Recruiting Report: Taylor Ludwig (2019)

In an era of high school kids looking to get exposure to as many colleges as possible before their senior season, <strong>Taylor Ludwig</strong> is a throwback. The Brainerd junior has schools from all levels interested in him. He should have the opportunity to play college ball after he graduates next year, but he is in no rush to focus on anything past his senior season. Ludwig is a throwback-style linebacker as well. A starter since his sophomore year, the junior is an all-around defensive player who prides himself on being a well-rounded defender coaches don't have to take off the field regardless of the situation. Ludwig's Warriors made a deep run into the playoffs in 2018. "We went into the season with a good mindset, and we produced," Ludwig said. "We played really well and had a lot of great leaders. We had a great running back in <strong>Charlie Geraets</strong>, and we played great defense as well. It was a lot of fun flying around with those guys on defense." Obviously, with Geraets in the backfield, the Warriors' strength on offense was running the ball. On defense – Ludwig's stomping ground – the strength was similar. "The strength of our defense was our front seven and stopping the run. We blitzed well off the edge and up the middle." Ludwig played left outside linebacker in the team's 3-4 base defense. "I thought my season went okay," Ludwig said. "Obviously I can make some improvements. I thought I did good in pass coverage and tackled well and put up decent numbers." What Ludwig considers his best attributes place him squarely in the old school category. "I think my strength is I am versatile," NFN's 107th-ranked player in the Class of 2019 explained. "I can get into the run game and tackle and have the speed and agility to get out into pass drops. I am balanced. I am not better at one or the other." He does have an area of his game he is focused on for next season. "I have been working on rushing the passer," the two-year starter said. "I was able to get into the backfield well, but I need to work on finishing. I am going to focus on the fundamentals and just continue getting better." Ludwig started his improvement right after the season. He only plays football, and he has been in the weight room since shortly after their state tournament run ended. His weight room sessions primarily focus on high weight, low rep type of work. Like most college football potential guys, his weight room sessions will continue through the summer. Unlike most players at his level, Ludwig will not be attending any college camps. "I am going to attend our football camps at our high school to help encourage the younger guys and get them into the program and bond with the team. That is my focus – lifting, bonding with my teammates and focusing on next year." He also uses the offseason to spend time with his friends. "I like to spend time with my friends I don't get to see a lot during the football season," Ludwig explained. "I have my football friends, and I have my friends who don't play football that always support me at my games. I like to play other sports and just spend time with my friends." Despite his decision not to attend any camps, Ludwig has still caught the eyes of area colleges. "I have been contacted by multiple colleges for camps and junior day visits, but I haven't gotten any direct offers or anything." Most of the interest in Ludwig has come from Division III schools, but Division II schools and South Dakota State have shown him interest. Where he ends up playing college ball is a subject for another day with Ludwig. His priorities are focused on his current team, current program, and current friends. That kind of throwback style commitment will keep Ludwig's focus on the now will benefit next year's Brainard Warriors' team as well as the teams in the program's future. It is a throwback approach from a throwback football player.