Blitz and Outside the Huddle are counting down who they feel are the top 50 individual players in northeast Indiana heading into the 2024 season.
Today, we continue with positions No. 45-41.
No. 45: DB/WR Jaylen White, senior, Bishop Luers
The Knights’ receiver corps was senior-laden a year ago with the likes of Isaac Zay and Wes Javins, but its biggest home run threat was White.
With deceptive speed and great ability to position his body to make a catch, White was frequently overlooked by defenses and media alike a year ago. Not so this year as he becomes Bishop Luers’ most proven vertical threat after finishing with 40 receptions for 586 yards and eight scores in 2023.
At 6-foot-3, White is taller than most defensive backs he lines up against. And his size makes him a prototypical safety in the Knights’ scheme, evidenced by his pair of picks last fall – one against Homestead and another in the state championship game against North Posey.
COACH’S QUOTE ON JAYLEN WHITE
“Jaylen is a very gifted, versatile athlete who can impact the game in many different ways. He’s a solid route runner and even better pass catcher, particularly on balls thrown down the field. Perhaps his best attribute offensively is his physicality on blocking downs. Defensively, he can play the corner or safety positions at a very high level. He likes the physical part of the game and can be a menace to opposing wide receivers in press coverage.” – Bishop Luers coach Kyle Lindsay
No. 44: OL Will Davis, senior, Homestead
The Spartans have questions in the trenches in regards to size and experience, but one spot they won’t have to worry about is one of the tackle positions.
Davis, who predominantly lines up at right tackle to protect lefty quarterback Michael White’s blind side, is incredibly quick to engage defensive lineman and secure leverage. His feet never stop moving and his ability to back up in pass blocking is impressive.
At 6-4 and 265 pounds, Davis is the lynchpin on a line that will look to him for guidance and leadership.
COACH’S QUOTE ON WILL DAVIS
“Will is an athletic, tenacious competitor.” – Homestead coach Chad Zolman
No. 43: RB/LB Aaron Hirschy, senior, Adams Central
The top two rushers from a season ago may be gone, but the Flying Jets are in good hands with Hirschy ascending to the top of the running back depth chart.
As a junior, Hirschy was used in a variety of ways in AC’s Wing-T scheme. He would be put in motion for tosses and downfield blocks and also was adept at coming off the line and throwing a block on a linebacker or D-end. He is quick through the hole and thrives when he can get into space and accelerate at the second and third levels. He rushed for 564 yards and 10 touchdowns last fall, averaging over 10 yards per carry.
Except Hirschy’s role on defense at linebacker to grow after the graduation of linebackers Keegan Bluhm and Ryan Tester.
COACH’S QUOTE ON AARON HIRSCHY
“Aaron is a solid runner – strong and shifty – and is definitely our top returning back. He has had trouble with injuries so we hope he stays healthy. If he does, he has the potential to rush for 1,000 yards or more.” – Adams Central coach Michael Mosser
No. 42: DB McKale Woodson, junior, Bishop Luers
A player who lets his on-field performance do the talking, the 5-10 Woodson can play anywhere in the secondary.
Woodson’s feet and hips are impressive. He can backpedal quickly and when he opens up his hips to run with receivers, he rarely loses any quickness. He is fast enough to stay with most any receiver in the area and he plays the ball in the air with confidence.
As a sophomore, Woodson picked off three passes and caused a fumble with 33 total tackles.
COACH’S QUOTE ON MCKALE WOODSON
“McKale is a gifted athlete who can play anywhere in the secondary with his speed, his strength, his coverage abilities and his propensity to tackle in open space. He has a very high football IQ and a great work ethic to boot. He’s a leader and a winner above all else.” – Bishop Luers coach Kyle Lindsay
No. 41: RB Caiden Hinkle, senior, DeKalb
Hinkle is a rugged runner who consistently moves the pile when engaged by defenders. The primary ball carrier in the Barons’ offense that operates out of the shotgun, his ability to quickly diagnose defenses and pick his running lanes is impressive. He is also an adept pass catcher out of the backfield when needed.
As a junior in 2023, Hinkle eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark as he finished with over 1,400 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. Seven times he eclipsed 100 yards rushing in a game, including a 245-yard effort against Angola when he hauled the mail 39 times.
COACH’S QUOTE ON CAIDEN HINKLETRE BATES
“Hinkle is a big, physical running back that has deceptive speed. He has been a solid part of our offense for the past two seasons. He has developed as a leader on the field, in the locker room and especially the weight room. I am looking forward to seeing Hinkle have a great senior year.” – DeKalb coach Seth Wilcox
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