From the Valley to FBS: Lowry leads Week 1 roundup
· Yahoo Sports
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) - There is plenty of talent from around the Valley spread across college football as the season officially begins.
Here is a breakdown of how the first week fared for local players at the Division I FBS level.
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Broc Lowry, Western Michigan, Canfield
The former state champion completed 15-of-21 passes for 89 yards along with 15 carries for 35 yards during a controversial 13-12 loss at No. 16 Michigan. Last season, Lowry threw for 1,803 yards and 9 TDs while also rushing for 963 yards and 14 more scores for the MAC Champion Broncos.
Patrick Valent, Rice, Warren JFK
Started at offensive guard as the Owls rushed for 465 yards during a 31-3 win over Houston Christian in Week 1. In 2025, the Warren JFK graduate started 11 of 13 games and did not allow a sack on 191 pass plays.
Isaac Lucas, San Diego State, Ursuline
Started at center during a 53-20 win over Portland State as the Aztecs rushed for 237 yards and threw for another 157. Lucas transferred to SDSU after three years at Ball State. He started 9 straight games to end the 2025 season with the Cardinals.
Dru DeShields, Kent State, West Branch
Back under center for the Golden Flashes, DeShields completed 12-of-20 passes for 63 yards and led the way with 27 yards on 3 carries at South Carolina. As a sophomore in 2025, the Beloit native threw for 2,030 yards and 18 touchdowns and added 3 more rushing TDs.
Danny Odem III, Nebraska, Farrell
The true freshman appeared in his first game for the Cornhuskers during a 49-21 win over Ohio to open up the season. The Farrell native was a 5-star prospect out of The First Academy (Fla.), after spending his first two years of high school at Farrell.
Tairan Davis Jr, Akron, Ursuline
Recorded 5 total tackles and 1 pass defended during a 38-16 loss at Power 4 Conference opponent Wake Forrest. It ranked second best for the Zips and set career highs for the sophomore defensive back.
Terence Thomas, Akron, Boardman
Also finished with 3 total tackles and 0.5 tackle for loss in Week 1 against the Demon Deacons. The senior has appeared in 28 games for the Zips across 3 seasons.
Connor Heater, Navy, Brookfield
The junior saw game action for the Midshipmen during a 42-15 win over Towson in Week 1. In 2025, Heater saw action in every game as a member of Navy's PAT/FG unit.
You can also watch former Chaney standout and Louisville defensive back DJ Waller in action as the No. 24 Cardinals take on No. 9 Ole Miss on 33-WYTV on Sunday, Sept. 6.
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