7 Indiana Recruits Ascending Into Stardom
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We’re looking at versatile recruits in the state who are blowing up and completely changing the results of games. Donovan Hamilton Donovan Hamilton 6'4" | 190 lbs | WR Hamilton Southeastern | 2024 State IN – Hamilton Southeastern – WR…
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Continue ReadingWe’re looking at versatile recruits in the state who are blowing up and completely changing the results of games.
Donovan Hamilton Donovan Hamilton 6'4" | 190 lbs | WR Hamilton Southeastern | 2024 State IN – Hamilton Southeastern – WR – 6’4″ 190lbs – 2024
Hamilton is a freakish athlete who is just starting to hit his stride and figure out how good he can be. He quite literally stands out. Then, he’s the fastest, strongest, and best player out there. If you throw the ball in his vicinity, he’s going to come down with it. He’s able to take make contested catches even while getting smoked. His vertical is elite and he’s able to go up and over just about everyone he’ll ever come across. His arms are insanely long and his hands are strong enough to make 1 handed grabs. Until today, I hadn’t come across Hamilton but I’m not sure how I missed him. Hamilton is a 6’4″ unicorn who has the caliber to be a starter day 1 at the next level and is always open. Even when he’s potentially covered, he’s open, I promise. While he isn’t asked to much, Hamilton could very easily dominate in the blocking part of the running game. He gives me George Pickens vibes in the blocking game. A physical WR who could easily take pride in embarrassing a DB through the ground and air. I’m pretty excited to be heading to the Hamilton Southeastern and Brownsburg game this week. With all of the talent that is going to be on the field Friday night, Hamilton is the one guy who should be on literally every board from coast to coast. Hamilton is one of, if not the best WR in the state and he’s still got another year of development coming. Keep an eye on him because he’s a name to remember.
Robert Nabieu – South Bend Riley – RB – 5’10” 175lbs – 2024
Nabieu has had flashes this season where he’s given the coaching staff things to be excited about. He’s a really good athlete who is a bit raw and still coming along but he’s made plays every step of the way. When he gets the ball in his hands, he’s got a knack for finding open grass and making guys miss. Nabieu’s elite track background translates right to the field, especially when it comes to reaction speed. This year, he’s had a few good games, a few slow games, and then last week. Last week didn’t start off like it was going to be a historic night for him, but it was. He wore them down, was impossible to tackle, and is the fastest guy on the field. In the 4 QTR when the others got gassed, Nabieu was just getting warmed up. He showed some elite vision and really good contact balance all night. No matter what they did, the defense just could not wrap him up later in the game. Nabiueu finished the night with 313 rushing yards and TD runs from 5, 44, 56, and 63 yards respectively. If this is a sign of things to come, Nabieu could easily blossom into one of the most dynamic and explosive recruits in the area.
Carson Johnson – Cathedral – RB – 5’9″ 175lbs – 2023
Johnson has come along nicely for Cathedral and is really starting to flourish. So far this season, he’s really come into his own. He’s playing with a ton of confidence, making good cuts, and exploding downhill with the ball in his hands. He’s decisive with where he wants to go when he’s got the ball in his hands. He’s able to make some guys miss on the second level and run through some arm tackles. He’s got a tendency to want to bounce it outside, but as he develops, I imagine his feet and vision will sync up more. He’s got fast feet and they’re able to take him to where he wants to go. In pass protection, there’s some work to do. As he puts some weight on and gets in the weight room, I think it’ll help round off and complete his game. Johnson is fantastic in the open field and could be a nice weapon all over the field. Johnson has a nose for the end zone and continues to get better week by week. He’s shifty and can make good things happen with the ball in his hands.
Jesiah Richardson Jesiah Richardson 6'2" | 245 lbs | DL Terre Haute North Vigo | 2023 IN – Terre Haute North Vigo – DT – 6’2″ 260lbs – 2023
Richardson is a fantastic recruit who has gone under the radar for way too long. He’s as physical and aggressive as they come inside the trenches. He plays angry and is able to throw guys around all the time. He’s got violent hands and will attack the lineman across from him. He’s able to split some double teams right through the middle and make the play. He’s got long arms and is able to defend the run. His long arms allow him to reach over gaps and get a hold of ball carriers. Richardson continually gets pressure right up the middle. He affects the running game so much to the point they blatantly try avoiding him sometimes. Richardson is also fairly explosive off the ball for a guy with his frame, which should get schools excited. He’s a real 260lbs with a fantastic center of gravity and is light on his feet. Richardson is the type of recruit who comes in, develops, and plugs the center of your line for the foreseeable future. Having a DT who can play the run and the pass makes things easy for coaches and gives the rest of the defense some flexibility. There’s a lot to like with him and where he’s at now and where he can be down the road.
Luke Valerio – Heritage Christian – WR/KR – 5’9″ 165lbs – 2023
Valerio is a dynamic recruit who puts Defenses and Special Teams on edge. Valerio is very creative with the ball in his hands and is able to make something out of nothing, almost every time. I’m not sure why, but teams are still kicking to him. That’s a fairly bad idea. Valerio is one of most dynamic and exciting returners in the state and can house it every time he gets a chance. He is a shorter receiver, but that makes him hard to find and tackle on Special Teams. That, and he’s got pretty good agility and is able to change directions with the best of them. When he breaks the first wave and sees green, he’s going to hit the jets. Offensively, he’s shown the ability to be a deep threat and make plays down the field. He’s able to climb the ladder and make plays from time to time. However, he’s fantastic in the short-area game and screen game. His ability to create comes out again and he’s able to help move the chains. To this point of the year, he’s got a handful of returned kicks for TDs. A set of 95 and 99 yard kicks lead the way. On the 99-yard return clip, Valerio was clocked at 18.4 MPH via Telemetry Sports. Valerio can fly, make plays, and change the game on Special Teams. He’s going to end up as a steal for some school who, at worst case scenario, just locked in their return game for the next 4-5 years. Everything I’ve heard and seen about Valerio checks out and his work ethic is top notch and I’m pretty curious to see where he goes because he may shock some people when he arrives.
Nathaniel Hedrick – Columbus East – K – 5’9″ 155lbs – 2023
Hedrick has had his best year to date by a long shot. He’s been good in other years but the consistency is there. His swing, plant, and follow through just seem much cleaner and faster this year. He’s hitting the ball square and getting good directional push when he needs to. He’s been sending kickoffs to be touch backs at a higher rate than ever before. He’s been able to kick in some adverse environments throughout his career and make some big kicks. He’s also really improved his directional kickoffs as well and has been able to give Columbus East an extra tool in the shed with his leg. XPs are as automatic as they can be at this level and Hedrick always follows through and doesn’t get lazy with his swing. Some guys feel like they strain to hit the ball and get the distance they want on it. Hedrick doesn’t have that issue and seems to be in control when he’s on the field. Hedrick is a sound kicker and is likely going to help a program more than they realize at first.
Clarence Cunningham – Avon – DB/CB – 5’10” 150lbs – 2024
Cunningham has had his best season to date by far and is getting better each week. He’s a legit Corner who has no issue lining up out wide without Safety help over the top. He’s got good closing speed and likes to stay back and strike when he’s sure what’s happening. He’s not afraid to lower his head and make a tackle as well. His hips are loose and he’s able to turn and run without an issue. While he’s not the fastest Corner, he’s got more than enough speed to be successful and then a bunch of the other tools you look for. Cunningham knows how to defend a pass when the receiver goes up to make the play. He typically won’t be early and get caught interfering. He’s light on his feet and won’t get caught backpedaling late. I think as he develops and gets into a collegiate lifting program he’ll be a much more physical player. He’s not afraid of contact and his confidence never wagers. Cunningham has another year of school left before he comes out but he’s in a great spot right now and is only going to get more looks as time moves on.