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 the march to No. 1 with positions No. 40-36.
No. 40: DL/FB Isaac Beam, senior, Warsaw
A First Team All-Northern Lakes Conference selection from last season, Beam can move inside and out with ease along the defensive front.
At 6-foot, 220 pounds, he is big and strong enough to be stout at the point of attack along the interior, yet agile enough to come off the edge and disrupt. His prowess on the wrestling mat helps immeasurably when engaged in battle in the trenches.
Beam is also a rotational player in the Tigers’ rushing attack from the fullback spot.
No. 39: OL Joel Yager, senior, Columbia City
When glancing at the huddle of the Columbia City offense, you wouldn’t think that one of the linemen smallest in stature would be considered one of the NE8’s best. But that is most assuredly the case with Yager.
A multi-year starter for the Eagles, Yager’s quick first step and ability to command leverage from the jump not only makes him effective against opposing linemen, but also linebackers as well.
Columbia City rushed for over 3,500 yards last season. A big reason was the anchor up front in Yager.
COACH’S QUOTE ON JOEL YAGER
“Joel is a constant servant leader. He shows up and does his job better and harder than anyone else each and every day. He blocks well at the point of attack and has the athleticism to block at the second level too.” – Columbia City coach Brett Fox
No. 38: LB Julante Hinton, senior, Northrop
Hinton has seemingly been around for close to a decade. A four-year starter with the Bruins, Hinton switched positions last season from up front on the edge to linebacker. It cut down on his terrorizing of the offensive backfield, but his ability to own the second level of the defense and roam and make plays saw him lead Northrop in tackles as a junior with 64.
Now a seasoned senior, expect Hinton to show out in his final prep campaign.
COACH’S QUOTE ON JULANTE HINTON
“Julante is a four-year starter. Mr. Reliable. A great team leader who will do anything for anyone on the team. I could go on and on about him…” – Northrop coach Quentin Bowen
No. 37: DB Tristen Newsome, junior, North Side
The junior Newsome is a defensive back that plays like a linebacker. He does a great job of squaring up a ball carrier in space and bringing him down. His ability to jump routes and play downhill is also impressive.
Last season as a mere sophomore, Newsome accounted for 44 tackles and four tackles for loss. He was most impressive with his ability to create turnovers – four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and a pair of interceptions.
Newsome’s speed also makes him valuable on special teams, including the kickoff return unit.
COACH’S QUOTE ON TRISTEN NEWSOME
“T-New is special! Kid has a heart of a lion. He is one of the fastest kids on our team. He is a ball hawk and will come down and hit you! We expect him to take his game to another level this year.” – North Side coach Ben Johnson
No. 36: RB/Slot Brett Fuchs, senior, Homestead
A master of elusiveness, there were countless times in which everyone on the field thought Fuchs was down, only for him to escape and pick up a few extra yards.
Fuchs is modern, versatile, do-everything offensive skill player. He can tote the rock as a running back (43 carries, 337 yards, three TDs last year) or he can be a receiver out of the backfield or from the slot. In 2022, he was Homestead’s most consistent receiver, leading the team in both receptions (43) and receiving yards (705) to go with a pair of touchdowns. He also averaged close to 18 yards per kickoff return.
Expect more of the same from Fuchs in ’23, a player that the Spartans will rely on in a variety of offensive roles.
COACH’S QUOTE ON BRETT FUCHS
“Brett is an explosive athlete who can play multiple positions. He has great vision as a runner and great route running ability as a receiver.” – Homestead coach Chad Zolman
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