Updated 2023 Indiana Rankings: QB & WR Newcomers

With just 55 players previous ranked, there were plenty of players that will be newly ranked on PrepRed Zone’s 2023 Indiana’s rankings. That was exactly that case as a large amount of new names popped up all across update. Here are the notable newcomers from the quarterbacks and wide receiver group. Also take a look at the stock risers from the previously ranked players. Bishop Chatard QB [player_tooltip player_id="185162" first="Drew" last="VanVleet"] (6’4” and 185lbs) @drewvv7 Rank: 11 overall, QB 1 From unranked to the top junior quarterback in the state, VanVleet has the size that many programs loos for in a quarterback. Although he’s a bit on the lighter side at the moment, his frame will allow him to add on good weight and become strong over the next few years. He’s got a very strong arm, with good mechanics in his throwing motion. VanVleet moves very well in the pocket, he’s got a great sense of when he needs to make moves to create enough extra time for himself to get rid of the ball. His throws aren’t just one speed as well, he changes paces well, and his receivers have an easy time catching his passes. VanVleet is a very solid quarterback prospect. Evansville QB [player_tooltip player_id="185177" first="Blake" last="Herdes"] (6’3” and 185lbs) @BlakeHerdes Rank: 55 overall, QB 5 As a big fan of multi-sport athletes, Herdes fits that mold as he also stars on the diamond and hardwood. His athleticism shows playing the other sports and the footwork he needs there translates over to the gridiron. A rare quarterback who is comfortable under center, his drops under center are very impressive. Herdes shows a knack for hiding the ball well while running play action, giving him opportunities to go over the top of defenses. When he opts to make those throws, he shows great loft on his deep balls. Very solid size for the position, combined with the attributes above landed Herdes high on the updated rankings. Chrurbusco QB [player_tooltip player_id="185194" first="Riley" last="Buroff"] (6’4” and 175lbs) @BuroffRiley Rank: 77 overall, QB 7 Also a track athlete, you can tell that his impressive speed works for both sports as Buroff has great mobility inside and outside of the pocket. He has a very traditional throwing motion, his release point is right off his ear which leads to very accurate passes inside 20-yards. Buroff has good touch on his deep attempts although his motion does gets a bit longer when he takes those shots. In time, when he’s able to add more weight and strength, his motion won’t change when going long. Overall, Buroff has a qualities you like to see in a quarterback and should start to show up on schools recruiting boards. Rushville QB [player_tooltip player_id="185197" first="Austin" last="Vance"] (6’4” and 205lbs) @Austinvance014 Rank: 80 overall, QB 8 A very big frame, Vance is a very good athlete that see’s the field extremely well. He makes great decisions with his throws, his arm strength is good, although it should get better over time. Even though Vance will have to clean up his throwing motion in the future, there’s plenty of room for him to continue to get better as a quarterback. His footwork is solid, Van has very nice touch on his intermediate and deep throws. When he moves in the pocket, he keeps his eyes up and looks for open receivers downfield. Although Vance might be a bit more of a project than others on this list, he’s worth taking a flier on. Evansville Mater Dei QB [player_tooltip player_id="185222" first="Mason" last="Wunderlich"] (6’4” and 200lbs) @mason_wunder23 Rank: 86 overall, QB 9 An impressive athlete when he gets out of the pocket, Wunderlich more often than not likes to stay inside the pocket to make his throws. He’s got solid arm strength and a very nice touch on his deeper attempts. As he get older, more strength will come to his already solid frame. Wunderlich will have to shorten up his motion a bit, but since he makes quick decision it doesn’t really factor into this level, so cleaning that up will help when he moves on from high school. There’s still plenty to like in a player who possess the frame and ability Wunderlich has. Monroe Central WR [player_tooltip player_id="185176" first="Luke" last="Jones"] (5’10” and 170lbs) @lukejones1101 Rank: 51 overall, WR 9 One the smaller side, Jones doesn’t let his frame deter him from high pointing the ball very well. He’s got good concentration and strong hands, fighting well for 50/50 balls and winning a majority of them. Jones is athletic enough to take snaps as a wildcat quarterback, his above average speed plays at many different spots on the field. What impressed me the most is his ability to get yards after the catch, Jones is great a turning a short pass into a big gainer. Unless he really gets a growth spurt, he’ll stay at the slot, but Jones is a very good option for the position. Lawrence North WR [player_tooltip player_id="185187" first="Mario" last="Lomax"] (6’ and 170lbs) @TheMarioLomax Rank: 62 overall, WR 10 Right now Lomax dabbles at quarterback but his future is as a wide receiver at the next level. Due to not getting many reps at the position, Lomax is very raw but has a ton of upside. He’s got very good hands and is a above average athlete. His experience at quarterback help him with recognition of defenses and his awareness of how his opponents want to play him. Lomax has a frame that can add on good weight and should be able to make the transition over to wide receiver very easily.