Wittenberg’s freshman class contributes to 6-0 start

WITT FEATURES: Snodgrass;Duncans; Kayser; Ferko; Mastin; Florence

Wittenberg’s upperclassmen have gotten a boost from the biggest freshmen class in school history. Fincham provided a rundown this week on the newcomers who are contributing the most:

• Wide receiver Sam Kayser, of Portsmouth Notre Dame High School, ranks fourth on the team with 12 catches for 170 yards.

“He got his first start at Hiram and played a little bit in that Denison game once (Jeff) Tiffner went down,” Fincham said. “There’s been nothing but steady improvement with the added reps. He has tremendous ball skills and a great feel for the game. He has really good body control.”

• No freshman offensive linemen are starting, but Mack Smith (Amanada Clearcreek), Payton Ogle (Cincinnati Wyoming), Lane McKinney (Northeastern) and Riley Duncan (South Eugene, Ore.) have played late in games.

• Defensive lineman Nasir Carter (Kenton Ridge) received significant playing time Saturday in a 49-15 victory over Allegheny because starter Chandler Ferko missed the game. The 6-foot-3 Carter is one of the tallest defensive linemen.

“We’ll see a number of guys in schools that look like Nasir, but a lot of times they can evaporate as the recruiting process goes on and some of the bigger schools start throwing money around,” Fincham said. “He saw the value in the education. He saw the value in being close to home. I think he liked what he saw of the program and felt he would be able to contribute early in his career.”

• Defensive back Michael Fiessinger (Springboro) ranks seventh on the team with 22 tackles.

“He’s surpassed what we thought he would do as a freshman,” Fincham said, “because one he came to camp in pretty good shape and two he’s a fast learner and puts himself in good spots.”

• Linebacker Devonte Gillins (Royal Palm Beach, Fla.) has appeared in all six games and has seven tackles.

“Devonte is doing pretty much what we thought he was going to do,” Fincham said. “He was a guy that we chased really hard. He’s come in and given us quality depth at linebacker. He’s a tremendous athlete. He’s still learning his trade like all the freshmen are, but he’s playing a ton of special teams and more and more quality snaps as the season’s going on.”

PHOTOS: Wittenberg vs. Allegheny

• Defensive back Lew Bowser, one of three freshmen from Eaton High School, has six tackles in three games.

“He’s another guy who’s probably exceeded expectations as a freshman,” Fincham said. “He missed a game or two here recently with an injury, but he came in pretty good shape and has a pretty good football IQ and has been able to help us.”

• Linebacker Joseph Sweet (Hudson) has four tackles in four games.

“His dad was a Witt guy and played for a couple of years prior to my arrival here,” Fincham said. “Joe’s a great athlete. He has a very good football IQ and hustles his tail off wherever he goes. If he sticks with it and continues to work, I think he’s a guy you’re going to hear a lot about in the coming years.”

• Defensive back Drew Fearon (Coral Springs, Fla.) has appeared in two games.

“He’s starting to come on,” Fincham said. “He’s playing on special teams now. He’s a backup corner. He’s somebody who has ability, and he’s got a chance to be a good player here.”