Rising Offensive Recruits After the 2023 UINDY Mega Camp

<p>On Saturday, UINDY hosted its annual MEGA Camp and these are just 6 of the offensive recruits who I really liked and had a good day. A defensive piece will be out tomorrow, so don't forget to check back then!</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='570661' first='Ryan' last='Zimmerman'] - Guerin Catholic - QB - 6'6" 215lbs - 2024</h2>   <p>Zimmerman heads into the 2023 season as one of the single biggest wildcards in the state. This past season, he was on his way to a prolific season where he was lighting up the scoreboard. An injury in the 4th game of the season ended his season. In 11 quarters of football, Zimmerman had put up 12 TDs, 1035 passing yards, and was completing 66% of his passes. As I said, they were moving the ball up and down the field with ease. Had his injury not happened, there's no doubt in my mind Zimmerman would have been pushing for some of the top production numbers for QBs. So, let's get to Saturday. Truthfully, early on I think he was a bit nervous. Seemed a bit tight, and I can't say I blame him. Coming off a big injury, I'm sure there was some hesitation about his recovery. However, I'm here to tell you he looked absolutely fantastic. The one thing I didn't mention is his ability to run and be a dual-threat. He's back he's healthy, and looked great during the athletic testing. He also looked fairly confident during some of the passing sessions/1 on 1s. He stands at 6'6" so he can clearly see the field well. He's got a nice release and step into a ball and put some heat behind it. He's able to hit sideline targets downfield as well as throw with some anticipation. An overall solid day for Zimmerman in my opinion, but I'll pound the table for him. If he stays healthy this year, he'll have one of the best seasons of any QB in the state. Injuries aren't a concern for him as it was a fluky-type thing as he's played other full seasons for them. If comeback player of the year was a thing in HS ball, Zimmerman would be my bet this year.</p>   <p>Twitter: <strong>@RyanZimm30</strong></p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='603981' first='Nolan' last='McCullough'] - Penn - QB - 6'2" 200lbs - 2024</h2>   <p>McCullough came to UIndy and had a reasonably decent day across the board. The first thing to point out is that he comes from a run-heavy/triple-threat type offense that doesn't allow him to pass often. To make up for that, he's always been a fantastic athlete. He's someone who can and will cut up defenses with his legs. He left the day with one of the faster 40s and better overall athletic testing for QBs, but that's not why I chose to highlight him. There's no denying that of all the QBs there, McCullough wasn't "the big name", but I'm not always looking for the biggest and best names. I liked McCullough because he was one of the more locked-in guys from the start. He was asking tough questions, fighting to take extra reps, and most importantly, didn't get in his head or down on himself. What I like most is his arm has more potential than he's been able to show to this point. He's got a decent release and can put some zip on the ball. There were a few throws he dropped over the top of a defender. For a guy who doesn't get to throw a ton in-game, he really does a good job keeping his shoulders square and eyes downfield looking for a receiver as he rolls out. I pulled up his tape from last year and the same traits come through. He was phenomenal in the run game as you might imagine, but then also made some really nice throws throughout the year. He's someone who could have a bit more untapped potential than some other QBs just because the passing game upside still sitting in there waiting to be found. McCullough came down to Indy and had the exact kind of day he needed to have.</p>   <p>Twitter: <strong>@NolanMcC26</strong></p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='693249' first='Kaden' last='Hurst'] - Leo - WR - 6'0" 180lbs - 2024</h2>   <p>Hurst is one of the better-rising WRs in Northern Indiana and for really good reasons. He's always working out with the best, training with the best, and competing against the best. He's always able to come through and make big plays. He's an elite athlete who makes a lot of things look easy. He's in and out of his breaks with ease and that was apparent Saturday as well. Saturday was his 3rd straight day of being at a camp. His testing was still towards the top and more importantly, he was one of the most consistent WRs in drill work. Incredibly quick feet, doesn't look down to see his feet, and always near the front of lines looking for a rep. He had one grab over the middle of the field where he stretched out, caught it in stride, and didn't lose any momentum. While that sounds juvenile and like every football play ever, it wasn't a normal catch. I don't want to say he laid out because he didn't dive, but it felt like he did, except he stayed on his feet. Truthfully, it was 1 play in the middle of 1 on 1s that didn't really get noticed, but it was a really top-tier play. His game tape shows the same traits, but just with a magnifying glass. He's got incredible ball skills and can make 1 handed grabs falling to the ground. He's got the speed to blow by the back end of the defense and be a deep threat. He's also great with the ball in his hands. He's got some good agility and can make guys miss and pick up a ton of YAC. He put up 5 TDs and averaged 16.1 yards per catch last season on a less-than-stellar passing offense. Being in a new system should help him get more opportunities. There are many reasons he's on the rise, but his performance Saturday combined with his natural talent makes him one of the best gems in this class because wherever he ends up, he's going to make an impact.</p>   <p>Twitter: <strong>@Kaden_Hurst</strong></p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='553019' first='JonAnthony' last='Hall'] - Fishers - WR - 6'1" 170lbs - 2025</h2>   <p>Hall is the name that you're going to be hearing a bunch of over the next 2 years if you haven't begun to hear his name already. And let me tell you, there are so many reasons to be excited about Hall and his upside. Hall is someone that even before Saturday I thought highly of, but now realize I've been way too low on. He was one of the smoothest operators on the field Saturday from start to finish. He was gliding around the field, stuck out like a sore thumb (in a good way), and then left with coaches talking about him after the camp. A good indicator that you lit up a camp is when you go to the pizza room afterward and everyone is saying your name. He's explosive, he can catch everything that comes his way and can jump out of a gym, literally. He's just finished 4th in the state in the long jump with 23'1". The best part about Hall is that everything I saw on Saturday and am talking about here, translates straight to his film. He's able to get open with ease, change direction, and has YAC ability as well. He's also shifty enough to move inside and play the slot if needed. The only thing with Hall is that his talent and attention don't stop at football. Hall is a state finalist in the long jump and a highly decorated basketball recruit, for good reason. Everyone sees the raw athlete he is, what he's already doing, and thinking about what he can do. Hall left Saturday as a clear winner in my mind. If they didn't know who he was before the camp, they sure did afterward. Hall should be someone that is on every team's radar between here and Neptune.</p>   <p>Twitter: <strong>@JonAnthony_Hall</strong></p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='616581' first='McClain' last='Miller'] - Northridge - RB - 6'2" 215lbs - 2024</h2>   <p>Miller is such an enticing back and looks even better in person. His frame and size advantage is obvious, yet doesn't impact his ability to move or bend. He's a good athlete, especially for his size at RB, and has no issue getting low. He's much faster than you'd anticipate as well. He had one of the better 40 times on the day and has a 4.66 40 time to his name. He accelerates quickly and his really strong legs help that. He's well-built and doesn't seem to struggle with contact either. In fact, he's someone who gets better with some contact as it wakes him up a bit. While he is a bigger back, he went out and caught the ball fairly well. He's not a guy who will get open a ton if running routes, but he can catch and more importantly, BPU when needed. I've looked at his tape before and he's the same player. He's consistent in who he is, the way he operates, and the mentality he's got on the field. In between the white, he wants to light you up. Outside of it, he'll shake your hand. Maybe that's just what makes football special, but either way, I felt Miller really had a great day in drill work and just interacting with those around him. Some guys get shy, hide in the back, and hope someone sees them. Some guys show up, work, say hi to people, and get better. Miller fits that second mold. With a Junior year that saw him put up 979 rushing yards and 11 rushing TDs, he's looking for more, and he's got the talent. Miller is going to end up making some program very happy when he inks with them.</p>   <p>Twitter: <strong>@McClainMiller1</strong></p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='859318' first='Tyler' last='Frieden'] - Center Grove - OL - 6'6" 270lbs - 2024</h2>   <p>Frieden really had a good day all around. A lot of times, OL doesn't get any love from a camp so I made sure to find a new (to me at least) OL recruit to hammer who looked good. First off, the most obvious thing is his size. Standing at 6'6" and 270lbs you can be hard to miss. For a guy with his size, his feet aren't bad. While there are moments they can get a bit heavy and choppy, it's a fundamental thing that'll clean up quickly with the right position coach. He's got plenty of natural strength and is able to use his height to his advantage more often than not. It gives him the leverage advantage and he put a few defenders down on Saturday. With his arm length, he's just about always going to get first contact which can really dictate how that rep is going to go. When he's coming downhill in the running game, he's not the guy you want to see coming your way. There's no doubt that he's a bit raw in a few categories, but very few guys have the frame and length that he possesses. If he's developed properly, he could anchor an offensive line and protect the blindside for years to come. Frieden left the camp with his first D1 offer and you can anticipate that number to grow in the coming months. He looked good on Saturday and is still growing and learning. The sky is the limit with a recruit like him and hopefully, he lands in the right situation, because Frieden could be a game-changer up front at the next level.</p>   <p>Twitter: <strong>@TylerFrieden1</strong></p>

On Saturday, UINDY hosted its annual MEGA Camp and these are just 6 of the offensive recruits who I really liked and had a good day. A defensive piece will be out tomorrow, so don't forget to check back then!