Indiana Rising Sophomores

We analyzed some of the top returning sophomores from around Indiana. Each prospect saw some form of varsity action as a freshman. Here’s who to watch for entering the 2021 season! <hr /> <em><strong>QB: [player_tooltip player_id="109625" first="Danny" last="O’Neil"], 6’, 175, Cathedral</strong></em> <strong>OFFERS: Toledo</strong> A gamer that excels off-platform. O’Neil has shown time and time again that he can alter his arm slot in order to fit the football around rushers. He’s got good hip torque to help get maximum velocity behind his ball and solid shake as a runner. Danny displayed a quick wind-up on tape with no wasted motion in-between. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14234809/5f4c1d93f5606609b4090a3f" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>DT: [player_tooltip player_id="141099" first="Jayden" last="Jackson"], 6’2, 300, Brownsburg</strong></em> <strong>OFFERS: N/A</strong> A big, strong defensive tackle prospect with surprising athleticism. Jaden explodes off the football like a missile and will consistently beat opposing offensive linemen to the point of attack. He’s dominant when single blocked and will get lockout before simply tossing his opponent off to the side. He’s pretty twitched up for a big man and can eat up double teams in the run game if need be. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/10487402/5f8e192f96803615f8b82638" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>RB: [player_tooltip player_id="109616" first="Marques" last="Ballard"], 6’, 170, Booneville</strong></em> <strong>OFFERS: N/A</strong> A dynamic return man who can hit a crease FAST. On tape, Mr. Ballard showed outstanding vision, silky smooth route-running ability, and ideal patience. Ballard was able to create various big plays in different facets of the game as a freshman. Look for his workload to go up in year two on varsity. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14872247/5f8dcbe7b3c97b0728010378" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>WR: Brauntae Johnson, 6’3, 170, Northside</strong></em> <strong>OFFERS: Purdue, Central Michigan</strong> To me, Johnson could be the most intriguing prospect on this list. His mixture of size and dominant ability after the catch is downright hard to find in a kid his age. This is a long strider with plenty of build-up speed to outrun angles. Johnson has elite lower body strength that he uses to cut back on a defense and run through arm tackle attempts. To me, he’s got four-star type potential and should be a national recruit when it’s all said and done. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14632286/6065fc7190f9ad01e8884384" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>TE: [player_tooltip player_id="109613" first="Aidan" last="Steinfeldt"], 6’4, 225, Bloomington North</strong></em> Aidan has been on my radar for quite some time and proved to be a dependable contributor in year one on varsity. On film, you’ll see a consistent hands catcher with great body control. As a blocker, he’ll lock on with his hands on the breastplate and drive his knees until the whistle is blown. He’s shown that he’s athletic enough to split outside and play both x and z receiver. He even displayed some pretty nifty footwork defeating press corners. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14458550/5fa888955ef65a0a7c5993c4" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>WR: [player_tooltip player_id="152146" first="Jaden" last="Hart"], 6’1, 190, Michigan City</strong></em> <b>OFFERS: Minnesota, Syracuse, Purdue, Iowa State</b> A slot receiver with the guts to consistently work the middle of the field. Hart turns into a running back with the ball in his hands and can gash defenses with his yards after contact. He’s extremely effective in quick game concepts and looks to get north and south immediately following a catch. He’s an active blocker who’s not afraid to get his hands dirty to help spring a big gain. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/10357396/5f84ab272ab0e508345c0d11" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <strong><em>WR: Jo'ziah Edmond, 6’1, 170, Warren Central</em></strong> <b>OFFERS: N/A</b> A shifty wide receiver with a very high ceiling as a route runner. Edmond saw some varsity action as a freshman and was impressive against Carmel. This is an explosive kid who can work all three parts of the field and is a fighter as a blocker. He’s fluid at the top of his routes and showed great burst coming out of his cuts. Look for his production to skyrocket this fall. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13942290/5f81361fb534730b4c5d3c4a" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>DB: Caden Vanderbush, 6’4, 180, Plainfield</strong></em> <b>OFFERS: N/A</b> A true safety prospect with a phenomenal frame that he can add size to. Caden is a sure tackler who can come to balance and make plays in space. He’s shown tight footwork coming out of his breaks and notable acceleration that he uses to close on ball carriers. Based on his ability as a tackler, I wouldn’t be shocked if he added another thirty pounds over the next few seasons and kicked outside to sam linebacker. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14473550/5f9f2219bd6a510b90211faa" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>