Prep football season kicks off in 3 weeks. Here are Central Section players to watch
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Quarterbacks like Jelani Dippel and Adrian Torres lead a deep Fresno area talent pool.
- Central East's roster features multiple key players across offense and defense.
- Transfers and underclassmen add depth and competition to the 2025 season lineup.
With the high school football season in the Fresno-area less than a month away, it’s time to point out players to watch for this season.
There were plenty of players who made their marks last season such as Central East quarterback Jelani Dippel, who helped led the then-Grizzlies to a Central Section championship.
Central East’s mascot is now the Bengals. The Bee will have more on that prior to the start of the season, which kicks off Aug. 21.
Dippel is one of a handful of Bengals to watch for this season.
Here are the other notable players. If there is anyone we missed, let agalaviz@fresnobee.com know.
WR Israel Briggs, Sr., Redwood: The transfer from Mt.Whitney is a big-time threat.
QB Jordan Crisp, Sr., Tulare Union: Threw for 2,550 yards and 30 touchdowns against two interceptions.
QB Jelani Dippel, Jr., Central East: Passed for 3,515 yards and 41 touchdowns against 10 interceptions.
QB Tyler Franklin, Sr., Bullard: Threw for 26 touchdowns against seven interceptions.
DE Charlie Gates, Jr., Central Valley Christian: Played for Strathmore last season and had 10 sacks and two interceptions, including a pick-6.
RB Lindsey Graves, Sr., Clovis East: 2024 season was shortened due to injury. He had 90 carries for 636 yards and six TDs.
WR Bayon Harris, Central East: Had 763 yards and 11 touchdowns.
QB JJ Howard, Soph., Clovis West: Fared well in his freshman season, passing for 2,006 yards and 15 touchdowns against 11 interceptions.
RB Ehis Idoni, Soph., Roosevelt: He carried the ball 193 times for 1,659 yards and 18 touchdowns.
WR Relando Jefferson, Jr., Clovis West: Transferred from Central East. He was injured last season.
WR Tristan Kircher, Sr., Clovis East: He had a receiving TD, but also had 76 tackles, two TFL and two interceptions.
ATH Major Lee, Soph., Clovis West: He had three rushing TDs last season and had 999 yards on punt returns.
QB Wes Linden, Sr., San Joaquin Memorial: A transfer from Madera last season. Didn’t play a game.
WR Franklin Lockard, Sr., Tulare Union: He had three TDs and an interception and two pass deflections.
RB Kendale McGrew, Jr., Sanger: 879 yards and seven touchdowns. On defense, had three sacks and an interception.
CB Kayden McGrew, Sr., Sanger: 612 rushing yards and seven touchdowns and two receiving TDs. Had five interceptions.
RB Maddox Merrill, Sr., Clovis: Nearly ran for 1,000 yards and had 15 touchdowns.
WR EJ Morgan, Sr., Central East: Had 45 receptions for 647 yards and eight touchdowns.
S Grant Moser, Jr., Buchanan: 43 tackles and 9 TFL.
LB Juan Ochoa, Sr., Central East: Tallied 115 tackles, 8.5 TFL and 6.5 sacks.
QB Nathan Peters, Jr. Central Valley Christian: Passed for 15 touchdowns and threw for 1,636 yards.
WR Davien Potts, Sr., Bullard: 527 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.
WR Demaje Riley, Jr., Tulare Union: 915 yards and 12 touchdowns.
QB Deagan Rose, Sr., Clovis: The Oregon State commit passed for 2,729 yards and 26 touchdowns against 10 interceptions.
WR Tyree Sams, Sr., Clovis North: 534 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.
WR Julyen Scott, Jr., McLane: 960 yards and 17 touchdowns.
RB Brandon Smith, Sr., Central East: Ran for 1,871 yards and 25 touchdowns.
LB Zephaniah Sesay, Sr., Redwood: Transferred from Hanford High. For the Bullpups he had four rushing touchdowns and one receiving TD. Also had 52 tackles and one pass deflection.
WR Amarion Taylor, Soph., Tulare Western: 554 yards and six touchdowns.
QB Adrian Torres, Sr., Kerman: Threw for 3,688 yards and 36 touchdowns against 11 interceptions.
RB Carvel Wafer, Jr., Buchanan: 332 rushing yards and five touchdowns and two receiving touchdowns.
CB Oshea Webb, Sr., Clovis East: Big-time playmaker for the Timberwolves. He had five interceptions, 13 pass deflections, two forced fumbles.
WR Zeb White, Sr., Central East: Finished with 444 yards and two touchdowns.
CB Carlos Young, Sr., Clovis: 612 receiving yards and nine touchdowns and also had three interceptions.
This story was originally published July 30, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
