Here are the Top Massillon Defensive Backs of All Time
The integration of the spread offense, a concept that began during the late 1990s, had a major impact on the game. Additional wide receivers were now in the lineup and twice as many balls were in the air, forcing defensive coaches to cover the entire field. So, they compensated by stripping the front line of players. But suddenly, defenses began struggling to control the run game.
It took a few years for coaches to figure it out, but the answer to controlling the run was to empower the free safeties to focus not only on the pass, but also on the run, particularly at the edges of the line. Suddenly, the defensive back position was thrust into the spotlight. It now required a very athletic player, one who had the speed to match that of the wide receiver, while also having the size, quickness and fortitude to run downhill and challenge the running back.
Several Massillon players have filled that bill quite nicely, some even leading the team in tackles. This story, hopefully, recognizes all of those that are deserving. But the story does not forget those before the spread who were good in their own rights in defending the pass.
1940s
Tommy James (1938-40) – James played three years for Coach Paul Brown, during which time the Tigers never lost a game, winning three state championships and two national championships. Following the 1940 season, James was named 1st Team All-Ohio. Later, he played halfback for Ohio State University, sandwiching two spans around a 3-year stint in the U.S. Army. After OSU, he played defensive back for the Cleveland Browns and the Baltimore Colts. James is a member of both the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame and the Massillon Wall of Champions.
Bob Graber (1940-42) – Graber was a 2-year varsity starter at Massillon under coaches Paul Brown, Bud Houghton and Elwood Kammer. In 1941 the team finished 10-0, with a state championship. The following year the Tigers were 9-1. Graber holds the single season record with nine quarterback hurries. He also has ten records book top tens.
1950s
Andy Stavoroff (1954) – Stavoroff played one year for the Tigers on a Tom Harp team that finished with a 9-1 record and was voted in the A.P. as the state champion. He owns three records book top tens.
1960s
Floyd Pierce (1963) – Pierce was a varsity player for Massillon 1963 on Leo Strang’s 9-1 team that finished second in the state. He holds three records book top tens.
Chuck Stoner (1967-68) – Stoner was a 2-year varsity player for head coach Bob Seaman. During his senior year, the team finished 7-3, with Stoner contributing with six pass interceptions. He also holds two records book top tens.
1970s
Tom Hannon (1971-72) – Hannon was a 2-year starting defensive back, and also a starting running back during his senior year, under head coach Bob Commings. In 1971 the Tigers finished sixth in the state with an 8-2 record and Hannon intercepting five passes. The following year they finished 10-0 during the regular season, along with Hannon’s three interceptions, and qualified for Ohio’s first ever state playoffs. At the end of his senior year, he was named 1st Team All-Ohio at running back. He also has two records book top tens on defense. Later he played defensive back for Michigan State and the Minnesota Vikings. Hannon is a member of both the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame and the Massillon Wall of Champions.
Mark Streeter (1973-74) – Streeter was a 2-way player in both of his varsity years. His coach was Chuck Shuff. The 1973 team finished 9-1, while the 1974 team struggled to a 6-4 finish, but did upset unbeaten McKinley. Following Massillon, Streeter played for Arizona University and the professionally for the Detroit Lions, the Winnepeg Blue Bombers, the Toronto Argonauts and the Hamilton Tiger Cats.
Darren Longshore (1977-78) – Longshore was a 2-year starter for the Tigers under Coach Mike Currence. In 1977 Massillon recorded an 8-2 record, while suffering a 2-point loss to Barberton and a 1-point loss to Warren Harding. However, the Tigers did beat eventual state runner-up Canton McKinley, 21-0. Longshore had two pass interceptions that year. In 1978 Massillon was undefeated, posting a 9-0-1 record. The tie was against Warren. Longshore had six interceptions that year, along with 62 return yards. Following the season, he was named 3rd Team All-Ohio. He holds two records book top tens. Later, he played for Iowa State.
1980s
Mike Spicer (1979-80) – Spicer was a starter on a 1980 team that finished 10-2-1 and advanced to the playoff state finals. His coach was Mike Currence. Spicer led the team that year in pass interceptions with six, which qualifies for the records book top ten. Following the season, he was named Honorable Mention All-Ohio.
1990s
Dan Hackenbracht (1991-92) – Hackenbracht was a 2-year starter first under Lee Owens and then under Jack Rose. In 1991 the team finished 10-3 and captured the Division I regional title. Hackenbracht that year recorded 22 tackles and one pass interception. The following year the team went 5-5, with Hackenbracht named 1st Team All-Ohio. He holds two records book top tens. Later, he played for Michigan State and was then an assistant coach for Massillon. Hackenbracht is a member of the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame.
Willie Spencer, Jr. (1993-94) – Spencer started at safety in 1993 and then quarterback in 1994, under head coach Jack Rose. In 1993 the team finished with a record of 10-2 and advanced to the playoff regional finals. Spencer had a knack for baiting the opposing team to throw in his direction. Six times he was successful. He owns two records book top tens. In his senior year as a quarterback, he was named 1st Team All-Ohio. Following Massillon, Spencer played quarterback for both the University of Akron and Tiffin University. Spencer is a member of the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame.
Josh Krieder (1996-97) – Krieder started two years for the Tigers under head coach Jack Rose. During his junior year he led the team with four pass interceptions. Massillon finished 9-2 that year. During his senior year the Tigers finished 7-3, while he added three more picks. For his exceptional play, Krieder was named 1st Team All-Ohio.
2000s
Jamaal Ballard (2000-02) – Ballard was a 2-year starter under coach Rick Shepas. In 2001 the team compiled a record of 12-2, while defeating Canton McKinley twice and winning the playoff regional championship. Ballard led the team with five pass interceptions. During his senior year the Tigers finished 11-3 and repeated as regional champs. Ballard that year had six picks, one of which he returned 30 yards for a touchdown. Three takeaways alone came in a 34-17 victory over McKinley. He also returned a fumble for a score. Ballard owns two records book top tens.
Billy Relford (2001-03) – Relford started two years under head coach Rick Shepas and made the most of it, by setting four career defensive records and finding the records book top tens fourteen times. In 2002 the Tigers recorded an 11-3 record and captured the playoff regional championship. During his junior year Relford intercepted 12 passes, two of which were returned for touchdowns. He had four picks alone against North Canton Hoover in a playoff game, including a 50-yard return for a TD. He also had three against McKinley. During his senior year he had four pass interceptions, along with 89 return yards. He also had six pass breakups and two fumble recoveries. After the season he was named 1st Team All-Ohio. Relford set single game records for pass interceptions (4) and return yards (133), those coming against Hoover. He also set career records for pass interceptions (12) and pass interception yards (260). He was also a team captain and named 1st Team All-Ohio.
Troy Ellis (2003-05) – Ellis was a 3-year starter, as a sophomore and junior under Rick Shepas and as a senior under Tom Stacy. In 2003 he was fourth on the team with 33.0 tackle points, two pass breakups and two fumble recoveries. During his junior year he was fifth on the team with 26.0 tackles, two intercepted passes and five breakups. It was during his senior year that he had his most success. That year, Massillon finished with a record of 13-2 and was state runner-up in the Division I playoffs. Ellis had 39.0 tackle points, ten pass interceptions, eight pass breakups and a recovered fumble, that one a 25-yard return against Cincinnati Elder. He also returned two interceptions for scores: against Eastlake North (42 yds.) and against Canton McKinley (50 yds.). Following the season Ellis was named 2nd Team All-Ohio. He holds the single game record for pass interceptions (5 vs. Elder), along with 14 records book top tens. Ellis is a member of the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame.
Andrew Dailey (2004-06) – Dailey started two years for the Tigers, under Tom Stacy and Jason Hall. In 2005 the team finished with a record of 13-2 and was state runner-up. Dailey, playing hybrid defensive back / outside linebacker, was third on the team with 68 tackle points. He also had 7.5 tackles-for-loss, one pass interception, four pass breakups, four forced fumbles, one recovered fumble and two blocks. In the state championship game, he recorded a team-high 7.5 tackle points. For his effort he was named 1st Team All-Ohio. In his senior year Massillon finished 7-5. Daily was limited to 23.0 tackle points, as opponents tended to stay away from his side of the defense. He also had 5.5 TFLs and a pass interception. Plus, he repeated as 1st Team All-Ohio. Dailey holds the career record with five forced fumbles. He is also a member of the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame.
Corey Hildreth (2007) – Hildreth was a 2-year starter under head coach Tom Stacy. During his junior year, with the team finishing 7-5, he recorded 18.0 tackle points and intercepted two passes. In his senior year he led the team with 64.5 tackle points. He also had 8.5 TFLs and five pass breakups. Following the season Hildreth was named 1st Team All-Ohio. He holds one records book top ten.
J.T. Turner (2008) – Turner was a starter for two years under Tom Stacy and Jason Hall. As a junior starter he had 33.0 tackle points, intercepted three pass and broke up another five. The following year the Tigers finished 10-4 and captured the playoff regional championship. Turner that year had 24.5 tackle points, intercepted three passes and broke up another four. Following the season, he was named 1st Team All-Ohio. He holds four records book top tens.
Bo Grunder (2007-09) – Grunder was a 2-year starter under head coach Jason Hall. During his junior year he recorded 20.0 tackle points, including 5.5 tackles for loss, three pass interceptions and four breakups. The following year the Tigers finished 10-4 and captured the playoff regional championship. Grunder led the team with 88.5 tackle points. He also recorded 7.0 TFLs, nine interceptions, five pass breakups and four fumble recoveries. In a 17-10 playoff victory over North Canton Hoover Grunder was in on 16 tackles. Following the season he was named 1st Team All-Ohio. He also owns 11 records book top tens. Grunder is a member of the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame. He is currently entering his sixth season as assistant coach for the Massillon Tigers.
2010s
Gareon Conley (2010-12) – Conley was a 2-time starter on defense under head coach Jason Hall. In 2011 the team finished with a 7-3 record. Conley recorded 25.0 tackle points, four pass interceptions and six breakups. The Tigers improved drastically the following year, posting an 11-2 record and advancing in the playoffs to the regional finals. Conley that year was a shut-down corner as evidenced by his 13 pass breakups. Following the season, he was named 1st Team All-Ohio. He holds six records book top tens. Later, he played for Ohio State, the Oakland Raiders and the Houston Texans. He is currently playing for the D.C. Defenders of the UFL. Conley is a member of the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame.
Anthony Ballard (2015-17) – Ballard was a 3-year starter for the Tigers under Coach Nate Moore. During his sophomore season he broke up six passes. The following year the team finished with an 8-3 record. Ballard was fourth on the team with 27.0 tackle points, including 6.5 during the 21-19 victory over Canton McKinley. He also had 15 pass breakups. In his senior year Massillon went 10-4 and captured the playoff regional championship. Ballard had 43.0 tackle points, to along with five pass breakups. He holds one records book top ten.
Max Turner (2018) – Turner was considered a “shut down” corner during two years as a starter. In 2017 the team finished 10-4 and captured the playoff regional championship. Turner had three pass interceptions and broke up nine others. The following year the Tigers finished 14-1 and played for the state championship. Turner contributed with 33.0 tackle points, 4.5 tackles for loss, six pass interceptions and 19 pass breakups. Included in that was two picks vs. Cincinnati Winton Woods, one of which was returned 38 yards for a TD. Following the season, he was named 3rd Team All-Ohio. He holds single season records with 19 pass breakups and three interceptions returned for scores. He also holds the career record with 28 pass breakups. And he owns ten records book top tens.
Luke Murphy (2017-19) – Murphy was a starter for two years under head coach Nate Moore. During his junior year the Tigers finished with a record of 14-1 and runner-up in the Division II state finals. Murphy had 30.5 tackle points, two pass interceptions and four breakups. In his senior year Massillon repeated as state runner-up, with a 14-1 record. This time Murphy led the team with 85.5 tackle points, including 13 against Perry in a playoff game. He also had five tackles for loss, two pass interceptions and six pass breakups. Following the season, he was named 1st Team All-Ohio. Murphy holds three records book top tens. Later, he played for Kent State University and Coastal Carolina University.
Dean Clark (2016-18) – Clark was a 2-year starter for the Tigers under head coach Nate Moore. In 2017 Massillon finished 10-4 and captured the playoff regional championship. Clark was second on the team with 63.0 tackle points, including 4.5 TFLs. The following year the Tigers finished with a record of 14-1 and runner-up in the Division II state finals. Clark was again second on the team in tackle points, with 80.0. He also had 10.5 TFLs, three sacks, a pass interception and two pass breakups. Following the season, he was named Honorable Mention All-Ohio. Later he played for Kent State University and Fresno State University. He is currently with the New York Jets.
2020s
Austin Brawley (2019-21) – Brawley started two years at safety for Massillon under head coach Nate Moore. In his junior season the Tigers finished with a record of 10-2 and advanced to the playoff state finals. Brawley was fourth on the team with 47.5 tackle points. He also had three pass interceptions and seven pass breakups. Included in that was 7.5 tackle points in the 35-7 victory over Canton McKinley. As a senior Massillon finished 11-3 and advanced to the regional championship game. This time Brawley was second on the team with 71.5 tackle points, to go along with two pass interceptions. Following his career as a Tiger, he was named 1st Team All-Ohio. He holds six records book top tens. Later, he played for Ohio University. He is currently on the roster of New Mexico.
Ryan Zentkovich (2019-21) – Zentkovich saw action in 9 of 12 games as a junior and then became a starter as a senior, under head coach Nate Moore. In that year, he led the team with 74.0 tackle points, including three tackles for loss. He also recorded two pass interceptions and four pass breakups. Following the season Zentkovich was named 2nd Team All-District.
Tyler Hackenbracht (2022-24) – Hackenbracht was a 2-starter at safety for the Tigers under head coach Nate Moore. He was a also a part-time starter as a sophomore. In 2023 Massillon finished with a record of 16-0 and captured the Division II state championship. Hackenbracht was fourth on the team with 39.5 tackle points and three pass interceptions. For his effort he was awarded Honorable Mention All-Ohio. During his senior year the Tigers recorded an 11-3 season and advanced to the playoff regional finals. Hackenbracht lead the team with 83.5 tackle points and five pass breakups. Against McKinley, in a 16-7 victory, he participated in 13 tackles. Following the year Hackenbracht was named 1st Team All-Ohio. He holds six records book top tens and currently plays for the University of Toledo.
