Fort Wayne Recruits Ready For The Limelights

Fort Wayne is always loaded with stars and future Saturday stars. Today, we’re looking at some recruits who could easily become the next star to represent FW at the next level. [player_tooltip player_id="322404" first="Mylan" last="Graham"] - New Haven - WR - 6’2" 180lbs - 2024 Graham is a freak athlete who is drawing all the attention for all the right reasons. He’s easily one of the best route runners we’ve covered, ever. He’s able to create separation immediately at the line. He’s able to change direction in a flash. He’s got a nasty pressure step that gets the defense to bite just about every time. He’s got strong hands, won’t drop it, and then when he gets the ball in his hands watch out. If this dude gets the smallest crease, you’re sending out Special Teams. It’s really as simple as that. The problem for defenses is he creates those creases at the line. Throw the ball in his direction and he’ll make the play. I could easily see defenses doubling him and making someone else beat them. Graham also returns kicks and scores on those as well. He’s got that next-level speed you dream of. Then, if he didn’t already blow by the defender he’ll make them look silly he makes them miss. His acceleration, ability to change speeds, and cut on a dime without losing any momentum is special. He’s lengthy, can make just about anyone miss, and is easily the best athlete when he steps on the field. Graham has recently put himself in the national spotlight, and for good reason. He’s recently drawn offers from Notre Dame, Michigan State, and Michigan to name a few. His new updated H/W is another inch and 10lbs heavier than last year. He’s faster, twitchier, and is simply better than everyone who lines up against him. He’s got all the tools and works like a dog. Graham not only has a chance to become a star at the next level but beyond. When he gets to college, if he commits and develops as we expect, we could see him be the next Fort Wayne great to represent the city in the NFL. [player_tooltip player_id="185238" first="Luke" last="Haupert"] - Snider - QB - 6’1" 180lbs - 2023 Haupert is as steady as you can want a young QB to be. I had the chance to see Snider play live a few times last year and what you see on film matches what you see in person. He’s best in the pocket and when he can sit back and read the field. He’s able to make most throws with ease. His ball glides through the air rather effortlessly. He’s got good accuracy and drops the ball in a bucket. When he steps into it, he can launch the ball about 50-yards in the air from what I’ve seen. With Haupert, his mechanics are not bad for his age. He’s a pocket passer who can run when he needs to and understands where he’s best and puts the work in to improve in those areas. Haupert takes as much information in pre-snap as possible. While still learning, he’s shown he can pick up blitzes and see what is coming. He makes quick decisions and knows where the ball is supposed to go. If his primary read isn’t there he won’t panic. More often than not, he’ll go through his reads and make another throw. Like every QB, there are times he locks on and doesn’t come off the read. He’s a decent athlete and can extend plays when he rolls out. He keeps his eyes downfield and looks to throw. Haupert is as cool, calm, and collected as you want a leader to be on the field. I’m excited to see what he can do this fall because last year everything clicked and this is the year he could come out and light the state on fire. [player_tooltip player_id="366861" first="Kamari" last="Juarez"] - Snider - WR - 5’10" 170lbs - 2023 Juarez is a really fun receiver who can develop into a versatile weapon at the next level. He’s able to line up outside, in the slot, and return kicks. While returning kicks, you can really see his speed and he finally gets the chance to open it up. He glides through the air and has good vision. He’s able to find a crease and rip off big returns. Some of those same skills translate over to his receiving ability. Juarez is twitchy, shifty, and can make a ton of people miss. While he can be brought down easier than he’d like, you still have to get hands-on him and that’s a task in its own right. He’s got planting cut and can change directions immediately. He’s able to get small and shoot through the smallest seems. He’s good in the screen game and can get creative to make guys miss and pick up yards. Juarez has decent ball skills and will fight through contact to get the ball and is able to play downfield because of it. While I do think there’s some physical development to be done, I don’t think it’ll take long until he’s making plays on Saturdays. He’s too good with the ball in his hands not to have a role. If he’s able to become a route technician, Juarez could become a dominant Slot WR that gives defenses nightmares. Juarez is fun, has a bright future, and is potentially just starting to scratch the surface. [player_tooltip player_id="366860" first="Peyton" last="Slaven"] - Homestead - QB - 5’11" 160lbs - 2023 Slaven was one of my favorite QBs to watch play live last year. Maybe I’m a sucker for QBs in Indiana wearing #18 slicing and dicing, but he never disappointed. I know his size is a question and he’s got to deal with that junk from schools, but the dude’s a baller. When he’s on the field he’s going to make play after play. Whether it’s an easy throw or him having to create something on the run and throw on the run, he’s able to make the play. He’s got a knack for stepping up when the game is on the line. He’s accurate, efficient, and knows where he’s supposed to go with the ball. While he’s not on the high end mechanically, he’s not bad either. He’s got sound footwork when he’s in the pocket and got time. While he doesn’t have the strongest arm, it’s good enough. He’s able to sling it about 50-yards downfield and as he develops physically, that’ll go up. He’s also a good runner and can kill the defense with his legs. He’s able to get to the corner and hit the gas sometimes. He’s a nifty runner and can be harder to bring down than defenses anticipate. I know the height is a concern but it shouldn’t be. I think Slaven has more than enough tools that he should be getting more looks than he is. He’s got all the raw abilities to develop into a starter at the next level. All the intangibles he’s got are just a bonus. His pocket awareness is fairly good which is what allows him to know when it’s time to do what he does best. Make a play. Slaven is fun and in person, he was always as level-headed and steady-handed as The Sheriff. [player_tooltip player_id="366867" first="Brock" last="Schott"] - Leo - TE/LB - 6’3" 200lbs - 2025 Schott is a great athlete who hasn’t had quite the opportunity to showcase his skills. He’s a real 6’3" with even longer arms. He’s 195lbs, has big arms, but overall is a bit thin still. It’s just showing the raw potential his frame has got. Once in college, he’s someone who could easily develop into an elite collegiate frame. He’s only a Sophomore and stands at 6’3" so there’s a chance he’s even taller. He could hit 230lbs or even higher depending on the commitment and where he ends up. Schott isn’t stiff and is very nimble. He’s able to bend easily and has spent most of his career blocking. While it’s absolutely helped him in the trenches and keeping his body in line, it’s hurt in other areas. Schott is a raw route runner but he’s got the potential. He’s quick and shifty. He’s got a nice top-end speed and if he’s in the open field is hard to catch and bring down. When he’s gotten the ball his way, he’s shown good hands and he’ll watch it all the way in. He’s got no issue going over the middle and taking a pop. He’ll bounce right back up and move on to the next play. He’s likely going to be a true TE at the next level, especially with his history of blocking because of the Wing-T. Schott is someone who can line up at the end of the line, line up out wide, or come in the backfield and be used as a FB from time to time to clear the way. Schott has a ton of potential and over the next few years, if he’s able to develop and the new Spread offense lets him showcase his full toolbelt, he could have more offers than he ever thought possible.