Indiana 2024 Under-Recruited Player Spotlight
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We’ve been going through the 2024 class and highlighting some of its best players. Now, we’re looking at some players in Indiana who have a ton of potential but may not be getting quite the eyes they deserve. Aidan Steinfeldt…
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Continue ReadingWe’ve been going through the 2024 class and highlighting some of its best players. Now, we’re looking at some players in Indiana who have a ton of potential but may not be getting quite the eyes they deserve.
Aidan Steinfeldt Aidan Steinfeldt 6'5" | 220 lbs | TE Bloomington North | 2024 State IN – Bloomington North – TE – 6’5″ 225 lbs
In the physical column, Steinfeldt checks every box. He’s very agile and has decent short-area movement for a guy his size. He’s naturally a freak athlete and is just learning how to control his frame. He’s a very raw prospect and is still learning the position, but he has every tool in his toolbox that a great TE needs. He’s more than willing to stick his nose into the trenches and block. He’s able to line up at the end of the line and out wide and be successful. He isn’t going to be manhandled at the line and is more than capable of winning his blocks. Right now, he doesn’t run the prettiest routes or even a complete route tree, but as he grows and develops he’s going to run better routes and a more complete route tree. Steinfeldt is best when he’s able to come off the line and in a 3-point stance. The defense has to respect his vertical and horizontal ability, and for a guy his size, Steinfeldt gets off the line very quickly. As big, fast, and as strong as he is, Steinfeldt is going to draw a bunch of attention closer to his graduation year. I imagine some D1 schools will take a shot on him and try developing him into a true and complete TE. Steinfeldt has arguably as bright of a future as any TE in this class and where he goes to college is going to be key for how far he develops.
Sean DeLong Sean DeLong 5'9" | 180 lbs | WR Gibson Southern | 2024 State IN – Gibson Southern – RB – 5’10″ 180 lbs
The first thing noticeable about DeLong’s tape is that at the next level he should target a zone running scheme. The way DeLong runs and looks for cutback lanes is very natural. He has the natural instincts to take the aggressive cutback lane. He has no issue sticking his foot in the ground and completely changing his direction. DeLong gets North and South immediately and gets to full speed in just a few strides. DeLong is also able to get small and shoot through holes. DeLong is also able to line up out wide and be a weapon in the receiving game. When he lines up out wide, he’s always a threat and is just as much of a target as any receiver that’s out there. For a sophomore, DeLong is very good in pass protection and is only going to get better. He’s also willing to block downfield and let his teammates get opportunities. DeLong is a very intelligent player on the field and is very confident as well. I think it’s clear that DeLong has been very well-coached most of his life and has fairly solid mechanics. I do think his footwork can get choppy when he’s rushed or in a hurry. He’s able to stay on the field for all 3 downs and isn’t a liability if he’s out there. If DeLong is able to bulk up some over the next few years and continue working on the small things he’s going to be a very sought-after recruit.
Levance Vaughen – McCutcheon – DT – 6’0″ 270 lbs
Vaughen is a very raw prospect who plays only on the interior of the defensive line and is only going to better over the coming years. He lives in the middle of the line and is a space-eater. He’s typically able to control both sides of his gap and make the tackle when the ball carrier comes his way. There are times he’s shown the ability to cover multiple gaps and make a play but it hasn’t been a consistent trait. Covering 2 gaps at once as an interior defensive lineman is one of the hardest things to do in football. Vaughen also has a relentless motor and never gives up on any play. Once he latches onto a ball carrier they aren’t getting past him and he’s going to make the tackle. There are times he’s able to shoot the gap and blow up a play. Over the next few years, I think Vaughen could spend a decent amount of time in the weight room bulking up. If he’s able to get stronger he will be able to start manhandling just about every offensive lineman that comes his way. I also think that Vaughen could develop a nice pass-rushing move or 2. Right now, he doesn’t have an effective pass rush move that is consistent enough to impact games at the collegiate level. If he’s able to develop in those categories, Vaughen will develop into a steady contributor at the college ranks.
Zachary Wurm – Adams Central – OT – 6’3″ 250 lbs
While Wurm does play on both sides of the ball, I think his best and most natural fit is on the offensive side of the ball. As a tackle, he’s very explosive and is able to get off the ball and make an impact block just about every down. He’s best when he’s used as a pulling lead blocker. He’s fast enough as a lineman to get out in front and keep blocking downfield. He has the power to hold the block and drive the defender into the ground. He’s a mauler in the running game and loves to lay out big hits. He’s able to get into the second level regularly and blow those guys backwards while not losing any of his speed or momentum. In the passing game, I think he could use a decent amount of work. Every lineman has to deal with that learning curve and Wurm is no different. He has the natural skill set and size to be a great tackle if he’s able to put everything together. Wurm also has the natural instincts and that gritty “IT” factor that you want linemen to have. I see him as someone who is going to develop for a year in college before starting. I then see him potentially developing into a very reliable starting tackle at the next level. However, it all depends on if he’s able to clean up his protection in the passing game, work at his footwork, and put some more muscle on. If so, the sky is the limit for Wurm.