2025 Recruits Taking On A Bigger Role

We’re looking at the 2025 class today and some recruits who are looking to step up and fill shoes and have a bigger role moving forward. Tyrone Burrus Jr - Warren Central - DE/LB - 6’3" 200lbs Burrus is a versatile player that physically stands out right away. For the JV squad last year, Burrus bounced back and forth between LB and DE and was able to do both without much issue. At DE, his length stands out right away. He’s usually able to get a hand on his guy first and has the lower body to drive them back. He’s able to keep contain and keep the QB in the pocket. He’s able to get up the field and in the backfield regularly. As he develops physically, he’s likely to become a force. At LB, he’s shown the ability to go line up 1 on 1 in the slot and cover. He’s able to tackle in space and can come down in the box and play the run. Right now, he’s raw in most categories but he’s got the tools to develop quickly. He’s big, fast, thick, and doesn’t seem to make mistakes. He’s a very sound player in terms of consistency and you can trust him to do what he’s supposed to. This fall, he’s going to be moved up and appears to be ready for it. He’s been working this offseason and has every chance to step up and help Warren Central on Day 1. [player_tooltip player_id="321399" first="Kaden" last="Acton"] - Greensburg - RB/KR - 5’11" 180lbs Acton is a speed back who came in and helped Greensburg last year and is only going to be fed more this fall. Acton’s playmaking ability helped him earn a role on Special Teams where he returned a few kicks last year for scores. He’s got the ability to turn the corner and go. When he hits open daylight, he’s hard to catch. At RB, he’s also shown that same speed. Acton is much more of a straight-line runner and likes to use his speed. He likes to survey what’s in front of him and find the best angle to hit the gas without having to lose much momentum. That being said, he’s got a nice wiggle and can make a handful of defenders miss. He’s not great at breaking tackles and at times can be brought down fairly easily. As he develops physically, I imagine the strength will help him break more. Acton has also shown that he’s got soft hands and can come out of the backfield. He’s been great in the screen game and helped earn more playing time that way. He’s shown a ton of flash over his first 2 years and over the next few, is hoping to develop into their bell cow. He’s got the frame to hold up for it, the speed, and is good out of the backfield. Right now, it’s about polishing his game and learning as much as he can. Acton is loaded with potential and if he’s able to put everything together, he’s going to draw a ton of interest and will be one of the more highly desired RBs in the state. Liam Bryant - Gibson Southern - QB - 6’1" 175lbs Bryant is heading into one of the most intriguing situations in the state. Gibson Southern has 2 QBs who can ball and they’re going to duke it out in camp for the starting job. One of the better programs in the state is in need of a new driver and Bryant is coming in with all the tools needed. He’s mobile, has a big arm, and is decently accurate. Bryant doesn’t panic if his first read isn’t there and knows how to come off it. He’s not perfect, but much better than most his age in that category. From time to time, he misses high and the ball can float but overall, he throws a very good ball. He’s able to throw with anticipation and give his guy a chance. Right now, I’d say he can throw about 55-60 yards if he stepped into it. This offseason, he’s been doing nothing but working, going to camps, and working with a footwork specialist. He’s lighting up camps like he did the teams he went up against last year in live-action. He understands what’s standing in front of him and has been working for it. His tape stands out, his work ethic stands out, and he’s got all the raw tools. He’s exciting and Gibson Southern is in a great spot regardless of who starts for them. Bryant is incredibly fun and will be more developed when he comes out than people will expect. I’m stoked to see this battle and what they can do to defend their title. Jersey Wells - Castle - WR/KR - 5’6" 150lbs Wells is a ton of fun because of his ability to make people miss. He’s got great speed, elite short-area agility, and the vision to go with it all. He’s a YAC monster and is dangerous after the catch. He primarily operates out of the slot and gets open quickly. He knows how to create separation and use his shiftiness to his advantage. He’s got good hands and won’t drop the ball either. Wells is good in traffic and can track the ball through a closing window. He’ll go over the middle and take a shot if needed. He played a ton of varsity last year because he kept making play after play. When returning kicks, he’ll backtrack if needed. While not ideal, he’s shown he’s got the speed to regain the corner and the vision to show he knows where he’s going. When he’s got a full head of steam, he can be hard to bring down. While not his strong suit, he’s shown that he can break tackles. When returning kicks, there’s no change. He stresses defenses out until he’s on the ground because he can and will score if given the smallest crease. With the ball in his hands, he’s dangerous and just starting to hit his groove. He’s an incredibly dynamic player who is very likely going to become a focal point for that offense moving forward.