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 the march to No. 1 with positions No. 30-26.
No. 30: OL Nate Geerken, senior, Adams Central
The Flying Jets have a pair of IFCA All-State linemen returning this season. One of them is Geerken, an ultra-physical offensive tackle who has relentless drive in his lower body. He doesn’t just block defenders, he drives them back as far as they will go until the whistle.
In passing blocking, Geerken does a phenomenal job using defenders’ momentum against them, driving them to the side and away from the quarterback.
Geerken also sees action on defense up front for Adams Central.
COACH’S QUOTE ON NATE GEERKEN
“Nate is a three-year starter and an outstanding leader and player. He is a big part of our ability to run the ball. He is extremely dedicated and very, very coachable.” – Adams Central coach Michael Mosser
No. 29: LB Griffin Morgan, senior, Bluffton
After showing signs of his athletic prowess as a sophomore, Morgan truly burst onto the scene last fall, as he led the Tigers in tackles (52), tackles for loss (16.5) and sacks (1.5) while commanding the middle of the defense.
At 6-2 and 215 pounds, Morgan looks the part of a middle linebacker. He plays aggressively and confidently with an eye towards disruption.
There is no doubt that Morgan is one of the best defensive players around.
COACH’S QUOTE ON GRIFFIN MORGAN
“If you were building a linebacker from scratch, you would start with Griffin Morgan. Great size, motor and instincts, but what was put him on another level heading into his senior year is his willingness to be coaches and his commitment to working on what it means to be a leader. I think he is one of the best defensive players in all of northeast Indiana, regardless of class or conference.” – Bluffton coach Brent Kunkel
No. 28: LB Bret Sauder, junior, Leo
In terms of sophomore breakouts, Sauder was close to the top of the list in 2024. A strong, quick, wide-ranging linebacker, Sauder led the Lions in tackles (65) and interceptions (three) will adding five tackles for loss and a sack.
Sauder can line up anywhere with his 6-1, 200-pound frame. He is an exceptionally sure tackler. If Sauder gets his hands on you, you are going down.
Still just a junior, Sauder’s best football is ahead of him, which is scary considering just how good he was last season. And he will see added time on the offensive side of the ball this year as well.
COACH’S QUOTE ON BRET SAUDER
“Bret Sauder is a very instinctive player that always seems to be around the ball. He is a strong, physical presence at linebacker, but he is also a very good athlete that can play sideline to sideline. On offense, his versatility allows us to use him a variety of ways.” – Leo coach Jason Doerffler
No. 27: OL Andrew Rudolph, senior, Carroll
What stands out right away when watching Rudolph is just how quick his feet are. It doesn’t matter how strong your upper body is, if you have slow feet as a lineman, you aren’t going to be very effective.
Rudolph has no issues with slow feet. Whether it is the first step or two out of his stance or his exceptional ability to move laterally, it is extremely difficult for defensive linemen to beat Rudolph at his tackle spot because his center of gravity is always set thanks to his feet.
Every coach hopes to have that anchor on the offensive front. The 6-2, 265-pound Rudolph definitely fits the bill for the Chargers.
COACH’S QUOTE ON ANDREW RUDOLPH
“Andrew will be a three-year starter for us on the offensive line. He was a first team all-conference player in 2024. He is a great leader and tremendous student-athlete. We are very excited for his senior season.” – Carroll coach Doug Dinan
No. 26: DE Nick Brown, senior, Homestead
Very few defensive linemen can move inside and out and not lose an ounce of effectiveness. Brown is one of those precious few.
At 6-2, 240 pounds, Brown is big enough to mix it up in the middle, but spry enough to beat guys on the edge. He has incredibly active hands, routinely shedding blocks to get into position to make plays. He is also quick enough when teams try to double up on him, with plenty of instances on film of him jetting past blockers before they can even engage.
Brown led Homestead’s defensive line in 2024 with 45 tackles, seven tackles for loss and four sacks. He is going to be a big problem for offenses once again this season.
COACH’S QUOTE ON NICK BROWN
“Nick is tough, physical and has a great motor. He is a captain for us this year as well.” – Homestead coach Chad Zolman
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