NW Indiana Dogs Out Wide: Part 2

Northwest Indiana has a lot of receiver talent on display. Yesterday, we took a look at some of the top pass-catchers who are entering their senior season. Today, we look at another group of highlight reel receivers. Karmine Hubbard, 6’0, 159 pounds, 2023, Lake Station Edison https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/karmine-hubbard/hhBLb8LxEemAzfp8ouYFiw/videos.htm Karmine Hubbard is a multi-dimensional playmaker for Lake Station Edison. Hubbard can be both a receiving and running threat. He also has experience as a quarterback, meaning that he could contribute on trick plays or in certain packages. Defensively, Hubbard is a shut-down corner, capable of completely disrupting the opponent’s passing-game. Hubbard is coming off of a 27-catch junior season, that saw him record 266 yards. He added 384 rushing yards. Add in the 190 yards that he threw for and it becomes clear that Hubbard can find different ways to help the offense. At cornerback, Hubbard added 40 tackles with a pair of tackles-for-loss, one sack, one interception and two forced fumbles. Gannon Howes, 5’9, 170 pounds, Hanover Central Gannon Howes returns to Hanover Central this season, looking to give defensive backs even more problems. On the back of a season where he had 988 receiving yards, Howes will require maximum attention at all times from those lined up across from him. Howes hauled-in 39 passes a season ago, 16 of which went for touchdowns. Howes also makes his presence felt on the other side of the line. He posted 49 total tackles, last season. On top of that, he notched seven tackles-for-loss, seven interceptions and four passes defensed. Tony Bartolomeo, 5’10, 155 pounds, Lake Central https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/tony-bartolomeo/gJsV6LyFEemAzfp8ouYFiw/videos.htm Any time that Tony Bartolomeo has the ball in his hands, he is capable of producing a spark of the offense. Bartolomeo can test the coverage underneath. He finds ways to get open in a good spot for the quarterback. When working the intermediate routes, Bartolomeo does a great job of finding the space behind the linebackers and in front of the safeties. Bartolomeo does well on screen passes. He can find the space and get up field, usually for a big pick up. Tony Bartolomeo is set test defensive backs a lot this upcoming fall. [player_tooltip player_id="189112" first="Owen" last="Smith"], 6’1, 170 pounds, LaVille https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/owen-smith/aBvgDTycEemAzYoOhE8Jsg/videos.htm?videoid=11028a53-484f-4740-8b00-88b3fcb57b37 [player_tooltip player_id="189112" first="Owen" last="Smith"] can test the opposing secondary while helping marshal LaVille’s last line of defense. Smith is an all-around solid route-runner. On go routes, Smith has the ability to get past his marker and restack his route, getting leverage on the defender in the process. Smith can be an effective ball-carrier- an area of the game where he provided 217 yards and a pair of touchdowns, last season. Through the air, Smith registered 207 yards. On the defensive side of the ball, Smith is a tenacious corner who never gives up on the play. He can chase down plays where the run or the pass goes to the other side of the field. When he gets to the ball, Smith showcases solid tackling skills. Smith can also be a viable option as a kickoff returner. Rodney Gates, 6’1, 178 pounds, Elkhart https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/rodney-gates/4vy5jq_REemA0ZFtwg1OMQ/videos.htm Throughout Rodney Gates’ highlight film, defenders are seldomly near him. This is because of the way that he runs his routes and how he finishes each route. Gates is very good at running the underneath routes. Gates explodes off the line, runs his route full-speed and then puts his foot in the ground. He breaks and comes back to the quarterback, while the cornerback continues going down the sideline- a winning scenario for the offense. Gates can be a solid runner on end-arounds and jet sweeps. He can throw passes at a high level on trick plays- giving both teams something to keep in mind when he is on the field. Jethro Hochstetler, 6’2, 180 pounds, Northridge https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/jethro-hochstetler/8RJF1H62EeqAzqREozo6lw/videos.htm Jethro Hochstetler sets the tone for Northridge in all three phases. On offense, he is a dependable pass-catcher. He routinely takes advantage when the cornerback plays off. After the reception is secured, Hochstetler exhibits a high degree of determination. He always fights for extra yardage, regularly driving multiple defenders down the field. Defensively, Hochstetler compiled 31 total tackles and two interceptions, last season. On special teams, Hochstetler is a dangerous kickoff and punt returner. Hochstetler does well finding the lane and bouncing outside before turning up the sideline. In his junior year, Hochstetler racked up 276 kickoff return yards and 370 punt return yards.