Indiana Week 1 Offensive Standouts

Indiana High School football is back in full swing. This past week, we got the ball rolling once again. I understand there are likely thousands of elite performances from across the state. The best way to be featured moving forward is to tag me on Twitter. I'm doing my best, but can't help highlight someone if I don't know who you are or don't see you going wild!   Caiden Abbs - Carroll - OL/DL - 6'3" 250lbs - 2025   Clearing the way for Week 1, and Carroll, is Caiden Abbs. Abbs has a fantastic natural frame that he's going to grow into easily once he hits the collegiate level. He's lengthy, has a decent center of gravity, and is fairly nimble, especially for a guy with his stature. He comes across as a true T and will be giving Carroll a piece of mind for the next few years. He's the son of a coach, works hard, and clearly has the ability to follow. Most guys his age aren't able to base up and redirect in pass protection. While not perfect, the basic fundamentals are there and he's way ahead of schedule in terms of where he should be. In the running game, he's good coming downhill and is nimble enough to be a lead puller. His feet are always moving and he won't get caught with his hands out. In week 1, he came to play. All night that summer preparation paid off and he looked really good. I could be wrong, but I believe that was his first varsity start. You couldn't tell and he looked like he settled right in and started playing ball. He's a sound recruit, has the work ethic, raw ability, and is just starting to figure out how good he can be. He's a 2025 recruit with a solid frame now. When he comes out, depending on how hard he hits that weight room, could be collegiate-ready. Wherever he ends up down the road, that school is getting a starting Tackle that will be a set-and-forget player once he's ready.   [player_tooltip player_id='255099' first='Jay' last='Patterson'] - Taylor - ATH - 6'2" 175lbs - 2023   Patterson came out and put on an offensive clinic. On the ground, through the air, and in special teams, he was gashing the defense. For the night, he put up 338 scrimmage yards. On the ground, he was as dynamic as you can imagine. He made sharp decisive cuts and was the best athlete on the field. He also looked like he still had some left in the tank in the 4th QTR. He was someone who was at a ton of camps this summer and they're paying off immediately. My favorite play of the night, he was 1 broken tackle away from adding a 100-yard punt return TD to this list. He ended up with a 70-yard return on that one, but it was an incredible effort to pick up a bouncing ball and change the field position, again. I think after Week 1, he immediately moves into the category of someone to watch every week the rest of the season. You don't crack 300 yards in week 1 unless you're doing something right. He's got the athleticism to do this every week, but we'll see if he's able to make it consistent. If so, he's going to explode in his recruitment journey.   [player_tooltip player_id='200198' first='Carson' last='Terrell'] - Northeastern - QB - 6'1" 200lbs - 2023   Terrell is someone I think highly of and he came right out and didn't miss a beat. I saw him at a few camps this summer and the progression was noticeable immediately. He's humble, works hard, and more importantly has some really good intangibles. I really like his arm. It's fluid, he doesn't strain and can throw from multiple different angles. He's able to throw on the run, in the pocket, and create on the fly. He's athletic enough to tuck it and run as well. This past Friday, he came out and was ready to go. His offense hung 48 and the reality is, they probably could have kept going. Terrell got into a rhythm early and never looked back. He did exactly what anyone should when they are the best player on the field, light it up. He ended the night with 3 passing TDs and an easy win. I believe this is the start of a new regime at Northeastern as well. Either way, there's no better way to start the season and Terrell has to feel pretty good with where he's at after that performance. Big things are in store for him and Week 1 was just the tip of the iceberg.   [player_tooltip player_id='146759' first='Caden' last='Gordon'] - Castle HS - QB - 6'0" 180lbs - 2023   Gordon had a really good week 1 and think is just starting to reach his stride. Early in the game, while he did look a bit nervous, was dialed in and started making throws and got settled into a groove. The house was packed on both sides of the ball as well. Gordon is someone who is fairly decent on the run. He doesn't have the biggest arm, but he knows to keep his shoulders square and keep his eyes downfield. He's athletic enough to extend plays or take off when he needs to. He seems to see the field well and will come off reads if they aren't there. It's a work in progress, but as is with every QB ever. He's got a nice touch to his ball and likes to drop it in on an arch. He can step up and fire it over the middle but is best when his arm is loose. His footwork was up and down throughout the night, but overall I think he's come a long way in that department. He ended the night with 266 passing yards and 3 TDs. The confidence grew over the evening and I think he's only going to get better as the season progresses. He's absolutely on the list of guys we should be watching moving forward!   [player_tooltip player_id='325853' first='Damon' last='Sturm'] - Terre Haute North Vigo - RB - 5'11" 180lbs - 2023   Sturm is, in my opinion, one of the more complete backs in the state. Sometimes, coaches use competition against a player but he does exactly what you should if you're clearly the best player on the field. Dominate. He's coming off a year with just under 1700 scrimmage yards. That doesn't add his 1100 special teams yards. Friday, was no different. The dude came out and did what he does best. Move the ball and score touchdowns. He was decisive with his cuts, stuck his foot in the ground, and got uphill. He finished the night with 158 rushing yards and a TD. He's more than a capable receiver and gets used in the slot as well. He added a few more receptions and a 36-yard TD through the air as well. Football is simple. Move the ball and score touchdowns. Sturm helps your team do that. Week 1 was a typical day's work for him. Pushing 200 scrimmage yards and 2 TDs to get his season rolling is right in line with what you expect. He's hard to bring down, has the speed to take it to the house, and is a threat as a receiver. In my opinion, he's got the potential to be a workhorse at the next level. We'll see how the rest of the season goes, but Week 1 was a regular day's work.

Indiana High School football is back in full swing. This past week, we got the ball rolling once again. I understand there are likely thousands of elite performances from across the state. The best way to be featured moving forward is to tag me on Twitter. I'm doing my best, but can't help highlight someone if I don't know who you are or don't see you going wild!