Who is central Ohio high school football's best player ever? Vote now

High school football has a storied tradition in central Ohio. From the legendary exploits of East’s Chic Harley to the dominance of two-time reigning Division III state champion Watterson , the sport has been bringing communities together for more than a century. Football is a fitting place to start the local component to All-America 250 for 250 – USA TODAY Sports’ celebration of the 250 greatest American sports figures of all time.

The Dispatch has selected 10 high school football players who we believe had a lasting impact on the sport in central Ohio. Their influence extends beyond championships and statistics, although in one case a state-championship-winning player’s statistics were impossible to ignore. Later stories will focus on central Ohio basketball players and athletes.

To start, here are our selections for the football players who defined the sport in central Ohio. After reading about them, vote for your favorite in our poll, or enter a write-in candidate whom you think we may have overlooked. Jeff Backes, RB/DB, Upper Arlington A 2001 graduate of UA, Backes helped lead the Golden Bears (15-0) to central Ohio’s first Division I state championship in 2000, beating Solon 15-9.

Backes was named Ohio’s Mr. Football , setting single-season program records for rushing yards (3,353), scoring (266 points) and touchdowns (44). He went on to play defensive back at Northwestern.