What to expect in 2021? The schedule is tough as always. After 11 straight seasons with anywhere between very good to elite QB play, I personally expected quite a down grade in 2021. Jacob Snow had a great state semifinal game in incredibly difficult circumstances. Hopefully that was a sign that the next two years will see very high level QB play. That is an absolute necessity at Mentor.
Besides Snow, the most important player on the field will be Brenan Vernon. Let's face it, our elite defensive players haven't always dominated in the way elite defensive players do at some other schools, like Ignatius, Eds, St X, etc. I'm not suggesting that Mentor's players failed, I just expected a little bit more. I'm hoping Vernon can overcome some of the obstacles, namely the defensive coaching that has held the program back over the past 20 years. Putting Vernon (and Potter before him) in a 3-4 is an incredible waste of their talent. But hey, the DC clearly knows more than I do. Vernon is an elite talent, probably the best defensive recruit ever at Mentor. If he can put together a dominant season at his position, that will help everybody on defense look better. I'm expecting DL Benny LoDuca to take a big jump this year. LB Aiden Fellows is probably going to be the best linebacker on the team. Two starters from the secondary are back, but we know that unit has to improve.
Offensively, Mentor graduated a steady group of receivers. Nobody at a Floriea level, but very steady and consistent. The only one returning was the most explosive of the group. Snow could really use a breakout season from Evan Harper, who showed a lot of flash and big play potential. He was the only non-senior with a catch last year. Last year's kick returner Michael Norwood has some nice speed and should be a full-time receiver in 2021. RB Brandon Panhorst was fine as a backup last year. But he lacked the burst, size, and strength of Riley Coughlin. I'm not convinced Panhorst will be the full-time back, but I hope he is good enough to do it.
On the line, Mentor graduated their top three starters. They have had really good offensive line play the past few years and I don't know if it is going to continue or not. Two starting linemen (Danny Call and Ethan Bostelman) do return, so that is better than having to replace all five.
Losing kicker Andrew Smith, maybe the best Mentor kicker since Kevin Harper, is a tremendous loss. Not sure how the backup is.
