4 2024 Recruits Who Capitalized On Their Senior Season

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We've got 4 recruits in the 2024 class who took advantage of this season and maximized their opportunities and showcased why they could be a contributor at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='301144' first='Tanner' last='Boyd'] - Gibson Southern - QB - 6'0" 175lbs - 2024</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gibson is wrapping up his 2nd season starting and has continued to improve week after week. He's been in total command of the offense since he got his first start and has only grown with confidence on the field. He's best sitting back in the pocket, reading the field, and throwing with anticipation. He's as dangerous as anyone in the pocket with his ability to throw guys open and being able to anticipate breaks and cuts. There are times when the WR isn't quite on the same page, but that's not on Boyd. He knows the offense, he knows his outlets, and where to go with the ball. He doesn't have the biggest arm strength-wise, but it's capable and he's fairly accurate, which is his strong suit. Over the past 2 seasons, Boyd has completed 68% of his throws, thrown for 3,300 yards and 34 TDs. While he is best in the pocket, he's always used his legs when he needs to. He does a great job pulling the ball and moving the chains with his legs when he needs to. He's added 1,000 yards and 18 TDs on the ground during that span. I'm a big fan of Boyd and the high level of efficiency he plays at, so I'd love to see him get a shot at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Twitter: <strong>@Boyd_2024</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1063933' first='Brayden' last='Baker'] - Bedford North - LB - 6'2" 200lbs - 2024</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Baker is a hidden gem right in the heart of Indiana. About an hour south of Indianapolis hides this pretty large gem waiting to be discovered. More often than not, there's been 1 guy on the field who seems like he doesn't quite belong, and that's Baker. He's a step ahead of the offense, incredibly violent at the point of attack, and has a fantastic frame with a ton of natural strength which allows him to throw around offensive players and make plays fairly easily. He's got good lateral movement and can jump gap to gap without an issue. He's long and does a good job wrapping up and has a longer reach than most normal LBs. He sees the field well and doesn't hesitate to come downhill to make the play. This season he's put up 70 tackles and 3 passes deflected. There could be more stats, but it doesn't seem fully updated. However, it's more about the intangibles and what he can offer long-term. Baker has all the tools to develop into a stud at the next level and seems to be just reaching the tip of his potential. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Twitter: <strong>@BraydenBaker_14</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1063934' first='Cameron' last='Bell'] - Michigan City - ATH - 5'9" 165lbs - 2024</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bell is a super-dynamic athlete who just flies all over the field. He's carried the ball, been a receiver, and been the main return man for quite some time. He's usually the fastest player on the field and then can make just about anyone miss. He's like a jitterbug and will shake you without losing any speed. Some guys have that rare ability to accelerate and make cuts without slowing down at all, and that's Bell. If he sees a crease, he's going to take it and once he's out the backdoor, good luck. He's also someone you can use to go in motion and draw the defense's attention. He's great in jetsweeps and forcing the defense to play the full-field east/west. He'll get the corner and rip off a huge run if they don't react in time. On the year he's put up 700 all-purpose yards and broke off an 87-yarder as his longest return of the year. Bell is fun and someone who could be a dynamic addition to an offense that needs some juice.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Twitter: <strong>@CamBell2024</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1063932' first='Cole' last='Gonzales'] - Chesteron - LB - 6'0" 215lbs - 2024</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gonzales has been a lone bright spot in a defense that has had its issues as a whole this year. There have been times Gonzales has made the play to turn the tide and give them some momentum. He's a hard hitter and seems like he takes hitting personally. He loves to lay the ball carrier out and make an impact tackle. Yet, he's fairly consistent and doesn't get greedy. There are times he lurks in the 2nd level, makes his read, and closes as violently as anyone in the area. He moves well laterally and does a great job getting off blocks to make the tackle when the ball comes his way. He's even been athletic enough to be a gunner regularly on Special Teams and be an impactful player there as well. On the season he put up 72 tackles, 3 PBUs, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 TFL. He's not someone who gets to rush the passer very often, yet has shown when he gets the opportunity he can create pressure. Gonzales is the type of recruit to go unnoticed until he's making plays on Saturdays and everyone else wonders where he came from and why they missed him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Twitter: <strong>@ColeGonzales54</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->