Indian Valley's Grady Kinsey named Ohio Mr. Football finalist
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GNADENHUTTEN − In a state steeped in high school football tradition, Indian Valley senior Grady Kinsey stands out not just as a great player, but as a historic figure for his exploits on the gridiron for the Braves.
The Ohio High School Athletic Association named the Braves’ star running back and linebacker a finalist for the prestigious Ohio Mr. Football award for the second time in his career, a testament to a run of dominant play rarely seen in the Buckeye State.
The 5-foot-8, 205-pound Air Force Academy commit is attempting to cap off his spectacular career by taking home the coveted trophy, solidifying his legacy as Ohio’s premier prep football player.
A legacy measured in touchdowns
Kinsey’s case for the award is etched into the OHSAA record book, where he recently became the all-time leader in two significant categories as his four-year career totals are staggering.
- OHSAA all-time leader in career rushing touchdowns: 131
- OHSAA all-time leader in total career touchdowns: 136.
- Career rushing yards: 8,489 (currently ranking him in the state’s top-five all-time).
This season alone, Kinsey has churned out a whopping 2,585 yards rushing and punched in 40 rushing touchdowns to lead the 12-0 Braves back to their second consecutive OHSAA Final Four appearance in the Division IV playoffs.
A two-way dominator and champion
The Indian Valley senior’s impact goes far beyond his exploits on the offensive side of the ball. While he has been a relentless force in the Braves’ backfield, his prowess as a two-way star at linebacker has been critical to Indian Valley’s success, including their run to the Division IV state championship last season.
In that championship-winning junior campaign, Kinsey was virtually unstoppable, racking up 3,278 rushing yards (the ninth-best single-season total in OHSAA history), and 50 touchdowns, earning him the Division IV All-Ohio Co-Offensive Player of the Year Award. Kinsey’s commitment to the United States Air Force Academy underscores not only his athletic talent, but also his high-character leadership on the off the field at Indian Valley.
The winner will be announced next Thursday at 5 p.m. in Canton prior to the start of the OHSAA football state championships. The prestigious honor has been awarded since 1987.
The OPSMA district chairpersons and officers have selected the finalists. The voting process is nearly identical to that used to determine the Heisman Trophy winner in college football. The 220 registered OPSMA members each get one vote.
Ohio’s Mr. Football was selected by the Associated Press from 1987-2016. Since 2017 it has been presented by the Ohio Prep Sports Media Association.
OPSMA membership voting ends at noon Monday, Dec. 1, with the winner announced at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 4.
The OPSMA All-Ohio teams will start to be released on Monday, December 8.
The rest of the 2025 Ohio Mr. Football Finalists include:
Levi Davis, Olentangy Orange, 6-0, 187, sr. QB
Brayden DeVito, Shelby, 5-11, 175, sr., QB
Brayton Feister, Archbishop Hoban, 6-3, 230, jr., LB
Ryder Hooks, Liberty Township Lakota East, 5-8, 185, sr., RB/DB
Cincere Johnson, Glenville, 6-3, 225, sr., LB
Matt Ponatoski, Cincinnati Archbishop Moeller, 6-1, 200, sr., QB
Rocco Williams, Pickerington Central, 6-2, 205, sr. QB.
KSutton1@gannett.com; X: @KSuttonDJSports; Instagram: kevinsutton_dailyjeffsports
This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Indian Valley’s Grady Kinsey a Ohio Mr. Football Finalist
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