By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

HEAD COACH

Joe Callihan

(2nd year, 3-7 career record)

JOE CALLIHAN

THE TEAM

Coaching Staff: Steve Poth, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks; Les Carney, wide receivers; Brett Dubinsky, running backs; Brad Crislip, offensive and defensive lines; Devin Shipp, defensive coordinator and linebackers; Darshaun Sanders, offensive and defensive lines; Charles Harris, defensive backs; Terry Callihan, special teams coordinator and tight ends.

2022 Record: 3-7 overall.

Returning Lettermen (17): Dean Baker, sr.; Austin Marshall, sr.; David Davis, sr.; Tyler Dohm, sr.; Dominic Burch, sr.; Daniel Sanders, sr.; Mikey Myers, sr.; Juewan Garrett, sr.; Charlie Prichard, sr.; Mateo White, sr.; Andrew Thompson, sr.; Bobby Melzer, jr.; Bryant Thompson, jr.; Jaxon Kelly, jr.; Tykwon Ward, jr.; LaDarian Askew, soph.; Peter Jennings, soph.

Lettermen Lost (6): Pavel Henderson, Carlion White, Maykai O’Neal, M’Kell Williams, Thurman Treadwell, Tyson Krul.

OFFENSIVE OUTLOOK

Offensively, the Ravens will focus on putting the ball in the hands of their playmakers as often as possible.

QUARTERBACKS

Bobby Melzer makes the move from tight end to quarterback for the Ravens this season.

“It is a lot for him to take on, but he has come in with an open mind and a drive to learn everything he can from coach (Steve) Poth, who played quarterback at Kent State and has a wealth of knowledge to help him get ready.”

Freshman Mark Miller is a promising newcomer that has worked hard to pick up the offense.

RUNNING BACKS

Seniors Austin Marshall and Daniel Sanders will lead the rushing attack.

Both worked through injuries as juniors that kept them off the field at times.

“They came back this year with relentless desire to push each other to get better and make their teammates better,” Callihan said.

Depth will be provided by Dominic Burch, Amare Marshall and Braylon Walker.

OFFENSIVE LINE

The Ravens return all five of their starters from last season.

Dean Baker, David Davis, Andrew Thompson, Mateo White and Charlie Prichard.

“Dean is a three-sport athlete that came in and would get a lift in at 5 a.m. during the off-season,” Callihan said. “David brings back a physical play style that you like to see in your offensive linemen. Andrew and Mateo both hit the weight room hard this off-season with strength and conditioning coach Jim Sanders to change their bodies and put on muscle.

“Charlie has a lot on his plate, also being the team’s long-snapper.”

Hunter Dray worked hard throughout the off-season and is pushing to get into the lineup, according to Callihan.

TIGHT ENDS

Jaxxon Kelly has moved from the backfield to play tight end.

“He has great hands and is explosive with the ball in his hands,” Callihan said.

WIDE RECEIVERS

There is depth, with Bryant Thompson, Tykwon Ward, Kaelan Edwards, LaDarian Askew and KeShan Talbert leading the group.

“All of these guys will get time and have done a great job pushing each other to get better,” Callihan said.

DEFENSIVE OUTLOOK

Ravenna’s defense will look a little different this year, with the intent to give opposing offenses different looks to try to figure out.

LINEBACKERS

There is plenty of experience here, with Burch, Dohm (returning from an injury), Austin Marshall and Cameron Boykin.

Amare Marshall is another player that could earn time.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Baker and Davis, along with Juewan Garrett, all return to the starting defensive line.

Mateo White and Melzer have both changed positions from outside linebacker to play defensive line.

Callihan has also been impressed with a collection of young linemen that are working hard and prepped to earn some time.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

The secondary is a strong group, with Daniel Sanders, Thompson, Askew, Burch and Tykwon Ward leading the way.

Additionally, two “pleasant surprises,” according to Callihan, have been Kaelan Edwards and Braylon Walker.

“Both have shown great ability in coverage and will add value on the back end of our defense,” Callihan said.

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Bobby Melzer, Bryant Thompson, Tykwon Ward, Jaxxon Kelly, Braylon Walker, LaDarian Askew, Amare Marshall.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“We experienced our fair share of injuries last year. While it was hard going through it last year, it did provide us with the opportunity to get a lot of young guys experience,” Callihan said. “We hope that we can benefit from that experience.”