I had a chance to cover the Avon vs. Berea-Midpark high school game Friday night as part of my freelance work with the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram. That means I had a chance to watch Kent State class of 2025 quarterback recruit Nolan Good in person.
Good didn’t disappoint as he went 12-13 for 230 yards, two passing touchdowns and added 45 yards on the ground in two carries, including a 28 yard QB draw he took to the house.
Good can make plays with his arm and his feet, has worked hard on his arm strength and is a leader. His Avon Eagles are the number one rated team in the state of Ohio in Division II. He’s hoping to lead his team on another long playoff run before he heads to the Kent campus.
Kent State Head Coach Kenni Burns and offensive coordinator Mark Carney were in attendance Friday night to visit with Good’s parents and watch their future quarterback.
Avon Head Coach Mike Elder knows how just special Good is.
“Nolan is a really talented player and he obviously can do it with his legs and his arm, thats what makes him special. He’s very cerebral and smart, makes good decisions, extends plays and so theres a reason he’s a division one quarterback. He’s another guy, in my opinion should have a thousand offers but he’s got the one that matters and it was great to see Coach Burns here and I’m excited for him and his future.”
Good has athleticism that should translate to the Mid-American Conference with an ability to make plays when it breaks down. He’s worked hard on his arm strength and accuracy with QB guru Brad Maendler in the offseason.
“I for one have experienced major change in the velocity my ball contains as well as the spin rate,” Good told me back in late May when he committed.
Good has played, and will continue to play in so many big time atmospheres in his high school career. Just this season, his Eagles have played Cleveland Saint Ignatius, Canton McKinley and Cleveland Glenville.
Good is a great decision maker and is smart in the RPO game.
Good’s teammate Matt Maxey is someone the Flashes need to take a hard look at. He became Avon’s all time leader in career receptions Friday and is the diamond in the rough type of player that has thrived at KSU in the past. Being recruited by division two schools and Dayton currently, Maxey could make a college program very happy someday.
“Matt Maxey, it’s funny, he wants to play in the most competitive games against the most competitive people,” Elder said. “He craves the best competition, because he just loves to compete and I do believe he’s the best wide receiver in Ohio and when the chips are down I’m glad he’s on our team because he’s special.”
It was a busy night for Burns and Carney in Lorain County as reportedly, right down the road, Avon Lake senior receiver and native Australian Aidan Stewart received an offer from the Flashes. Stewart moved to Avon Lake because his grandparents live in the states and Aidan has a goal to play college football.
But tonight it was a big homecoming win for Avon led by Nolan Good, Kent State quarterback recruit.