NKY’s two-way stars poised for standout seasons

They don’t come off the field and they don’t stop making plays. Northern Kentucky high school football is loaded with athletes who impact the game from start to finish, taking snaps on both sides of the ball, stepping into big moments, and never leaving the spotlight. These are some of the most dynamic two-way players in the area.

Cash Harney, Covington Catholic

From quarterback reads to open-field tackles, Cash Harney’s fingerprints are all over CovCath’s success.

Last season, he led the Colonels to a state semifinal appearance, helping pull off a monster quarterfinal upset against unbeaten Boyle County along the way. Boyle County entered the game on a 32-game winning streak and four straight state titles, Harney greeted them with 234 rush yards and two touchdowns, adding 102 pass yards and a touchdown.

He totaled over 1,300 passing yards and 1,400 rushing yards last season, plus 12 tackles and a fumble recovery as a safety.

Even with the spotlight firmly on him, Harney is quick to point out it’s never a one-man show.

“The mindset is, I mean, our team gets better each day we practice. That’s really where confidence comes from, from our togetherness,” Harney said. “My teammates help out a lot too. It’s not like I do everything on offense and defense.”

Harney may not claim the credit, but his impact is undeniable. When the Colonels need a play, he delivers it.

Tyler Fryman, Beechwood

Two-sport stars are rare. Two-way stars are even more rare. A two-way star with a Louisville baseball commitment and a Notre Dame football offer?

That’s Tyler Fryman, the definition of dynamic.

What makes him so successful? His elite conditioning, natural athleticism, and a relaxed mentality sets him apart on every snap.

“I just try to bring energy and joy to the game,” Fryman said. “It’s high school football. It’s supposed to be fun, not stressful.”

That approach hasn’t slowed him down. In fact, it’s elevated him.

“Tyler’s work ethic is unbelievable,” Beechwood head coach Jay Volker said. “He’s a great athlete, but what sets him apart is his hard work. When your best player is also your hardest worker, it makes things easier for the whole team.”

Still a junior, Tyler Fryman’s story is continuing to unfold.

Ryker Campbell, Cooper

Ryker Campbell may just be a true magnet for the football.

Last season, he led the Jaguars in interceptions with eight, including two pick-sixes, and racked up 190 return yards. He also led the team in tackles with 102, added two tackles for loss, forced a fumble, and chipped in on offense with nine catches for 172 yards and a touchdown, plus 162 rushing yards and three rushing scores.

This year, the ball may be in his hands even more.

As one of only two returning players who caught a pass last season, the senior wide receiver and defensive back is now primed for an even bigger role on both sides of the ball.

“I’m definitely excited,” Campbell said. “I think it’ll be more fun, definitely a bigger workload and being in the game more.”

Jacob Savage and Dameyn Anness, Ryle

Jacob Savage is nothing short of a two-way star, and now he has company on both sides of the ball.

Ludlow transfer Dameyn Anness is set to join Savage in the same roles on both offense and defense, giving the Raiders a dynamic 1-2 punch.

“It’s been great because it gives you a whole new look,” Anness said. “Going from a smaller class to a higher class, the competition pushes you to be a better player.”

Savage needs no introduction. A commitment to Indiana University speaks for itself. While fans may be wowed by his highlights, it’s what you don’t see that makes him elite.

“I want to be on the field as much as possible to help the team as much as possible,” Savage said. “Whether that’s me playing every snap or not, I want to be out there with my guys. I love playing both ways, but the biggest thing is doing as much as I can to help the team.”

With Savage and Anness sharing the field on both sides of the ball, the Raiders become a more complete and dangerous team.

“It’s going to be a lot of fun,” Savage said. “There’s not a better duo in Northern Kentucky. Having both of us out there at the same time is going to be tough for teams to stop.”

Together, they’ve combined for 4,828 rushing yards, 63 rushing touchdowns, 1,211 receiving yards, 11 receiving touchdowns, two kickoff return touchdowns, two punt return touchdowns, 659 tackles, 54 tackles for loss, 17.5 sacks, seven interceptions, two pick sixes, five forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries and two fumble recovery touchdowns.