2024 Prime Watch List pt. 2

We’re in the 2024 class taking a look at some guys who are on everyone’s watch list for what they may do this fall. The class is loaded and as the years go by, we’re only seeing more and more talent in Indiana. Joziah Edmond - Warren Central - WR - 6’1" 185lbs Edmond is a decent athlete with a nice frame and is starting to figure out how to use it to his advantage and make plays. he doesn’t just play offense for Warren Central he’ll also play defense. He’s got good ball skills, good instincts, and understands how to get open at the point of a catch to make the play. When he gets to the open field, he’s got the speed to break it and take it to the house. However, he’s more of a throw it to him and let him go up and get it kind of wide receiver. his hands are rather strong for his age and he’s able to pluck the ball out of the air without an issue. His routes are a work-in-progress, but for his age, he’s not bad at all. you can tell he spends time working in the offseason us footwork and trying to keep it tight while going quickly. I think he’s someone who is just scratching the surface but has the potential to be really good. He’s lengthy, he’s aggressive, and he’s only going to get better. there are even times Warren Central will line him up at quarterback. He can throw, but they like to use him in speed options to stress the defense. Whenever he’s touching the ball, good things happen. How far he goes is up to him and I’m excited to see him take that next step this fall. [player_tooltip player_id="272853" first="Scott" last="Ballentine"] - Andrean - QB - 6’0" 175lbs Ballentine is always calm, cool, and collective in the pocket. He never panics and is almost always able to make the play. He’s got decent footwork, there are times he can heel click and it kills his power but it’s a minor thing. he has a big arm and is able to typically deliver the ball downfield where it needs to be when it needs to be there. If things break down around him, he is athletic enough to take off and run and pick up a first down and then some. He is not the best athlete you are going to come across on a football field, but he’s good enough and defenses have to pay attention otherwise they get burned. Ballentine is just as reliable in the small games as he is in big games. He never seems to get rattled and is always able to make a play when his team needs it. he’s typically a fairly accurate passer and can put the ball in a spot where his guy can make a play. He plays with decent anticipation and understands what his guys do well. He doesn’t put the ball in harm’s way very often and it’s only getting better. Last season was a magical season and a lot of things came together for them. I’m excited to see if they can do it again this year and with another year of development under his belt, how far can he go? We’ll find out soon enough. [player_tooltip player_id="136094" first="David" last="Sturdivant"] - East Noble - WR - 5’11" 155lbs Sturdivant is a natural Slot WR with good ball skills and the quick-twitch you like to see to get open. He’s able to go over the middle of the field without much of an issue and bring down the ball even if he’s going to take a hit. He’s able to slide, dive, jump, whatever you need to bring down the ball when it comes in his area. he is a bit light right now, but he could easily put the weight on soon enough. It doesn’t impact his play and if anything, it’s forced him to become a technique master and really work on what he can control. when he gets the ball in his hands after the catch, you have to watch out because that’s where he’s at his best. He’s a yards-after-catch monster and he’s able to make guys miss and hit the gas. He’s also a willing blocker in the run game and is a team player every down. This upcoming season is going to be big for him. The offense is expecting him to take a big step forward and have a massive role. He’s been putting the work in during this offseason and I’m excited to see what he can do this fall.