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 continue with positions No. 45-41.
No. 45: RB/Slot/LB James Getts, senior, Columbia City
As versatile of a player you will find not just in the Northeast Eight, but the entire area.
Getts can and will be lined up in a variety of spots – offensively in the backfield or in the slot, defensively at linebacker and even as a return specialist. Thing is, he thrives in any role that Coach Brett Fox puts him in.
A season ago, Getts was a part of the monster that was the Eagles’ rushing attack that accounted for over 3,500 yards – amassing 732 yards and five scores on the ground. He also had 10 receptions for 200 yards and a pair of scores.
Getts is as tough as they come, not shying away from contact in any capacity. He will command a greater role defensively this season as he attempts to replace some of the production lost with Josh Arntz’s graduation.
COACH’S QUOTE ON JAMES GETTS
“James is such a special back. He mixed speed with elusiveness. When we do tackling drills, guys on our team don’t want to be 1-on-1 with Getts.” – Columbia City coach Brett Fox
No. 44: RB/OLB Tyson Reinbold, senior, East Noble
A shifty back that can outrun defenders on the edge and get upfield, Reinbold showcased his skills a year ago by leading the Knights in rushing with 798 yards and seven touchdowns.
His attributes make him one of the top returners for East Noble, a role that could see him break out this season as one of the conference’s best.
As the Knights look to ascend back to the top of the NE8 in 2023, Reinbold’s ability to carry the rock will be a key.
COACH’S QUOTE ON TYSON REINBOLD
“Tyson is a high school football coach’s dream – hard-working, tough, high character and resilient. He can play several positions and is willing to do what is necessary to help the team win. We are excited to see Tyson have a big-time senior year.” – East Noble coach Luke Amstutz
No. 43: OL/DL Dylan Velez, senior, Bellmont
Bellmont has had its fair share of troubles the last few years, but one of the bright spots has been Velez, one of the most dominant two-way linemen in the league.
A First Team All-NE8 selection in 2022, Velez was second on the team in tackles with 73, an ungodly number for an interior lineman. He also added 18.5 tackles for loss and a sack while also holding down an offensive line spot.
Speaking of offense, the 6-foot, 220-pound Velez can move in and out along the front, adept at tackle, guard and center.
COACH’S QUOTE ON DYLAN VELEZ
“Dylan is a hard-nosed tough kid who’s going to give max effort every play. We look for Dylan to have another big year for us on both sides of the ball.” – Bellmont coach Nick Hall
No. 42: WR Deonte Williams Jr., senior, Wayne
A lot is made about Harold Mack for the Generals, and for good reason, but Williams Jr. is prepped for a difference-making campaign in 2023.
With a long, tall body and the ability to make catches above his head and in tight spaces, Williams Jr. is a perfect complement to the explosive Mack.
A year ago, Williams Jr. hauled in 30 catches for 320 yards and four touchdowns, but an off-season of skill work and improvement will see him make a bigger impact and be a much greater threat to opponents all over the field offensively.
COACH’S QUOTE ON DEONTE WILLIAMS JR.
“Deonte is a great leader. He has remarkable hands as well as decent speed. His body placement is tremendous when high pointing a ball. Barring injury, he will have a scholarship-type season!” – Wayne coach Sherwood Haydock
No. 41: RB/DB Tre Bates, senior, New Haven
Putting in work outside of practice and Friday nights comes easy to very few players, but it is a staple of what has made Bates one of the area’s top talents.
Not many athletes work harder than Bates, who is constantly on the lookout for another rep or chance to train and improve his craft.
The production out of the backfield speaks for itself – 765 yards and eight scores last year while averaging over 6.5 yards a carry. He also led the Bulldogs in kickoff return yardage.
Defensively, the strength that makes him a good running back also proves fruitful on the other side of the ball. He will likely slot into a greater role at corner with the departure of James Barnes due to graduation.
COACH’S QUOTE ON TRE BATES
“Tre is one of the hardest working players around. We have to tell him to go home otherwise he would like in the weight room and on the turf. He plans on showing that determination this season on both sides of the ball.” – New Haven coach Kyle Booher
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