2025 Recruits To Keep An Eye On This Fall
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We’re taking a look at some younger recruits to really watch this fall to see how they do. Whether it’s lofty expectations, lighting up camps, or gaining buzz in recruiting whispers, there’s a lot of raw talent in today’s piece!…
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Continue ReadingWe’re taking a look at some younger recruits to really watch this fall to see how they do. Whether it’s lofty expectations, lighting up camps, or gaining buzz in recruiting whispers, there’s a lot of raw talent in today’s piece!
Frank Bertram – Ben Davis – DL – 6’2″ 215lbs
Bertram has the potential to be special. This dude is an absolute monster who has the light switch when he’s on the field. He’s got a mean streak and keeps an edge to his game. He’s strong, can bull rush, and is just beginning to develop. He’s naturally stronger than pretty much everyone he faces and he’s only getting stronger. He’s got a quick second gear and is able to run around the corner, if not, he can bend it. He’s not polished, but you wouldn’t expect him to be this young. He’s raw, physical, and truly has no idea how good he can be. He’s got an elite frame, the aggression, and works his tail off. At the IndyWeOutHere Camp, he kept making play after play after play. I went up and had to ask if his roster number was right. Sure enough, the biggest, fastest, strongest defensive lineman there was the 2025 cat tearing up the place. I still struggle to believe that he’s a ’25 recruit with his size and how he plays. I imagine there’s some development to be done in the run game and filling gaps, but not likely much because he seemed fairly disciplined on what little tape he did have and then again at the camp. While he doesn’t have much tape, yet, you can expect that to change this fall. He’ll be on the field making plays and sacking QBs. Keep your eyes on Ben Davis and you’ll see the breakout happening live.
Michael Thacker Michael Thacker 6'1" | 275 lbs | DL New Palestine | 2025 State IN – New Palestine – DL – 6’1″ 260lbs
Thacker is next in line coming down the pipe and he’s worth every look. He’s an explosive athlete and has an elite closing speed that you dream of defenders having. He’s able to be in pursuit down the field as much as down in the box because of his raw speed. He’ll run down the field 30-yards if he needs to. Thacker typically comes off of the edge for New Pal and does a great job. He’s able to set the edge or end up in the backfield if he’s blitzing. He’s a smart player who seems to understand gap integrity and won’t overpursue or MA a ton. He’s consistent and steady-handed. Thacker is incredibly strong and then has a massive frame to go with it. He’ll throw opposing linemen around like ragdolls and make the tackle. Right now, I still think he’s more athlete than polished DE, and that’s saying something because he’s a playmaker. To come in as a Freshman and be a star DE in 1 of the best programs in the state and draw D1 attention right away, you’re doing something right. As he develops more as a pass rusher and overall defender during his high school career, it’s likely he develops into one of, if not the best defensive recruit in the state. My fiance is from New Pal so I get to attend a few of their games every year and they never disappoint. Thacker will be on my laundry list of guys to keep an eye on, but I’m not really sure you need to write his name down. You can’t miss him and it usually doesn’t take long for him to start impacting the game. Let’s get comfortable with Thacker’s name and with having it towards the top because he’s the real deal.
Jewel Jagoe – Warren Central – QB – 6’0″ 180lbs
Jagoe is a dynamic athlete who just happens to toss the rock for Warren Central, who I think is going to be very happy with his offseason development. He’s listed at 6’0″ and I saw him at camp and he looks bigger. If he isn’t taller, then he’s definitely heavier than his listed weight because he looks good. Physically, he’s lengthy and feels like he’s still growing. His work in the weight room looks to be starting to pay off as well. His JV tape showed some of the same stuff I saw in person. A quick decision-maker. Someone who is efficient, knows where the ball is supposed to go, and has the arm to get it there. When you watch him he feels like a Point Guard dishing it and guiding the offense. He doesn’t have the biggest or most dynamic arm, but it’s a good arm. He’s got a smooth throwing motion and can put some zip on it as well as drop it over the top. He seems to see the field well and doesn’t panic. His tape showed a few times where he stood in there and took a shot while delivering the ball. The best part is Jagoe can and will run. While he is still learning on going through all progressions, he typically goes through most, and if it’s not open he’ll take off and make something happen with his legs. He’s got the speed to house it if he gets the corner and is agile enough to make guys miss. His JV tape was promising, his offseason development looks to be right on track, and now he’s set for this fall with a great opportunity. If he comes out this fall and is able to put everything together, it’ll put him on the map heading into his upperclassman years.
Brayden Clem Brayden Clem 6'0" | 330 lbs | OL Ben Davis | 2025 State IN – Ben Davis – OL – 6’0″ 320lbs
Clem is a versatile lineman with great size. His frame is obvious and he’s got a good center of gravity. He actually first caught my eye in the change of direction drill. A man that big shouldn’t be that agile and have that good of a short area burst. It was really quite amazing how quick he was and kept up with LBs when he went against them. His tape shows some of the same positives that you can see in person. He’s incredibly agile, good on the move, and someone you want on the interior because of his ability to flex and move. He can get his hands on the outside and rise up out of his stance from time to time and then stops his feet. I think if he’s able to clean that up some over the next few years, he’ll be more than fine. He’s a fantastic athlete and works hard. He was the one fighting for more reps, wanting to go again, and never got too high or too low emotionally. He plays with a sense of urgency, but it’s not a panic, and he keeps himself in control. Whether he’s playing Center or Guard, he’s off the ball quick and never loses that agility. This fall is likely a great chance for him to come out and prove he belongs on the big stage. He’s got all the tools, the work ethic, and the upside to get to where he wants to go.
Israel Oladipupo – Noblesville – LB – 6’3″ 190lbs
Oladipupo is a ton of fun to watch live. In-person, his length and speed are even more obvious. He’s got really long arms and is able to wrap up from a further distance than most guys his age. His speed and agility give him the ability to cover sideline to sideline and play back in coverage when he needs to. He’s fairly smart on the field and knows when to throw his arms up and when to go for the ball. He’s decent in the run game and comes downhill without an issue. He’s not afraid of contact either. While he doesn’t have a ton of tape, I think that’ll change this fall. He’s too athletic and developing too quickly to keep off the field much longer, it at all. He is a bit raw, but because of his raw athleticism, I think will be just fine until he’s able to round off his game. Oladipupo could also come down and play on the line if asked. With his speed and length, I wouldn’t be shocked if he was an elite DE as well. He’s versatile and he’s got the tools to develop how he wants. His future is incredibly bright and he’s just beginning his HS career. This fall is his first opportunity to come out and grab the spotlight and don’t be shocked if he does. He’s got the work ethic along with all of the tools. It’s up to him to put it together on Friday nights and I fully believe he will.