Ryan Perry (6’1 WR/ Bishop Hartley/ 2024): Bishop Hartley has been the most active team in the 7-on-7 circuit this summer. Each time we see the Hawks, we come away impressed with how easy Perry makes catching a football look. He does a great job using his athleticism to go after balls in traffic, and catching it at the high point. Perry has proven he can be a lethal weapon in the passing game with his ability to get separation from his defender and make the tough catches. Hartley has a deep receiver room this season, but we’ll be watching Perry closely to see if he can translate his level of production this summer to Friday nights in the fall. He’s in for a breakout season if he does.