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.
No. 14: WR Harold Mack, senior, Wayne
Mack is your classic “throw it up and let him run it down” kind of receiver. His speed allows him to separate from defenders downfield as well as anyone. His moves? Also exceptional. Just watch his kickoff return against Crispus Attacks last season – an 86-yard house call – if you’re not convinced.
Mack led the Generals with 463 receiving yards and five touchdowns last season. With Deonte Williams Jr. gone, Mack will be the clear-cut top target in the Wayne vertical attack. That could be bad news for defenses who struggle with putting someone fast and physical enough to contain the senior.
COACH’S QUOTE ON HAROLD MACK:“Harold has great hands, great speed and great football knowledge. He is a great receiver with D-1 offers. One of the best receivers I’ve ever coached – Dre Muhammad – is Harold’s personal coach and I couldn’t be happier with the way Harold has improved over the past two years..” – Wayne coach Sherwood Haydock
No. 13: WR/CB Avery Cook, senior, Concordia Lutheran
You almost feel bad for defensive backs who have to line up on the outside opposite Cook.
Off the line he is extremely quick. He can then beat you short or long. He cuts on in and slant routes on a dime. If he decides to go deep, he can create separation and is very impressive high pointing the ball on fades and go routes.
Despite the Cadets being held to six or less points in five games last season and team finishing the campaign without a win, Cook hauled in 70 receptions for 871 yards and eight touchdowns. He also made 31 tackles from his corner position.
With the expectation that Concordia has a better season in 2024, expect Cook to flirt with the 1,000-yard receiving mark.
COACH’S QUOTE ON AVERY COOK:“Avery is a complete receiver who runs routes with great prediction and has outstanding hands. He’s a dynamic playmaker who provides instant spark for our offense. He’s an excellent cover corner as well. He plays an aggressive style of coverage that is disruptive.” – Concordia Lutheran coach Tim Mannigel
No. 12: LB Sam Steward, senior, Homestead
It is pretty simple with Sam Steward. A versatile linebacker who can play on the inside and outside, there weren’t very many defenders last season that opened eyes the way Steward did.
Steward’s instincts are tremendous. How Homestead utilized those instincts was tremendous as well. His ability to start on the outside, then stunt inside and penetrate into the backfield is exceptional. He is a sure tackler and closes with underappreciated speed.
Steward finished the year with 93 tackles, 22 more than the second-leading tackler. He had 25 tackles for loss, 13 more than the next highest. He has a team-high 11 sacks.
You can make a case that Steward is the best pure linebacker in the area.
COACH’S QUOTE ON SAM STEWARD:“Sam is one of the best athletes we have had at Homestead. He is fast, physical, tenacious and very competitive.” – Homestead coach Sam Steward
Brock Schott at Leo heading to miami in december
Did I miss #15 somewhere?
#15 was left Vacant. Kid decided to not play football. Too high to slot someone else in.
Got it. Thanks!
Homestead’s coach is Chad Zolman.
No way a Big Ten caliber player should be that low.