Outside the Huddle and Blitz are counting down who it feels are the top 50 individual players in northeast Indiana heading into the 2020 season.
Today, we unveil five of the best in the area at positions No. 45-41.
No. 45: Cade Dinan, Carroll – Senior, CB
One of the top cover corners in the SAC is also arguably one of its most underrated. A three-year starter, Dinan is getting college interest and will surely play at the next level in some capacity.
Dinan truly has a “corner’s build” at 5-foot-8 and about 155 pounds. He is not overly fast but has quick feet and has great intangibles in playing the corner spot.
Dinan will be a three-year starter for the Chargers and led the team in INTs last year with four.
COACH’S QUOTE ON CADE DINAN
“Without question we have seen great growth in (Cade) as a player, but the greatest development has been in his leadership in the program. We are excited about his senior season.” – Carroll coach Doug Dinan
No. 44: Alex Currie, Adams Central – Junior, SB/DB
In 2019, Currie emerged as one of the best two-way players in the ACAC. Considering he was just a sophomore, his 1,000-yard rushing season was even more impressive.
In a year that the Flying Jets were expected to reload for 2021 and beyond, Currie and his compatriots put together a 12-win campaign last season, the highlighting being a victory over South Adams in the regional round.
Currie finished 2019 with 1,092 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground from his slotback position. He also hauled in 15 passes for 230 yards and two TDs.
Defensively, Currie finished fourth on the team in tackles with 97 to go with 3.5 tackles for loss and a pair of INTs.
COACH’S QUOTE ON ALEX CURRIE
“Alex is very worthy of this nomination. He had an outstanding season last year as a sophomore – he truly got better and better each game. I think that he will be very potent this year and is the key to our success. He will play a major role for us both offensively and defensively – one that we cannot afford to keep the field. He is not only an outstanding player but a great kid!” – Adams Central coach Michael Mosser
No. 43: Mason Sheron, Leo – Junior, RB/OLB/DE
Leo’s junior class is stacked with talent, with QB Jackson Barbour and Sheron arguably the biggest gems.
Sheron was a force on both sides of the ball last year, disrupting many a play from the edge with his punishing 5-11, 200-pound frame. It was the same on the offensive side of the ball as one of the Lions’ primary running backs.
A 4A Junior First Team All-State selection in 2019, Sheron played the entirety of last year with a labrum tear in his hip. His offseason surgery was delayed due to Covid and he has yet to be cleared to return to action. Hopefully, Sheron will return to the field in the near future for Leo.
No. 42: Kiel Eldridge, Heritage – Junior, WR/OLB
Offers from Purdue and Toledo are just the beginning for Eldridge, a 6-5, 230-pound behemoth that will be a terror on both sides of the ball in 2020.
Eldridge’s quickness off the edge on defense and his burst off the line of scrimmage on offense are his greatest asset, well that and being able to overpower both blockers and ballcarriers alike.
As Coach Casey Kolkman looks to resurrect the Patriots program, having assets like Eldridge for the next two years will definitely help.
COACH’S QUOTE ON KIEL ELDRIDGE
“Kiel is a great kid who is just starting to develop. He has been working with Dre Muhammad at Traction as well as with us this summer and it shows. Physically he is an imposing figure at 6-5, 230 pounds. With that frame we plan to use him at WR/SL on offense and OLB on defense. We are excited to see him in action this fall!” – Heritage coach Casey Kolkman
No. 41: Jordan Turner, North Side – Junior, WR
As a sophomore, Turner burst onto the scene in Week 4 against Wayne when he caught his first-career touchdown pass. He would add four more before the season was out, also finishing with 473 receiving yards.
While wiry at not much more than 150 pounds, the 6-foot Turner has the height and the arm length to pull down jump balls. He also has breakthrough speed, showcased numerous times in 2019.
With quarterback Duce Taylor expected to have a breakout season, Turner should emerge as one of the most dangerous offensive weapons on the outside in the league.
COACH’S QUOTE ON JORDAN TURNER
“JT is a very dynamic player. Whenever he gets the ball in his hands he is exciting to watch. Moving forward we would love to showcase his versatility and put him in positions to be dynamic. He is a key part of our offense and a great young man to coach.” – North Side coach Mike Brevard
These opinions represent those of Blitz and Outside the Huddle. No opinions expressed on Outside the Huddle represent those of any of our advertisers. Follow Bounce on Twitter at Blitz_OTH
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