Northwest Indiana 2023 Recruits Being Slept On
Northwest Indiana has always had some great talent but hasn’t always gotten a good look. We’re diving into NW Indiana in the coming weeks and today we’ve got a good list of recruits to get us started! Rodney Gates –…
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Continue ReadingNorthwest Indiana has always had some great talent but hasn’t always gotten a good look. We’re diving into NW Indiana in the coming weeks and today we’ve got a good list of recruits to get us started!
Rodney Gates – Elkhart – WR – 6’1″ 178lbs
Gates is an uber-athletic receiver who does everything for Elkhart. They give him deep shots, send him in motion, draw up screens, and let him return kicks. When the ball is in his hands he’s going to make plays. If you throw the ball his way, he’s going to go up and make the play. He can be twitchy and make guys miss, create separation, and then throw his hands up late and make the play. He’s able to track the ball over the shoulder and make the play. He catches the ball once and doesn’t let it bobble. He’s got a nice second gear that allows him to run under balls and make the play. He’s willing to block in the running game as well and likes to try burying his guy. When in motion and gets the ball, he’s shown good vision and the ability to weave through traffic to get downfield. Gates is someone who does a lot of things well, has really good ball skills, and feels like someone who could develop into a route technician. That offense’s passing game goes through Gates and the things he’s able to do for them. He makes play after play because of his ability to get open and catch just about everything that comes his way. Gates is the type of receiver who comes in, develops for a year, and becomes a reliable piece for his college program. There’s a lot to like with Gates and the things he can do on the field and someone is going to get themselves a really good wideout.
Raekwon Lemons – Elkhart – T – 6’4″ 305lbs
Lemons is a big body Tackle who gives Elkhart a sense of relief when he’s on the field. He’s big, strong, fairly nimble for his size, and can handle his own without needing to be babysat. The way he carries himself on the field never changes even when things are going badly for Elkhart. In the running game, he’s downhill quick and can track through traffic and find his landmark. He’s nimble and bends fairly well so he’s more versatile than most guys his size. He’s good on the run and is actually fairly quick for his frame. In the passing game, he’s got a strong enough upper body to manage and hold his ground. His mechanics, gaining depth, and lower body strength are a work in progress but as they progress, Lemons could easily become a very strong and sound player at the college level. I think there’s some work to be done, but he’s got what you need to be successful. I think his athleticism and ability to bend will be what help him succeed as he’s developing. The development from the year prior to this past season for Lemons was massive and you saw a huge leap. He’s been putting the work in this offseason and is gearing up for the season already. If he comes in and takes another step this fall, he’s going to put himself in a great spot and will end up picking the best fit for his future.
LeBarron Burton – West Side – TE/LB – 6’4″ 220lbs
Burton is able to play both sides of the ball for West Side and he can make plays on either side. On defense, he’s got great range and can cover more ground than people think. He’s also stronger and more aggressive than players anticipate as well. He can and he will hit you if he gets the chance. Burton has no problem coming downhill and playing in the box. He’s able to sift through congestion and make the tackle. He’s able to run with the ball carrier as they’re trying to bounce it outside. I do think there are times he can aim a bit too high but it could easily be his height and having to adjust to much shorter offensive players. Offensively, he can be a true TE and a swiss army knife. He can sit on the end of the line and block or run routes and catch balls. He’s also been used in the backfield and in motion to be a lead blocker. Burton’s versatility gives West Side a handful of options on how to deploy him. Last season, the light really clicked and he showed a ton of flash. With his size and versatility, he should draw interest and could make someone really happy down the road.
Aidan Barney – Portage – DE/LB – 6’0″ 205lbs
Barney is a consistent force for Portage when he steps on the field. He’s reliable, versatile, and makes play after play. Whether he’s on the end of the line or lined up at LB he’s going to make the play. He’s got a relentless motor and that’s the first thing you notice. He’s creative and will do what he has to in order to get home. At DE, he’s flexible enough to bend around the edge and quick enough that when they hold him, he still runs by them. He can play the run, fill gaps, or force extend a play to the outside and allow reinforcements to come. At LB, he’s reactionary and doesn’t get baited. He’ll come into the box and play the run, drop back into coverage, or play a spy. He can tackle in space and won’t miss his landmarks. As Barney develops physically and hones in on his mechanics, he could easily turn into a starter at the next level. Whether he plays LB or DE could very well be up to him as well. His versatility and football smarts will give him a longer rope than most recruits. When he’s on the field, he’s going to make plays. Barney also has some experience playing on the OL but not a ton. If anything, it’s been good for him to see the other side so he knows what to look for and then add to his game when he flips back to the other side. Barney is fun, a bit raw, but is a ball player. Wherever he ends up, they’re going to be excited for what Barney becomes for their program.
Phillip Roche Phillip Roche 6'1" | 190 lbs | ATH Merrillville | 2023 State IN – Merrillville – RB/LB – 6’0″ 190lbs
Roche is a freaky athlete who plays both ways for Merrillville. I don’t think I’ve ever seen an RB break a long run and a LB who was at the LOS chase him down, hold him up, rip the ball out of his hands, and take it the other way until Roche did it. That’s the kind of play that ends a man’s career. Roche has a cold swagger to his game on the field and that play was the tip of the iceberg. Roche can run with the best of them. He has elite speed, can cover sideline to sideline, and has good ball skills. He’s going to take his shot at the ball. If he doesn’t come down with it, he’ll teleport to the ball carrier and make the tackle. Roche has a second gear that most guys don’t have. When he opens it up, he can really fly. He flies all over the field making tackle after tackle. Whether they drop him back into coverage or let him go after the QB, Roche is going to make the play. He’s a bit light right now and as he gets stronger and develops physically, he’ll start taking heads off. I do think some schools may consider moving him to Safety because of his ability to run and find the ball. At RB, you see the same traits and insticts. He can fly and when he hits open field, just call for Special Teams and the next series. Roche is someone who could also return kicks at the next level if he was asked to. Wherever he is on the field, his ability to fly and his on-the-field mindset will put him in a great place. Roche is just beginning to get a feel for how good he can be and with another stellar fall, he could be hand-selecting where he wants to play college ball.