Blitz and Outside the Huddle are counting down who they feel are the top 50 individual players in northeast Indiana heading into the 2025 season.
Today, we are into the top 15:
No. 15: DB/HB Gavin Smith, senior, Columbia City
Many would judge Smith purely on his abilities to play the pass, evidenced by his eight interceptions last fall.
Ah, but the senior is so much more for the Eagles. Smith also had four fumble recoveries and caused another, further proof of him being a true ball hawk on the back end of the Columbia City defense.
Offensively, Smith is the team’s second-leading returning rusher as he averaged six yards per attempt with 275 yards and three touchdowns. He also had a pair of receiving touchdowns. And just for good measure, he was the team’s primary kick returner, averaging over 19 yards per attempt.
What is so impressive about Smith is his ability to make a big play in all three facets of the game. He is very good at playing the ball in the air on defense, but that’s just one aspect of his wider game.
COACH’S QUOTE ON GAVIN SMITH: “Gavin is an exceptional player. He plays with a passion that is unmatched. His ability to come up and make a huge hit is only outdone by his instincts to break on a ball in pass coverage.” – Columbia City coach Brett Fox
No. 14: OL Mitchell Miller, senior, Homestead
Miller is built like a boulder, and when his 5-foot-9, 245-pound frame is coming at you, there is nothing really you can do to avoid it.
What stands out about Miller is just how quick he is out of his stance. He may be the best pulling guard in the area, getting out in front of run plays to wreak havoc.
Miller can also move inside and play center, a testament to his versatility. With Homestead looking to make a move in the SAC and Class 6A this year, Miller is a huge part of that potential as the unquestioned leader of the Spartans’ offensive front.
COACH’S QUOTE ON MITCHELL MILLER: “Mitchell is the leader of our line. He is smart, physical and a great teammate.” – Homestead coach Chad Zolman
No. 13: QB Brayden Holbrook, senior, Lakeland
Rated a three-star quarterback by 247Sports, Holbrook is a prime example that sometimes REALLY talented quarterbacks go unnoticed in the area if they aren’t playing in Allen County.
Holbrook is big at 6-foot-4 and over 200 pounds. He has a strong arm and an innate ability to put the ball right on a receiver whether he is still in the pocket or on the run.
Holbrook has started since his freshman season and has thrown for 5,000 yards and 50 touchdowns in three years. As a junior, he threw for 1,662 yards and 19 touchdowns while also rushing for 157 yards and five more scores.
COACH’S QUOTE ON BRAYDEN HOLBROOK: “.” – Lakeland coach Tom Wogomon
No. 12: OL/DL Cam Fravel, senior, Adams Central
Much like Holbrook, if you want to argue with Blitz that a player from small ol’ Adams Central isn’t one of the best linemen in northeast Indiana and beyond, he is going to tell you that you need to get out of your SAC bubble.
It is pretty simple with Fravel. He is big, he is fundamentally sound and he has an everlasting motor. How many offensive linemen do you know that have run a 4.75 40-yard dash? He is a two-time IFCA All-State honoree as well.
Yet Fravel may be a bigger terror on the defensive line, if that’s possible. Last fall, he led the Flying Jets in sacks (9.5) and tackles for loss (15) to go with 88 tackles.
Fravel is just a phenomenal two-way lineman. No other way around it.
COACH’S QUOTE ON CAM FRAVEL:“Cam is a superb player. He is our BEST player and one of the best defensive players I have coached. He plays hard and fast with with a motor that does not stop. He is a great kid who is very coachable, unselfish and a great team player.” – Adams Central coach Michael Mosser
Be the first to comment