SPOTLIGHT: Mayson Royer, the tenacious linebacker from Dover

Dover linebacker Mayson Royer (11) has an eye on Maple Heights quarterback Mike Banks during a week two game. (Gene Simmons/Ohsfbmedia.com video capture)

DOVER, Ohio - Just a kid from Dover, Ohio, the 6-foot-1, 210-pound Mayson Royer has demonstrated that he ranks among the finest they have ever produced. 

Mayson Royer, a linebacker from the class of 2026, demonstrates no difficulty in delivering hard hits. He has an exceptional instinct for the ball and achieved impressive statistics during his senior season.

He had only played 3.5 games in his junior year because of a season-ending shoulder injury.

I worked my absolute tail off to get healthy again

"I definitely would say I made a huge jump from my junior season to my senior season," said Royer. He spoke on the highs and lows of this season. "We ended up 5-5, which ended up leaving us out of the playoffs."

Royer concluded his last season of high school football with a total of 104 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, and one interception. According to Six Star Football | PLUS+, he is one of those linebackers who never stops moving until the whistle blows. He reads plays well and gets downhill quickly, using solid technique to wrap up and finish plays effectively. 

My Senior Year Highlights❗️
All glory to the man above
(Full tape linked below)

Coaches I would be a great fit for your program❗️❗️

Aggressive, Playmaker, Hustler

High school coach - @coach_rees_dhs

Hudl Profile - https://t.co/8gJtm88N6n

@OHSFBMedia @OhioXsAndOs… pic.twitter.com/grc1ogkooh

— Mayson Royer (@MaysonRoyer__) November 10, 2025

Coaching Change

He played his first three years of high school under long-time Dover head coach Dan Ifft, who retired after his junior year. Matt Rees was then hired to succeed Ifft.

"Coach Rees was my linebacker coach the two previous years, so I'm already used to his style of coaching," he stated. "Adjusting wasn't hard for me personally. He genuinely cares for us and puts in his full 100% effort to provide the most he can."

What Colleges Can Expect from Getting Royer

Observing Royer during the regular season, he shows great leadership skills. "They can expect full 100% hard work and leadership," he said. Currently, he is not committed, but he has an offer from Geneva College and has visited multiple universities that may want to use his services. 

"I am currently looking for a school that prioritizes hard work, effort, and leadership like I do," Royer said. He understands the reality that football could end at any time. "I made sure to give it a 110% percent effort because you never know when the game can be taken away from you," he elaborated.