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 enter the top 15.
No. 15: WR/DB Cade Shelton, senior, Norwell
With Norwell graduating a glutton of talent from the Class of 2023, Shelton was expected to play a massive role for the Knights this fall. Unfortunately, an injury and subsequent surgery will keep the ultra-talented two-way player off the gridiron.
But that doesn’t mean we can’t recognize just how good Shelton is. Last year, he posted four INTs from his DB spot to go with 22 tackles and eight passes defended. Offensively, he averaged 21 yards per reception with four touchdowns as a wideout.
Injuries are a part of the game, but it’s tough not being able to see this top 15 talent tear up the NE8 this season.
No. 14: OL/DL Dane Sebert, senior, Eastside
Linemen are tone setters for both sides of the line of scrimmage, and the best at the position are counted upon every play.
Sebert fits the bill. At 6-foot-2 and 275 pounds, the senior fits the mold of a dominant guy up front as well. A two-time All-State player, Sebert’s ability to stifle opponents on one side and blow them off the ball on the other knows no bounds. He is as athletic as it comes in regards to the top guys at the position in the state. Eastside will once again rely on him clogging up the middle on offense and defense.
COACH’S QUOTE ON DANE SEBERT:“Dane is a tone-setter for our program, in the weight room and on the field. His physicality leads the way for the ground game on offense, where he is a two-time All-State player. He’s an athletic big man and it shows up in his play on the D-Line as well. His work ethic, strength of character and leadership are the things that elevate him to being a big time player. He’s everything you could ask for in a HS lineman.” – Eastside coach Alyx Brandewie
No. 13: WR Kaden Hurst, senior, Leo
The three-star Ohio University commit is one of the more underappreciated receivers in the region, which is astounding.
Lost in the well-deserved love for Brauntae Johnson at North Side the last few years, Hurst owns a skill set that’s all him – quick burst off the line of scrimmage and one of the best around at high-pointing the ball.
Hurst was second on the Legends last season in receptions (26), receiving yards (418) and touchdowns (five) opposing Johnson. The threat of a big play is there on every single snap, making it dangerous to overlook him at any time.
Now with the Lions, Hurst will be the yang to Brock Schott’s ying as both look to feast in the passing game.
COACH’S QUOTE ON KADEN HURST:“Kaden is an outstanding athlete and is ready for a big season. He is an excellent route runner, has great hands and can be a physical blocker. He is the complete package at receiver.” – Leo coach Jason Doerffler
No. 12: RB/LB Keegan Bluhm, senior, Adams Central
Players like Bluhm are what separate the Flying Jets from the rest of the ACAC, and the majority of Class 1A for that matter.
Bluhm paced AC in rushing yardage a season ago, eclipsing 1,600 yards on the ground to go with 18 touchdowns. He rushed for 157 yards against Indianapolis Lutheran in the 1A state title game.
Defensively, he led the Flying Jets in tackles with close to 100 while picking off three passes and recovering a trio of fumbles.
Bluhm is big, strong and quick. His measurables don’t necessarily incite fear, but his play definitely does.
COACH’S QUOTE ON KEEGAN BLUHM:“Keegan is our main guy offensively and defensively. How he goes, we go. He is a big part of our success. A great kid. A hard worker and no nonsense. He is definitely a force on the field.” – Adams Central coach Michael Mosser
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