2023 Recruits Determined To Be Saturday Stars
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The 2023 class in Indiana is going to go down as one of the best classes ever. Today, we are looking at a group of studs that have the chance to become household names at the next level. Dylan Bennett…
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Continue ReadingThe 2023 class in Indiana is going to go down as one of the best classes ever. Today, we are looking at a group of studs that have the chance to become household names at the next level.
Dylan Bennett Dylan Bennett 6'1" | 225 lbs | LB Carroll | 2023 State IN – Carroll – LB – 6’1″ 215lbs
Bennett is someone who is just beginning to hit his stride and understand how good he can be. To me, he’s a D1 LB all day everyday. Physically, he’s as well-built as you could expect at this level. He isn’t someone who is full of baby fat or needs to continue to work on his body. While obviously, I would recommend him to continue to do so, it’s not a pressing need like a lot of linebackers need his age. Bennett it is tough, smart, and is someone who’s just always around the ball. He’s a really good athlete who is naturally fairly instinctive which helps him read and react to plays as they happen. He’s light on his feet and won’t get caught standing around. When he’s dropping back in coverage, he’s best in zone because that’s when he can watch the quarterback’s eyes and make a move when the ball is thrown. Bennett has the speed to run with pretty much anyone he comes in contact with. This helps him in man coverage keep his guy in the back pocket and take a swipe at the ball when it comes in his vicinity. In terms of tackling, he’s rather sound. There are times he can dip his head but it’s not a major thing. He understands how to take a shot at the ball and swipe for it. There are times he is able to get it loose and force the fumble. Bennett is also really helpful in the Run game and he understands run fits and how to fill gaps. He’s going to make the play and a lot of times, hit them hard and set a tone. Bennett is someone you want on your team because he elevates those around him. There’s no telling how far he can go or where he’ll end up at the next level yet, but I’m hopeful he gets into the perfect program for his abilities to showcase what he can do.
Aycen Stevens Aycen Stevens 6'4" | 215 lbs | QB Decatur Central | 2023 State IN – Decatur Central – QB/LB – 6’4″ 215lbs
Stevens might the most polarizing guy we’ve looked at in quite some time. I say that because while he’s obviously a star QB and that’s where a lot of schools want him, he’s arguably just as good on defense and makes plays all over the field. defensively, he’s good around the line of scrimmage. He’s able to see things develop typically much quicker than other people and get to where he needs to be to make the play. Being a QB really helps you see the field as a defender and Stevens is no different. When he comes off the edge, he’s practically able to seal the edge every time. If the ball carrier comes in his area, he’s going to make the play. He’s strong, he’s able to make a big hit, and bring them down with ease. However, QB is where he will be doing his damage on Saturdays so that’s where it feels like we should emphasize his breakdown. He’s a dual-threat quarterback and is someone who can really run. Defenses seem to underestimate his ability to run until the game starts and he’s ripping off a big run. In the passing game, while his mechanics and throwing motion are still a work in progress, he’s accurate and throws the ball with ease. Stevens comes across as someone who can easily grip the ball and let it rip. When he’s beginning to get into a groove is when he can really light it up. He’s able to throw and play with anticipation. He’s willing to stand in the pocket and take a shot to deliver the ball. Most importantly, he doesn’t seem like someone who gets rattled easily and is going to stand in there and let it rip. There’s so much to like with what he can do and where he can go. Over the past few months, the offers have begun to trickle in but I would expect a bunch more to come this fall when he gets back on the field. Stevens checks just about as many boxes as you want a player to have. I’m stoked to see where he goes and what he can once he gets there.
Will Heldt Will Heldt 6'5" | 225 lbs | DL Carmel | 2023 State IN – Carmel – OLB/DE – 6’6″ 240lbs
Heldt is someone who makes the game really long for opposing offenses. He is a relentless player and never gets tired. In the fourth quarter, you are getting the same effort from him as you did on the first down of the first quarter. He’s someone who gets better as the game goes on as he gets a feel for the guy across from him and the lights get brighter. he typically stays close to the line of scrimmage because that’s when he’s able to make things happen. Whether it’s rushing the passer or sealing the edge, he’s going to get the job done. He’s shown the ability to drop back into coverage and make plays but it’s a work in progress. Heldt is such a long and lengthy player it helps him get the first contact and that helps linemen go a long way in development. Arm length seems trivial but it matters for a reason. I do think right now he is a touch light especially if he’s going to play edge in college. He has a frame that can easily bulk up but is going to take some work. Luckily, he’s got great natural athleticism and is able to learn on the fly while making plays so if there is that learning curve at the next level, he should be able to learn quickly and adapt fast. When the whistle blows, you can pretty much guarantee you’re going to see him around the ball. Good players always have the ability to find their way around the field and be there when it counts. He is no different and regardless of where he ends up, I think he’s going to be just fine. He checks a ton of boxes and is only going to get better, especially as he develops his frame. The ceiling is sky-high for Heldt and where he ends up is TBD but I’m confident he’s going to make the most out of every opportunity.
Ben Decker Ben Decker 6'6" | 275 lbs | OL Noblesville | 2023 State IN – Noblesville – T/DT – 6’5″ 290lbs
Decker is a big framed guy who plays angry and nasty. When he’s on the edge playing Tackle, there’s a good chance he’s just going to build the wall and you don’t have to worry about it for the next four quarters. He’s got very angry hands and can pack a punch. He’s someone who really likes to play aggressively and let his presence be known to whoever is across from him. His base and footwork in the passing game are decent. You can tell he spends time in the offseason working and trying to get better. There are times he can get caught on his heels but it’s a very rare occurrence. He’s typically able to keep the wide base, hands inside, be on his toes, and win easily. Like most linemen, he is better in the run game. Good things happen when you get a guy like that going downhill and moving people out of the way. He’s able to get the right leverage, stay low, and drive his feet. He is off the ball immediately and doesn’t stop turning his fee until after the whistle blows. Decker keeps his hands inside and likes to finish the rep by burying his guy into the ground. He comes across as someone who learns quickly and doesn’t need to be told the same thing time and time again. He’s a smart player and won’t make many mistakes. He understands his job is to block and even when there’s no one to block around him, he’ll find someone and hit them. Decker is a prototypical OL and he’s just starting to scratch the surface. Where he ends up is still undetermined, but I’d expect more offers to come in hot and heavy this fall.
Leighton Jones Leighton Jones 6'3" | 280 lbs | DL Brownsburg | 2023 State IN – Brownsburg – TE/DE – 6’4″ 260lbs
Jones is a very good athlete who is able to move around the field because of how versatile and athletic he is. Jones, a star wrestler, has some of the best flexibility you’ll see, and that allows him to make plays that you didn’t think were possible. On defense, Jones typically comes off the edge and with his flexibility is easily able to bend around the corner time and time again and get home. If not, he’s able to cut inside and swim through and get home that way. Jones is a high motor guy who is going to go 110mph all the time. Even when he’s gassed, he’s going to go all out when the ball is snapped. You won’t catch him loafing reps or not wanting to be out there. Offensively, they moved him around this past year. He’s played OL and TE. Regardless of where he’s lined up, he’s been just fine and able to make plays. Pass blocking is a work in progress and he can get caught on his heels way too easily. Run blocking is a different story. When he’s coming downhill and gets to hit the defender and move them out of the way, Jones makes it personal. He’s going to drive his guy into the ground and give him that extra nudge while he’s down there to let him know Jones just had his way with him. Having an edge and being chippy on the field can be a great way to get things going and energize the team and there were a few times last year Jones was able to do that as well. His versatility and athleticism are undeniable and wherever he ends up, I trust he’ll pick the best spot and get the most out of his time in college. I’m excited for this fall and to see where he ends up.