BETHANY – Versatility and toughness were key qualifications for being chosen for the defensive side of the ball for the Ohio squad in the 70th-annual Rudy Mumley OVAC All-Star Football Game.

Ohio coach Jeremy McElroy believes he found all of that as he announced the group that checked into camp Sunday to begin preparations for this weekend’s game at Wheeling Island Stadium.

“We’re excited about our linebackers and we think our defensive backs are guys who could help us on offense and our receivers could help us on defense,” McElroy said. “We’ll see how it shakes out this week at camp, but we like these kids.”

Along with his linebackers and defensive backs, McElroy announced River’s Colton Wright as his placekicker.

“We’re excited to work with Colton,” McElroy said. “He had a heckuva year at River and it always helps when you’re strong in the kicking game.”

Here’s a capsule look at the players:

BRUCE BURGER, Martins Ferry – This two-way performer was a big contributor for Coach Dave Bruney’s team.

The 6-foot, 200-pounder ran for 669 yards and four touchdowns as a fullback. Defensively, he logged 96 tackles as a senior, which followed up a junior campaign in which he accumulated 73.

Burger was first-team All-Eastern District and All-Ohio special mention each of the last two seasons. He was an All-OVAC selection.

Bruce, who plans to attend OUE, is the son of Bruce and Mindy Burger.

ZACH CONNOR, Indian Creek – This former Redskin had a stellar career for his father and head coach, Andrew Connor.

The 6-0, 220-pounder was charted with 41 solo, 46 assists, 13 tackles for loss and five sacks as a senior. He also had three forced fumbles and 16 quarterback hurries. He ran for 330 yards and seven touchdowns as a fullback.

Connor’s fine season didn’t go unnoticed. He was named All-OVAC, All-Buckeye 8, All-Quad County, All-Eastern District, All-Valley and third team All-Ohio.

Away from football, Connor is a standout in the classroom, earning academic All-Ohio. He’s also a member of the Key Club.

Zach, who plans to attend West Liberty, is the son of Andrew and Tiffany Connor.

JARED HESLOP, Bridgeport – This two-way lineman was an impact player for Coach Rudy Vavrock’s team.

The 6-0, 260-pounder earned all-district, All-Valley, All-Times Leader and all-state special mention.

Heslop also competed in baseball and bowling.

Jared plans to attend Belmont College.

CHASE HILLIARD, Beaver Local – This former Beaver shined in the secondary for McElroy’s team.

The 6-1, 165-pounder lined up at defensive back and was named honorable mention All-OVAC, first-team all-district and special mention All-Ohio.

Along with football, Hilliard was a standout in soccer, recording 53 career goals, which ranks sixth in Ohio history. He was a letterman in basketball.

Chase, who is the son of Mike and Lori Hilliard, plans to attend Muskingum.

AUSTIN McCONVILLE, Bellaire – This former Big Red was a tackling machine for Coach Steve Andres’ squad.

The 6-0, 175-pounder recorded 99 solo tackles and 108.5 total stops. His solo-tackle total is a school record.

His fine season was recognized by his placement on All-OVAC, All-Eastern District, All-Valley, All-Times Leader, third team All-Ohio, and he was a WTOV-TV Defensive Player of the Year nominee.

Along with football, McConville was a multiple-year letterman in wrestling. He volunteers at Martins Ferry First Baptist Church Vacation Bible School.

Austin, who is the son of Keith and Elaine McConville, plans to attend OUE.

DILLON POINTER, Buckeye Trail – This senior was a talented run stopper for Coach Bill Hartmeyer’s team.

The 6-1, 285-pounder was a standout two-way lineman en route to earning three varsity letters. He was a special mention All-Eastern District selection.

Pointer also received the Archie Griffin OHSAA Sportsmanship Award and the United States Marine Corps Athletic Achievement Award.

Dillon, who is undecided about his future plans, is the son of Gene and Rebecca Pointer.

STONE ROMANO, Steubenville Catholic – This former Crusader was a two-way standout for Coach Steve Daley’s squad.

The 6-0, 225-pounder ran for 1,021 as a senior and accumulated 23 career touchdowns. He was also a standout at linebacker.

For his efforts, he was named first team All-OVAC, All-Quad County, All-Eastern District, All-Valley and special mention All-Ohio.

Away from football, Romano was a member of the Key Club and SADD.

Stone, who plans to attend Ohio Dominican University, is the son of Paul and Jackie Romano.

ETHAN SHANNON, Edison – This former Wildcat was a two-way performer for Coach Derek Stickles’ team.

The 5-10, 195-pounder recorded 103 tackles and 900 yards rushing as a junior and more than 800 yards as a senior.

He was twice named All-OVAC, All-Quad County, All-Eastern District.

Ethan, who is planning to attend Bethany College, is the son of Ernie and Connie Shannon.

ERRIK SNELL, Cambridge – This former Bobcat was a standout in the secondary and at wide receiver for Coach Kevin Gunn’s team.

The 5-10, 175-pounder was a lock-down corner en route to All-OVAC, All-ECOL and all-district honors.

In track, Snell was a state high hurdle champion in 2014. He placed again this spring.

Errik, who plans to attend Tiffin, is the son of Tony and Lisa Snell.

COLTON WRIGHT, River – This former Pilot became quite the weapon in the kicking game for Coach Mike Flannery’s Pilots.

The 6-2, 160-pounder was good on 16 of 18 PATs and knocked home seven field goals, including a long of 34. He had five career game-winning kicks. He also posted a 37-yard punting average.

Wright was a second team All-Ohioam, first-team All-OVAC, All-Eastern District, All-Valley and All-Times Leader pick.

Colton, who plans on attending Belmont College, is the son of Donnie and Kelly Wright.