6 Offensive Recruits Worth Their Weight In Gold

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We've already zipped through most of the season and heading into the playoff season. As we turn the corner, we're stopping and taking a look at recruits who have had a tremendous year and will make an impact at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Logan Ahaus - Lawrenceburg - QB - 6'3" 205lbs - 2024</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ahaus has come out and had his best season yet. To this point, he's looked much more sound and confident with the ball in his hands. In previous years, there were times he'd lock onto his reads and not come off. This year, that's cleaned up quite a bit. While not perfect, he's noticeably improved in that area. He's reading the coverage and taking what the defense is giving him. With his height and weight, he's able to stand in the pocket and deliver the ball under duress. He's not afraid to take a hit in the pocket and bounce right back up. He's not someone to be overly aggressive and make the killer decision down the field. He's more than fine, and patient enough, to dink and dunk his way down the field if he has to. Yes, some young QBs will get frustrated and want the home run shot. But, that's playing QB. Understanding what's going on in front of you and reacting accordingly. It's only led to a 7-1 record to start the season and one of the most prolific offenses in the area. Having an elite defense helps, but not making the mistake, and moving the ball while scoring Touchdowns is an effective way to be really tough to beat. Ahaus has a big frame, is very smart on the field with the ball, and can be patient yet has the arm to make just about any throw you'd want him to. There's a lot to like with Ahaus and what he is and where he can be a few years down the road with some development.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Jaden Sykes - Bishop Luers - OT - 6'3" 285lbs - 2023</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sykes is someone who really started to come along and stand out during the second half of last season. As this season has gone along, he's only continued to improve and build upon his performance from last year. He's bigger and stronger which immediately helps him in the trenches. He's played both on the inside and outside of the line and is able to adjust to any position he's been put at to this point. Yes, there can be some rough moments, but if he makes a mistake he typically doesn't make the same mistake again. His footwork has improved and he's able to set base in the passing game. If he's able to stay off his heels, he wins with ease. Like most linemen, when he's on the move he's a force to be reckoned with. He's got the ability to get his man on the second level and be a lead blocker in the A and B gaps. If Sykes is able to get into the weight room and continue developing like he has, he's going to blossom into a fantastic prospect and player for someone at the next level. His raw abilities are there and he's developing as he should. A versatile OL with as much upside as anyone in the area should be more than enough to intrigue schools when the time comes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>[player_tooltip player_id='185236' first='Preston' last='Jarvis'] - Brownsburg - C/LS - 6'1" 265lbs - 2023</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jarvis is one of, if not the best, Center in the state, yet still doesn't get quite the love he should. He's an incredible athlete who controls the LOS and everything upfront. He's got a good head on his shoulders and has been taught football at a high level. He's able to see and call out blitzes, see things coming, and help his teammates at a higher level than pretty much every other Center in the state. Jarvis has a fantastic center of gravity and is able to control his body as well. He's off the ball quick and is as consistent as they come with snaps to the shotgun. While he doesn't have much experience with Under Center work, there's no doubt he'll be able to pick it up at the collegiate level without an issue. He's able to Long Snap and play on Special Teams as well. He's athletic enough to get downfield and cover punts. He's not afraid to go down and make a hit on a returner. While he's not the strongest guy, he's still very strong and getting stronger. Jarvis is someone who will flourish in the right lifting program and become a compact tank who controls the LOS. Jarvis is a complete package recruit who has all the tools, tangible and intangible, to develop into a star at the next level. Some school is going to end up very happy on signing day because they know they just got a gem.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Brad Schultz - Triton Central - WR/DB - 5'9" 165lbs - 2023</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Schultz is one of the most consistent and dynamic WRs in the state. The connection he and his QB, [player_tooltip player_id='322399' first='Jace' last='Stuckey'], have is incredible and fun to watch. He knows how to get open and can read things on the fly. Him and Stuckey are always in sync and trust each other when it matters the most. Defenses know that's where Stuckey wants to go with the ball, and they still can't stop it. When he's covered, he's open. He's able to adjust his body in the air and knows where to go and Stuckey will give him a chance. The passing game goes through Schultz and everything he's able to do. He's good in the screen game and has the ability to break tackles and make guys miss. He's got the speed to get to the second level and do some damage. He's a threat down the field as well and can make some pretty incredible grabs on his way down to the ground. He's got a fantastic vertical as well and can go up. He's got sticky hands and won't drop the ball once it hits his hands, even when he's way up in the air and takes a hard fall to the ground. He's a selfless blocker in the running game as well. He understands the no block no rock mentality. He'll come down and seal the edge, go down the field 20-yards to make a block, and light someone up in Special Teams. Schultz will have a big block clearing the alley for a huge run and then he'll be the most excited guy on the field for his teammate. It's fun to watch. He's also someone who could return kicks and be a threat there as well. His ability to create and make something out of nothing would get a chance to come out a bit more. I know size is going to be a concern and excuse for some schools, but it shouldn't be. If you can ball, you can ball. Schultz can ball and it's as simple as that. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Evan Triggs - Cathedral - T - 6'4" 225lbs - 2024</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Triggs is an exciting prospect because he immediately jumps off the tape out at you. He's a raw, but fantastic athlete with incredible upside. For his frame, he currently is a bit light, but there's obviously a ton of room for growth. He's incredibly long, very nimble, and explosive off the ball. There are times in the passing game he can get beat by a speed rusher on the outside. As he develops with footwork and gaining depth, I expect that to clean up. As he puts weight on and comes along physically, I expect that to be most noticeable in the running game and how he's able to move guys off the ball. He's got the leverage and advantages naturally because of his size. He'll only become more forceful as time goes on. Triggs is a T who could go on the move and be a lead blocker in the running game as well. With his length, he's likely to stay at Tackle. He's almost always going to get first contact on a defender which allows him to control and direct the fight. He's instinctive and cares about what he's doing on the field and that stands out. Yes, there are areas he needs some development, but every recruit does. Triggs offers so much upside and potential that it's almost crazy he hasn't been found by everyone yet. He's protecting the blind side for one of, if not the best, QBs in the state. Triggs is light on his feet and can move as well as anyone his size. He takes pride in defending his guys and standing up for them when necessary. Triggs has much upside as anyone in the region and wherever he ends up, I imagine it'll be a great day in that office.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Nathan Munson - Elkhart - TE/DE - 6'3" 225lbs - 2024</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Munson is a true TE who can move around and be as versatile as you need. He can be on the ball, off the ball, or in the backfield as a FB. He's a rangy athlete who has really long legs and long strides. He's got decent speed and burst and is able to make plays down the field. Munson is reliable in the blocking game and is able to seal an edge or go in motion and crack block. He's a team player and understands the importance of TE and all the things they do. In my opinion, having an elite TE opens up so much of an offense that you didn't have before. Having a guy with the size and range of Munson who can be on the line and fake block and get downfield on a route is invaluable. While he's not perfect, he understands blitz pickup and typically who his guy is. When he gets the ball, he's able to run through tackles and fight for tough yards. He's good in the Red Zone and is a legit threat defenses have to account for. The way Elkhart uses him and moves him around is appreciated, at least from me. Some schools would stick him on the end of the line and call it a day. Munson is much more than that and Elkhart uses hm to the best of his abilities. As he develops physically and puts some weight on, you can expect him to become more of a physical prescience, especially with the ball in his hands. Munson is a sound recruit with the ability to really take off and blow up at the next level and I'm anxious to see where he ends up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->