Breaking Down 2021’s Statistical Leaders

Statistics don’t tell the whole story when it comes to evaluating a players ability to play in college, but they are a great way to measure a football players production and value to their team.  Here is a breakdown of the statistical leaders from Indiana’s 2021 class… <ul> <li>[player_tooltip player_id="38992" first="James" last="Arnold"]- South Adams (Passing)</li> </ul> While passing for 3,168 yards / 43 TD’s and only 6 interceptions, Arnold was exceptional for South Adams last season.  The yardage and TD’s are obviously eye opening numbers, but his ability to protect the football was just as important, and a big reason his team went 12-1 on the season.  At 6’3" 195, he possesses the size that college coaches look for, and he has a big arm to match.  His ability to make all of the throws in the route tree really stands out when you turn on the film... This includes the deep out which many prospects struggle with, and can be a make or break throw when it comes to college recruitment.  Big strides in production were made from his sophomore to junior year, and although it would be nearly impossible to make the same statistical jump as a senior... I think we will see a player that puts up even bigger numbers while catching the eye of more college coaches in the coming year. <ul> <li>Ryan Walsh - Andrean (Rushing)</li> </ul> The Post Tribune offensive player of the year made a huge splash last season by rushing for 2,251 yards and 27 TD’s.  He also had some production in the pass game with another 153 yards and a TD.  Also impressive were his 8.1 yards per carry and long run of 76 yards. Walsh is a bruising runner at his size, has great balance, and is exceptional at getting yards after contact.  As an every down back with the versatility to run between the tackles, or be a threat on the perimeter, Ryan is a handful for defensive coordinators to scheme against. <ul> <li>[player_tooltip player_id="39031" first="JC" last="Reese"] - Lebanon (Receiving)</li> </ul> JC had a massive Junior season with 51 receptions for 1,072 and 14 TD's.  Even more impressive than that stat line, was his ability to stretch the field and make the big play.  JC put up an impressive 21 yards per reception and had an incredible 6 seperate games with a reception of over 50 yards.  With game long catches of 80, 77, 72, 64, 64, and 58 yards... He is the definition of a home run threat.  A lot of players with his big play ability tend to be on the smaller side for their position, but at 6'2" 170, Reece has the size and length that college coaches covet.  JC has a chance to be a sought after prospect in the coming year. <ul> <li>Antwann Dix - Cardinal Ritter (sacks)</li> </ul> It's not often that you see a player with 20 sacks in a season at any level, but that is exactly what Antwann accomplished last year.  When you take a deeper look at his stat line, you will see that Dix was both consistent and explosive.  He had a sack in every game but one, and had two games where he notched an incredible 4 sacks.  At 5'11" 180 pounds, he doesn't have the body type that you would expect a sack leader to have, but that is what makes his numbers all the more impressive.  You may also assume that his sacks came as a standup edge guy, but you continuously see him lineup with his hand in the dirt and battle with the OL to get his sacks.  I am not sure what position Dix will play in college, but his combo of skill and toughness make him a player that coaches will find a spot for. <ul> <li>Brach Carrington - Greencastle (TFL's)</li> </ul> With 27 tackles for loss, Brach spent the majority of his time in opponent backfields. TFL's weren't his only impressive stat though, he also racked up 113 tackles, 11.5 sacks, 4 caused fumbles, and a fumble recovery.  As a hybrid OLB/DE, he did an outstanding job of beating the offensive line with speed and securing tackles in the the opponent backfield.  When I turn on the film, one of my favorite parts of Brach's game is his ability to dissect a play and react accordingly.  He shows a great motor, impressive block destruction, and does an awesome job with his pursuit angles when chasing a ball carrier.  I see him as more of a traditional LB prospect at the college level, and his production will be sure to catch the eyes of college coaches in the coming year.