5 Dynamic Indiana Recruits With Elite Upside
D’Andre Black – Bloomington South – WR – 6’3″ 175lbs – 2024 Black is a fun possession WR who is able to move the chains regularly. He’s got a long frame and it allows him to adjust and make some…
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Continue ReadingD’Andre Black – Bloomington South – WR – 6’3″ 175lbs – 2024
Black is a fun possession WR who is able to move the chains regularly. He’s got a long frame and it allows him to adjust and make some nice grabs. He’s able to highpoint the ball and bring it down over some decent defenders. He’s also got strong hands and can catch the ball on his fingertips which helps his possession ability. While he’s got a fantastic frame, he is a bit light right now but as he develops physically, you can expect that to change. His route running will need some work at the next level, but with his frame and hands, I think there’s a chance he’s a RedZone scoring machine. Black is also a decent blocker in the running game. He’s aggressive and will try to throw his guy on the ground. He’s aware of the sideline and always gets 1 foot in as well. He’s got a fantastic vertical and showcased it one week with a nice hurdle. There’s so much to like with Black and where he is and where he can be. He’s off to a great start and hopefully, he keeps the train rolling.
Zach Schultz – Castle – DT/FB – 5’10” 200lbs – 2023
Schultz is my favorite type of player. A hardnose gritty player who does all the little things to help his team win, but doesn’t always get the stat book love. Whether he’s on offense or defense, you’re getting every ounce from Schultz. Offensively, he’s able to get to the second level and turn his guy inside out and drive them back. He’s not tricked with blitzes and can be reliable in pass protection. Defensively, he’s a high-energy guy and just has a way of finding the alley to make the play. He’s crafty and seemingly finds ways to make plays that he shouldn’t be able to. He’s got a good center of gravity and understands how to use his strength and leverage to his advantage. Schultz feels like the guy who is going to develop at the next level and turn into a starter guys like to be around. Everything you hear and see about him on and off the field checks out. He’s a fun recruit to watch and has as bright of a future as anyone you’ll come across.
Jai’Vale Fredericks – Hammond Morton – OL – 6’4″ 285lbs – 2026
Fredericks stands out as obvious as they come. He’s a freshman who stands at 6’4″ 285lbs. You can’t miss him when he walks into a room. Then, when he steps on the field you love what you see. Yes, he’s a bit young so there is development to be had, but the raw abilities make you excited. He’s incredibly strong, knows how to anchor his feet, and is playing with more confidence with each snap. He’s able to set the edge and gives his guys a piece of mind. He’s athletic enough to go on the move as well. He’s fairly nimble as well and doesn’t appear to have many issues bending. When he’s coming downhill in the running game, he’s going to clear the way. In the passing game, he’s able to set his feet but the mechanics need some love. He’s got all the tools, and the size, to develop into an elite Starting Tackle at the next level. He’s playing as a Freshman and is balling out which only bodes well for his future. Keep your eyes on Fredericks. He isn’t going anywhere and he just arrived.
Tayvion Ortman Tayvion Ortman 6'4" | 230 lbs | DL New Prairie | 2023 State IN – New Prairie – LB/TE – 6’3″ 225lbs – 2023
Ortman is a complete package on the field. If you need someone to rush the passer, play the run, or play Special Teams Ortman is your guy. He’s versatile and smart. His athleticism allows him to move around and play every phase of the game. Defensively is where he’s at his best. Ortman is able to see things as they’re developing and can usually react to make the play. He trusts his eyes and won’t get baited or caught trying to be greedy to make a play. While there are times being a bit stronger would help him, he’s going to develop more at the collegiate level. Ortman is able to come to balance and make tough plays in the open field. He’s to come off the edge and rush the passer as well. He understands run fits and when and how to plug gaps. Ortman was one of the state’s leading tacklers last year for good reason. He understands defense and how to play it. He’s a good athlete and is still getting better. There’s a lot to like with Ortman and what he can offer at the next level and this season is off to his typical elite start.
Tyler Bradle – Hamilton Southeastern – QB – 6’3″ 190lbs – 2023
Bradle is off to a fantastic start and looks good doing it. He’s playing with a ton of confidence and is just letting it rip all over the field. His footwork seems to be rather decent, especially for his age and doesn’t panic when things break down. He keeps his base wide, stays off his heels, and reacts to what’s in front of him. He’s athletic enough to take off and run as well when he needs to. He won’t hesitate to pull the ball and take off. There are times he’s able to rip it on a frozen rope to his guy and then other times he’s able to drop it in a bucket over the shoulder. While he doesn’t have the biggest or best arm, it’s more than serviceable, especially as he gets into a college lifting program. The good thing for Bradle is that he’s smart and has good feet. He’ll be lightyears ahead of most young guns who are coming in. Bradle is as steady and calm in the pocket as they come. I do think there are times he stares down his receiver, but he’s a young QB and still learning. Where he is now, he’s in a good spot development wise. Bradle is completely under the radar in terms of where he should be. He’s been playing at a high level this fall and he’s going to make some QB room in the country really happy on signing day.