Professional Football
Massillon can boast of 43 professional football players across its illustrious history. Pro football’s roots run deep in Massillon– the “Massillon Tigers” were an early professional football team in the 1900s that featured stars from the area as well as the nation. Today there are three Tigers who are actively participating in the NFL.
Dean Clark, Safety, New York Jets– (Class of 2019):
Dean Clark starred for the Tigers at defensive back. His breakout year came in 2017, where he excelled both ways. At wide receiver he gathered 131 yards and a score. On defense he was 2nd on the team with 63 tackles. In 2018, his senior year, Clark was a team captain. He was once again 2nd on the team in tackles, this time with 67. Clark also recorded 3.5 tackles-for-loss, intercepted 2 passes, and had 12 pass breakups. He was Honorable Mention All-Ohio for the 2018 season.
Clark had an excellent college career. He was recruited by service academies such as Army and Air Force as well as prestigious institutes such as Yale. He chose to stay local and started out at Kent State in 2019, playing 12 games in his freshman year. Clark would play all four games of the shortened 2020 season– he led the Flashes with 28 tackles. He was named a team captain in 2021 and started 11 games, racking up 116 tackles. Clark only played in 4 games for the Flashes in 2022. He transferred out to the West Coast to play for Fresno State in 2023. The Bulldogs utilized Clark immediately. He started 12 games and recorded 83 tackles, good for second on the team. The 2024 season was also a very successful one for Clark– he started 12 games and had 63 tackles. He was recognized after the season with an Academic All-Mountain West award. Clark was recognized for his success on the field, in the classroom, and in the community in 2024. The aforementioned Academic All-Conference, an AFCA Good Works Team nomination, and a Senior Bowl watch list nomination greeted him following his senior season.
Clark’s name was not called in April’s NFL Draft despite high praise from several NFL scouts. He was, however, quickly picked up by the New York Jets on a UDFA contract. Clark was signed to a contract that came with $160,000 guaranteed. The 6’1, 206 rookie safety is currently 3rd on the Jets’ depth chart. He will be competing with free safeties Andre Cisco, a newcomer from Jacksonville on a one-year contract, and Jaylin Simpson, a signee off the Indianapolis Colts practice squad.
Thayer Munford, Offensive Tackle, Las Vegas Raiders– (Class of 2017):
Thayer Munford played the 2016 season for the Tigers. He was sought after by several top schools, including Ohio State, Alabama, Oklahoma, and Miami (FL). Munford ultimately chose to play college ball for the Buckeyes.
Munford played college ball for 5 seasons at Ohio State. He became a consistent starter in the 2019 season and would continue to start at guard and tackle for the Buckeyes for the next few seasons. He was named 2nd-team All-Big Ten in 2019, 1st-team All-Big Ten in 2020 and 2021, and an NCAA All-American in the 2021 season.
Thayer Munford is entering his 4th year of pro ball for the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders, who took him with the 238th overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft. The 6’6, 315 OT has played 46 games in the NFL and started 18; he has taken over 1,000 snaps in his career so far. Munford is currently 2nd at RT on the Raiders’ depth chart.
Caiden Woullard, Defensive End, Indianapolis Colts Minicamp– (Class of 2021):
Caiden Woullard’s breakout season for Massillon came in 2019. He recorded 50 tackles, including 18 tackles-for-loss and 6 sacks. He also intercepted 2 passes and recovered a fumble. Woullard was named 2nd-team All-Ohio for the 2019 season. The 2020 season was undoubtedly a strange one for all involved, but Woullard made the best of it. He racked up 10 TFLs and a couple of sacks in the shortened season, earning 1st-team All-Ohio for his efforts.
Woullard was rather underrated as a prospect in high school. He received several offers from MAC schools and attended Miami (OH) after his dominant career at end for Massillon. He played a few games in his first season, but broke out in his second (2022), starting 12 games. Woullard racked up 5 tackles-for-loss and 4 sacks in his first season as a starter. In 2023 he started 14 games and was all over the backfield. He registered 12 TFLs, 9 1/2 sacks, 9 QB hurries, 2 forced fumbles, and 2 blocked kicks. The MAC voted him 1st-team All-Conference for his excellent season. Woullard transferred to Oklahoma to play SEC ball in the 2024 season. He played 11 games and started 1, but unfortunately was unable to play in the last game and missed the Armed Forces Bowl due to injury.
Caiden Woullard did not hear his name called in this year’s NFL Draft, but he was invited to minicamp tryouts by both the Colts and Giants. The 6’4, 272 DE will be an asset to any team that decides to sign him.
Semi-Pro Football
Massillon has a history of semi-pro teams, from the Massillon Yales to the Massillon Maroons. Over 60 teams have been created over the years in the Massillon; many more have sprung up in the local area and many Tigers have gone on to play for these squads.
Kyshad Mack, DB, Canton Hurricanes– (Class of 2019):
Mack was a team captain at linebacker for the Tigers. He was a consistent force on defense and an explosive kick returner. In his senior year Mack earned Honorable Mention All-Ohio after recording 41 tackles, 4.5 TFLs, 4 interceptions, and 7 pass defenses. He played briefly for the University of Akron. Mack now plays with the semi-pro Canton Hurricanes in the Tri-Point Football League, a league with teams scattered across Ohio and the Appalachian area.
NCAA Division I
The Tigers have had over 200 Division I college football players and numerous All-Americans throughout team history. They currently have 14 active D1 players and 3 active FCS players.
Jayden Ballard (SR), Wide Receiver, Wisconsin– (Class of 2021):
Ballard came to “WRU” as one of the top receivers in the nation after a record-breaking career with the Tigers in which he amassed 2,737 yards and grabbed 39 touchdowns. During his time at Massillon, Ballard was a 2-time 1st-team All-Ohio selection. He was highly recruited by teams such as Notre Dame, Penn State, Michigan State, and others but ultimately went with the Ohio State Buckeyes. Known for his speed and ability to make leaping catches, he immediately showed off his swift feet in practice at Ohio State, quickly becoming one of the fastest players on the team. Ballard took over 400 snaps for the Buckeyes, playing both on special teams and offense. Unfortunately for him, Ohio State was on an all-time run with wide receivers. Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, Jaxson Smith-Njigba, Marvin Harrison Jr., Emeka Egbuka, Jeremiah Smith, Carnell Tate, and others all stood in front of the talented wideout. Ballard stayed with the squad for 4 seasons, scoring a touchdown in 2022 against Toledo and earning OSU Scholar-Athlete awards as well as Academic All-Big Ten. Ballard made the decision to transfer and gain some playing time for this upcoming season. After committing to Wisconsin, Ballard made his presence known in Madison with smooth catches and speed in practice. He is currently listed as 1st-string on the depth chart at WR-z.
Ardell Banks (SO), Wide Receiver, Kent State– (Class of 2023):
Ardell Banks is a gem on a Kent team that has struggled mightily for the past couple of seasons. Banks had 791 yards and 12 touchdowns in 13 games for Massillon in his senior season and was named 1st-team All-Ohio. He attended Kentucky for one season but redshirted and transferred closer to home for the 2024 season. He has not had much of a chance to record any stats with Kent State. Banks played 7 games last season, catching 2 passes for 20 yards while also returning kicks. He led the Flashes in receptions (1) and yards (13) in a 56-0 loss to Penn State. Unfortunately for Banks, Kent State did not have much of a passing game last season. Hopefully with a new coaching staff his role will be increased for 2025.
Chase Bond (RS FR), Defensive End, NC State– (Class of 2024):
Chase Bond played a pivotal role on the Tigers’ 2023 state champion squad. He racked up 11 TFLs and 7 1/2 sacks (3rd all-time in a single season) during the season and was ever-present to bother QBs and force bad throws. Bond was part of a historically good Massillon defense– he made sure to make his mark in crucial games. In the state semifinal versus Cincinnati Anderson, he put the icing on the cake by tipping and intercepting a pass and returning it for a touchdown in Massillon’s 55-7 victory. The most important play of Chase Bond’s career was one that Tiger fans will never forget– he blocked a Hoban punt to set up Massillon’s lone score in the state championship game. Bond was a captain for the Tigers and earned 2nd-team All-Ohio for his 2023 performance.
Bond redshirted his first year at NC State. He will likely see the field this season; he is listed at 3rd-string for right end.
Austin Brawley (SR), Safety, New Mexico– (Class of 2022):
Austin Brawley was the definition of an all-around player for Massillon. He would grab touchdown passes, break up and intercept passes as a defender, rack up tackles, and return kicks. Brawley also blocked 9 kicks in his Massillon career– a team record. In his senior season, he accumulated over 1,500 all-purpose yards (best on the team) and was second on the team in tackles with 71 1/2, a performance that earned him 1st-team All-Ohio honors.
Brawley played 13 games in his freshman season for Ohio University, including 2 starts in the latter half. He started 9 games in 2023, racking up 39 tackles and intercepting 2 passes. He was named Academic All-MAC for the 2023 season. Last season Brawley’s playing time was limited– he still recorded 38 tackles and a pick in 7 games and was able to play in the Cure Bowl versus Jacksonville State. This season Brawley will be suiting up for the Lobos of New Mexico. He is expected to start at free safety.
Nolan Davenport (FR), Offensive Tackle, Wisconsin– (Class of 2025):
Nolan Davenport was an anchor for the Tigers’ O-line. Standing at 6’6, 293, he intimidated defenders and protected QBs for Massillon. He was 2nd-team All-Ohio in 2023 and 1st-team in 2024. Davenport was recruited by other Big Ten schools such as Michigan, Michigan State, Indiana, Penn State, and Purdue, ACC schools such as Stanford, Boston College, NC State, and Virginia Tech, Big 12 schools such as West Virginia and Cincinnati, and SEC schools such as Ole Miss, Arkansas, Kentucky, and Missouri. He ultimately chose Wisconsin in early 2025. Davenport and fellow Tiger Jayden Ballard will suit up for Luke Fickell’s Badger offense this upcoming season– watch for Davenport to get playing time late in games this season.
Cody Fair (SO), Inside Linebacker, Naval Academy– (Class of 2024):
Cody Fair had a career to remember at Massillon. He recorded 190 tackles in his time with the Tigers (8th all-time), racked up an incredible 31 1/2 tackles-for-loss (3rd all-time behind teammates Dorian Pringle and Mike Wright), and sacked opposing QBs 6.5 times (9th all-time). Fair played a critical part in Massillon’s 2023 state championship season as a team captain. The Tigers had a record 117 tackles-for-loss and 45 sacks while giving up just over 7 points per game. Fair recorded 10 tackles in the state championship game versus Akron Hoban– a game in which the Knights were shut out on offense. Fair and the Tigers’ Black Swarm defense gave up less than 6 points per game in the playoff run. He was named 3rd team All-Ohio (although perhaps deserving 1st team); Fair was also honorable mention All-Ohio in 2022.
Cody Fair and Dorian Pringle dominated the field for the Tigers’ defense in their 2023 state championship season. Fair continued that domination in Rhode Island last season for the undefeated Naval Academy Preparatory School (NAPS) football team– he will look to establish himself on the field in Annapolis soon. He was a team captain and played extremely well, leading NAPS to key victories over both MAPS and Navy JV. Although stats are limited, it is plain to see that Fair had a successful freshman year. Watch for him to emerge with Navy’s strong linebacker corps soon.
Tyler Hackenbracht (FR), Safety, Toledo– (Class of 2025):
Tyler Hackenbracht was a leader and a lock-down, hard-hitting safety for the Tigers. As another piece of the defensive puzzle for Massillon in their 16-0 2023 season, Hackenbracht racked up 54 tackles (4th on the team) and picked off 3 passes (tied for 1st). He was named Honorable Mention All-Ohio. The 2024 season saw Hackenbracht lead the team with a whopping 116 tackles– best on the team and 9th all-time in team history. A cleanup specialist, he recorded 65 assists, good for 5th all-time in a single season. Safety was not Hackenbracht’s only position on the team. He also excelled at punter and kick/punt returner. Last season he averaged around 38 yards per punt. Hackenbracht’s return game was also on point last season. A team-leading 243 yards on 14 punt returns (17.4 per return) on punts and 234 yards on 6 kickoff returns (39 yards per return) as well as 4 touchdowns are a testament to his all-around dedication to the game and his team. Hackenbracht’s return numbers placed highly in the Tigers’ record book. His punt return yards rank 6th in a single season and his touchdowns are tied for 1st. His average yards per kick return also stand alone in 1st for a single season. One particular game– one that Tiger fans will always remember– stands out in the record books. During last season’s regional semifinals versus Teays Valley, Hackenbracht tore up the turf with 3 kick return touchdowns, 129 yards in punt returns (2nd all-time), and 100 yards in kickoff returns (tied for longest kickoff return). The combined 229 return yards is a Massillon record. Hackenbracht was named 1st team All-Ohio for his outstanding all-around play.
Hackenbracht will join teammates Terrence Moore and Andrew Wilson-Lamp in Toledo. It is unclear how much playing time the true freshman will get this season, but do not be surprised to see the aggressive safety running the Rockets’ defensive backfield in the next few seasons.
Magnus Haines (RS JR), Punter, Grad Transfer– (Class of 2021):
Magnus Haines was a special specialist for the Tigers. His punt yards (4,405) sit atop the Tigers’ all-time list. Haines averaged 37 yards per punt on 119 career attempts. In his junior year, Haines averaged 39.4 yards per punt, and he increased that number to 41.4 (3rd all-time) in his senior year. He also kicked off for the Tigers, booting 11 touchbacks. He earned 2nd and 1st team All-Ohio in 2019 and 2020 respectively.
Haines stayed near home and played for Kent State in his freshman year, where he appeared in two games. His best kick on the season (versus VMI) went for 48 yards. Haines ventured down to the Sun Belt to play at Arkansas State in his next season. He redshirted in 2022 and saw some action in 2023. After graduating from Arkansas State, Haines put his name in the transfer portal. He is currently looking for a landing spot.
Vito McConnell (FR), Linebacker, Miami (OH)– (Class of 2025):
Vito McConnell emerged in a big way during the 2023 season. He collected 36 tackles, 4 TFLs, a sack, and 3 picks. An interception in the state championship game was the highlight of his junior season. McConnell was a weapon at linebacker last season. He collected 58 tackles (5th on the team), 6 TFLs, 1 sack, and an interception. He also played a bit at tight end and caught a touchdown pass in the second round of the playoffs.
McConnell will fit in well with a Miami team that has recently had strong defenses and has competed at the top of the MAC over the past few seasons. He will look to earn a starting spot with the Redhawks in the next couple of seasons.
Marcus Moore (JR), Defensive Tackle, Purdue– (Class of 2023):
Marcus Moore was all over the backfield against opposing offenses during his career with the Tigers. In his junior season Moore recorded 10.5 tackles-for-loss and 2 sacks along with 5 pass defenses. In his senior season 5 tackles-for-loss and 2 sacks were recorded. As a 2-time All-Ohio selection and a team captain, Moore was known as an expert at stopping holes in the line and often took on multiple blockers to plow through an opposing offensive line.
Moore redshirted his freshman year at Akron. Last season he played in 13 games and started in 8 of his appearances. Moore recorded 31 tackles (including a TFL) and recovered a fumble for the Zips. This offseason he put his name in the transfer portal before choosing Bowling Green; he then reentered his name and landed at Purdue. Moore will now try to fight for a spot among a bevy of transfer defensive linemen at Purdue as the Boilermakers attempt to revamp their defense.
Terrence Moore (SR), Center/Offensive Tackle, Toledo– (Class of 2021):
Terrence Moore anchored the Tigers’ offensive line and helped them reach 3 straight state championship games. In his senior year he earned 1st-team All-Ohio, 1st-team All-State on the Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association list, and 1st-team Northeast Inland All-District.
Moore was recruited heavily in high school. He fielded offers from Vanderbilt, Purdue, Army, Iowa State, Arizona State, and many others before committing to Pitt. He redshirted his freshman season while appearing in 4 games. In the 2022 season he played all 13 games. Following the season he was named Academic All-ACC. The next season also saw Moore play all 13 contests. He earned a starting spot at center for the last 9 games. Moore kept up his work in the classroom once again– he was named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District team and the Academic All-ACC team as well as taking home the National Football Foundation’s Hampshire Honor Society. Last season he played in 11 games and started 1. He was once again on the All-Academic team in for the ACC. Moore took his talents to Toledo this offseason, where he joins Tiger alums Tyler Hackenbracht and Andrew Wilson-Lamp. He is currently listed as the Rockets’ number one option at center.
Luke Murphy (SR), Linebacker, Coastal Carolina– (Class of 2019):
Luke Murphy was a solid defensive back for the Tigers. His best season, 2019, saw him pick up 30.5 tackles, 3 TFLs, 2 interceptions, and 4 pass breakups.
Murphy played 12 games in 3 seasons with Kent State, recording 14 tackles. Last season he had a breakout year with Eastern Michigan. He played in 12 games, starting 8. Murphy racked up 94 tackles, 6 tackles-for-loss, 1 interception, and a fumble recovery for the Eagles. He had a season high 15 tackles in week 12 versus Western Michigan and was named MAC defensive player of the week for his week 5 performance versus Kent State in which he had 8 tackles, a TFL, a fumble recovery, and an interception. Following the season he transferred to Coastal Carolina.
Dorian Pringle (SO), Linebacker, Bowling Green– (Class of 2024):
Dorian Pringle’s name will be heralded throughout Tigers’ history as one of the top linebackers to don a Massillon jersey. He exploded out of the gate in his first year with the Tigers (2022), leading the team with 69.5 tackles and an astounding 21.5 tackles-for-loss for 114 yards– both team records until he broke them again in the 2023 season. Pringle also recorded 5.5 sacks and forced 2 fumbles. Many of Pringle’s plays came in crucial situations. One of his forced fumbles allowed Massillon to score the go-ahead touchdown in their miraculous comeback win over St. Ed’s. As the Eagles were pushing for extra yardage during a play that gained them the probable game-clinching first down, Pringle dove in and stripped the ball to give the Tigers a chance in what was ultimately their best win of the 2022 season. He was also active on offense with 298 rush yards and 6 touchdowns under his belt. He was named 1st-team All-Ohio for his junior year performance. The 2023 season was even better for Pringle, who was named a team captain. He broke his own record in TFLs with 24.5 and TFL yards with 126. Pringle also recorded 8 sacks, 2nd all-time in team history only behind teammate Mike Wright. His 73 sack yards are also 2nd all-time. A feared force along with fellow linebacker Cody Fair, Pringle was all over opposing backfields. He forced 3 fumbles and broke up 2 passes as well. He was once again a threat on offense as well; the dangerous package run with Mike Wright saw Pringle gain 246 yards while scoring 14 touchdowns (2nd on the team). Dorian Pringle’s career defining play came late in the state championship game. Even while with a torn MCL, he had already recorded a team-leading 14 tackles, 3 TFLs, and a fumble recovery. With less than 1:30 remaining in the game and the Tigers up 7-2, Hoban faced a 4th and 8 from the Massillon 17-yard line. The Knights’ QB rolled out and tossed the ball to the front right corner of the end zone. Pringle’s call on the play was to blitz, but he read the play and followed the Hoban running back into the end zone, getting just enough pressure on the play to force a diving attempt and an incompletion. This play ended Hoban’s hopes and gave the Tigers a state title on a play Massillon will never forget. Pringle was named 1st-team All-Ohio for his outstanding season and was Co-Defensive POY in DII. He was also named Sports Illustrated’s National Defensive Player of the Year with the help and backing of the Massillon community. Pringle is high in the Tigers’ record book in numerous spots. He stands in 5th for unassisted tackles (89), 2nd in tackles-for-loss (46), 2nd in TFL yards (240), 2nd in sacks (13.5), 2nd in sack yards (120), 3rd in forced fumbles (3), and 3rd in blocked kicks (3).
Pringle played in 12 games for Bowling Green as a freshman. He recorded 2 tackles in the season opener versus Fordham. Pringle is the probable starter for Bowling Green at middle linebacker for the upcoming season.
Andrew Wilson-Lamp (JR), Safety, Toledo– (Class of 2021):
Andrew Wilson-Lamp was a speedster for the Tigers who shone at both wide receiver and defensive back. In his junior year he grabbed 11 touchdown passes and had over 1,000 yards receiving. He also recorded 8 tackles, a TFL, and 4 pass breakups. In the shortened 2020 season, he grabbed 1 touchdown and had 319 yards. On defense he recorded 19.5 tackles, 3 TFLs, a sack, and 8 pass breakups. Wilson-Lamp was twice named Honorable Mention All-Ohio.
West Virginia was Wilson-Lamp’s first destination. He redshirted his first season but still saw action in 4 games. In 2022 Wilson-Lamp appeared in 11 games and earned 2 starts. He played both on defense and special teams. He transferred to East Carolina in 2024, seeing time in 11 games. Wilson-Lamp recorded 22 tackles, intercepted a pass, and blocked a field goal during last year’s campaign. He transferred to Toledo this offseason, joining teammates Tyler Hackenbracht and Terrence Moore. Wilson-Lamp is already speeding to the top for the Rockets– he posted a team-best speed of 23.09 mph in practice last month. He is likely to split time at strong safety with current starter Emmanuel McNeil-Warren.
NCAA FCS
Jacques Carter (FR), Wide Receiver, Southern Illinois– (Class of 2025):
Carter had a very successful high school career with the Tigers. He is 10th all-time in team history with 1,356 receiving yards. In 2023 he led the team with 796 yards and was 2nd with 7 touchdowns– he was named to the All-Ohio team. In 2024 he was 2nd with 560 yards and tied for 1st with 8 touchdowns. Following his senior season Carter was given the Tom Harp Coaches’ Award.
Carter will be playing for the Salukis this season as a true freshman. He is currently 4th in the slot position on the depth chart. Carter will have a good shot to get heavy playing time in 2026 as two seniors who are ahead of him will graduate.
Ja’Meir Gamble (FR), Running back, Mercyhurst– (Class of 2025):
Ja’Meir Gamble tore up the turf for the Tigers. He was 2nd in rushing for Massillon in 2023 with 948 yards. He scored 5 touchdowns and averaged 6.7 yards per rush. Gamble was on the All-Ohio team that featured 10 Tigers in 2023. His 2024 season was even better. He racked up 1,636 yards and 20 touchdowns while averaging 8.7 yards per rush. He also pulled in 273 yards receiving and caught a touchdown pass. He was named 2nd-team All-Ohio. Gamble is high in the record books with the Tigers. His career yards (2,611) sit at 6th all-time. Gamble’s 2024 rush total sits at 4th all-time. His 2024 game versus Legacy Sports (TX) is high in the books as well. His 290 rush yards are 3rd for a single game. His 19.3 yards per attempt sit at 2nd all-time, and his 5 touchdowns are tied for 5th.
Gamble will join teammate Adonis Marshall at Mercyhurst this season. The Lakers will open on August 28th versus Youngstown State.
Adonis Marshall (RS FR), Cornerback, Mercyhurst– (Class of 2024):
Adonis Marshall was another pivotal part of the Tigers’ 2023 defense. He gathered 48 tackles and 2 TFLs while breaking up 12 passes and picking off 4. He was 4th on the team in tackles during the state final with 7.
Marshall recorded 12 tackles as a freshman at Mercyhurst. He played in 6 games. The highlight of Marshall’s freshman year was a 45-yard fumble return touchdown versus one of the FCS’ top teams– #3 Montana State. He is currently 2nd on the depth chart at left-side cornerback.
Mike Wright Jr. (FR), Defensive Tackle, Youngstown State– (Class of 2025):
Mike Wright Jr. still haunts the memories of Ohio high school quarterbacks. He smashed through offense lines both big and small to devour whomever he met in the backfield. Wright’s 2022 season saw him rack up 13.5 TFLs and 6 sacks. He was one of the top forces of the historic 2023 Massillon defense. In a performance that earned him 1st-team All-Ohio, Wright owned the backfield with 15.5 TFLs and 10.5 sacks. 2024 also saw a 1st-team All-Ohio campaign for Wright. Fighting through double and sometimes triple teams, he still managed to record 16 TFLs and 4 sacks. Wright is all over the Massillon record books. He owns 1st place in career tackles-for-loss (49), TFL yards (258), sacks (23) and sack yards (161). He is 2nd in forced fumbles with 4. His 2023 sack count of 10.5 is a team record, as his is 2023 sack yards count of 76.
Wright will be a force whenever he is able to take the field for the Penguins. He is currently listed at left defensive tackle. Youngstown State will take on a couple of Tiger alums (Ja’Meir Gamble and Adonis Marshall) and the recently-added FCS school Mercyhurst in week 1.
Imagine all the streaming services I have to get trying to watch all these Tigers