As has become customary, Blitz and Outside the Huddle are counting down who they feel are the top 50 individual players in northeast Indiana heading into the season.
Today, we begin the unveiling of the best players in the area with positions No. 50-46.
No. 50: LB/RB Brayden Nussbaum, junior, Garrett
You cannot teach natural instincts, something Nussbaum has in bunches up at Garrett.
As a sophomore, Nussbaum hit the ground running on both sides of the ball. He took coaches a bit off guard in how quick he acclimated himself to Friday nights. His instincts plus his quickness help put him in the right position seemingly on every play defensively.
In 2023, Nussbaum led the Railroaders in tackles (112) and tackles for loss (15) while also picking off three passes, one of which he returned 40 yards for a touchdown in a sectional win over Heritage.
Offensively, Nussbaum is one of a cadre of returning ball carriers for Garrett. As a soph, he rushed for 161 yards and a score.
COACH’S QUOTE ON BRAYDEN NUSSBAUM
“Brayden is a fast, instinctual LB/RB who surprised us a little last year to start. He’s had a great off-season with significantly added strength numbers.” – Garrett coach Chris DePew
No. 49: RB Cooper Craig, sophomore, Bluffton
When Khamel Moore went down with an injury last season, outsiders thought that the Tigers’ rushing attack would take a significant hit. Enter Craig, who stepped in as a freshman and burst onto the Friday night scene almost instantaneously.
Craig’s field vision is exceptional for someone so young. His cut-back ability is advanced and his ability to make tacklers miss at first contact makes him appear more like a seasoned veteran on film. He thrives on the perimeter when he can turn the corner and then cut back at the hash and accelerate fully.
Craig finished his freshman campaign with 583 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, leading the Tigers in both categories.
The tandem of Cooper-Moore is going to be a serious problem this season for Bluffton’s foes.
COACH’S QUOTE ON COOPER CRAIG
“Cooper is fearless and ready to help the team anywhere at anytime. He came in last year as a freshman looking for an opportunity and cashed it in when injuries gave him that chance. He gives us a lot of flexibility with what he can do in the backfield this season with him and a fully healthy Khamel Moore.” – Bluffton coach Brent Kunkel
No. 48: QB Brayden Holbrook, junior, Lakeland
Holbrook is one of those players who has seemingly been around forever.
As a freshman starter for the Lakers, Holbrook threw for 17 touchdowns and over 1,600 yards. Last season as a sophomore, he added 1,710 yards and 14 aerial strikes to his career numbers.
Now in his junior campaign, Holbrook is primed to surpass the 2,000-yard mark.
At 6-foot-4, Holbrook has the stature that college programs covet behind center. He is impressive in his delivery and is confident he can make all the throws.
His completion percentage should improve this year with a glutton of experienced receivers at his disposal, including fellow junior Keyan Arroyo (675 receiving yards, six TDs in 2023).
COACH’S QUOTE ON BRAYDEN HOLBROOK
“Brayden is a relentless competitor and hard worker. He knows he’s got the hardest job on the field, so he puts in tons of hours to make sure his game is where he wants it to be. His development this offseason has been very impressive. Many kids at his talent level would’ve gotten complacent and coasted through, but not him. He’s added some more elements to his game and I’m excited to see him show off his hard work. He is never satisfied with being good. He wants to be great, and it’s right around the corner for him.” – Lakeland coach Ryan O’Shea
No. 47: WR Jaidon VanPelt, junior, Carroll
What VanPelt lacks in size he more than makes up for with talent.
VanPelt isn’t the tallest wideout around, around 5-foot-9, but he has blazing speed and a knack for the big play. When the Chargers are looking to take the top off of a defense, it is typically VanPelt who is target No. 1 downfield.
VanPelt plays bigger than he is. He can find windows in the defense to get open, and he is as good over the middle as he is outside the hashes. Just a sophomore last year, he finished with 256 receiving yards and six scores. He also is one of Carroll’s top kick returners.
COACH’S QUOTE ON JAIDON VANPELT
“Jaidon is an outstanding athlete. This will be his second year starting at wide receiver. He has tremendous hands and a great route runner.” – Carroll coach Doug Dinan
No. 46: DB/WR Logan Hatton, senior, East Noble
There are guys that love to avoid contact and those who seek it out, and Hatton definitely fits in the latter.
A two-way player who never shies away from contact, Hatton is primed for an exceptional senior season for the Knights. He also is one of East Noble’s best returners on special teams.
Defense is definitely where Hatton shines. He was second on the team last year in tackles with 75 to go with a pair of interceptions and eight passed defended. He is incredibly skilled at accelerating towards a ball carrier and landing a sure tackle. Once you are wrapped up by Hatton, you aren’t going anywhere.
He can line up on the back end at safety and also sneak down towards the second level of a defense to create more havoc.
COACH’S QUOTE ON LOGAN HATTON
“Logan is a dynamic athlete that can make big plays on both sides of the ball. Defensively, he has great instincts and loves to hit people. Offensively, his speed and athleticism make him difficult to cover 1-on-1. Logan has been a great leader in our program this offseason and we look forward to an exciting season from him.” – East Noble coach Alex Stewart
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