Blitz and Outside the Huddle are counting down who they feel are the top 50 individual players in northeast Indiana heading into the 2023 season.
Today, we get things started with positions No. 50-46.
No. 50: DB Aaron Robinson, senior, Northrop
A sneaky-good cornerback with above average hip mobility and quickness, Robinson may get the assignment this year of defending the opposing team’s top receiver.
Robinson is the lone player back for the Bruins that notched an interception in 2022, with Jaylen Williams and Josh Taylor both gone after each amassed multiple picks as seniors.
Robinson is also an adept special teams player and has shown the ability to make guys miss in the return game.
COACH’S QUOTE ON AARON ROBINSON
“Aaron is a great leader. He doesn’t say much when he does talk, but he means what he says and our kids follow him.” – Northrop coach Quentin Bowen
No. 49: LB Ryan Tester, senior, Adams Central
One reason for the success of AC is the fact that it develops players that shine in various roles, a key when it comes to competing in 1A with smaller schools and rosters.
Tester is Exhibit A in that respect for the Flying Jets. He rushed for 600 yards and seven touchdowns as a junior last year while also being one of the best out of the backfield in the passing game. Defensively, his grittiness at linebacker with an eye for causing fumbles (three last year) makes him an important aspect of the defense.
Tester also serves as one of the squad’s top return men.
COACH’S QUOTE ON RYAN TESTER
“Ryan is a very versatile player – great in all aspects, offense, defense and special teams. He is explosive and shifty on offense and fast and tough on defense. He is a great kid who works very hard and is very coachable.” – Adams Central coach Michael Moser
No. 48: LB/DB Brett Fuller, senior, Leo
With leading rusher Max Loeffler gone, Fuller returns as the top gainer on the ground for the Lions a season ago.
Fuller did more than enough to make Coach Jason Doerffler feel confident that he can handle the expanded role, having rushed for 548 yards and four scores as a junior. He gained over 7 yards per attempt over the course of the season.
Fuller isn’t going to wow you with speed or physicality, but he is cerebral in his approach by seemingly always knowing when to kick it in high gear through a hole or kick it inside or out depending on the defense.
The senior is also a contributor on defense, with 34 tackles, four tackles for loss and three pass breakups last season.
COACH’S QUOTE ON BRETT FULLER
“Brett is a strong, explosive back with great vision. He runs low to the ground and sees cutback lanes very well. We’re excited and hoping for a big season out of him..” – Leo coach Jason Doerffler
No. 47: TE/DE Lane King, senior, Angola
There is so much to like about King’s game – size, strength, versatility.
At 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds, he is a weapon at the tight end spot as a blocker and a receiver, while his strength and stature provide him powerful attributes as an edge rusher.
In Angola’s run-heavy offense, King hauled in 19 receptions for 230 yards and a pair of touchdowns last year. He also finished with double-digit tackles on defense.
Even with those limited stats, King has picked up scholarship offers from the likes of Ball State and Bowling Green this offseason. Programs are seeing the potential with King, and he should have a breakout season in 2023.
COACH’S QUOTE ON LANE KING
“Lane is big, strong and fast. He will make an impact on both sides of the ball this year.” – Angola coach Andy Thomas
No. 46: QB Donovan Williams, senior, New Haven
There is no glossing over the fact that Williams’ biggest threat to opponents is the uncertainty on every snap whether he is going hand off, throw downfield or take off on his own on either a designed run or when things break down.
The senior threw for a touch over 1,700 yards and 18 touchdowns as a junior, but did have 11 interceptions. But the expectation is that a year older and wiser, Williams will be more adept at not just avoiding turnovers, but hitting top receivers like Mylan Graham and Ajani Washington in positions to succeed.
Williams carried the ball 55 times for 320 yards and three touchdowns in 2022, showcasing just how dangerous he can be with his legs.
COACH’S QUOTE ON DONOVAN WILLIAMS
“Donovan is a great kid who wants the best for his teammates. Physically, he is gifted to make teams worry about whether he is going to use his arm or legs to move the ball. We are looking forward to him stepping up and leading the team to improvement upon last season.” – New Haven coach Kyle Booher
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