Outside the Huddle and Blitz are counting down who they feel are the top 50 individual players in northeast Indiana heading into the 2021 season.
Our highest preseason honor, this placement at #10 is the second spoton our third-annual First Eleven list.
No. 10: DL Julante Hinton, sophomore, Northrop
How often do you see a ninth grader make an impact at the level that Hinton did a year ago?
All the sophomore stud did for the Bruins in 2020 was amass 10 TFL, seven sacks and be the lone freshman to be named first or second team All-SAC.
At 6-2, 220 pounds, Hinton is built to battle physically with linemen but also spry enough to get off blocking attempts. His ferocity and intelligence on the wrestling mat (where he advanced to the 220 lb. state finals as a freshman) assist him even more on the football field.
In Year 2, expect to see Hinton command more respect from opposing offenses, but Hinton’s repertoire of agile moves will continue to allow him to wreak havoc in backfields all season long. He also could see an expanded role on offense as a bruising ballcarrier.
It is not out of the question that Hinton surpasses the 20-TFL, 10-sack mark in 2021 for a Northrop team that may be its best in years.
COACH’S QUOTE ON JULANTE HINTON
“Julante has great athleticism and quickness for a defensive lineman. He’s still learning a lot of the intricacies of his position, but plays with the toughness and aggression needed. He possesses great work ethic and he will be a great player for years to come.” – Northrop coach Jason Doerffler
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