OTH First Eleven 2025: No. 1 Nathan Foster

***Leo’s Nathan Foster scores during last September’s game against East Noble. (Photo by Cole Wieland)***

Outside the Huddle and Blitz are counting down who they feel are the top 50 individual players in northeast Indiana heading into the 2025 season.

Our highest preseason honor, the 7th annual First Eleven profiles the top players (in the mind of Outside the Huddle) entering the fall.

No. 1: RB Nathan Foster, senior, Leo

When deciding who the best player in the area entering the 2025 season is, there was initially a lot of debate at Outside the Huddle. But as we continued to break it down, ask coaches and, frankly, use our brains a bit, the answer was obvious.

Nathan Foster has it all when it comes to being a running back. He is strong, he has exceptional field vision, quick feet and the innate ability to find extra yards in traffic.

As a junior, Foster rushed for 1,312 yards and 11 touchdowns. He AVERAGED nearly a first down every run attempt – 9.8 yards. He carved up good defense – 168 yards against Bishop Luers, 265 against East Noble in the regular season, 115 against Columbia City and 146 in the playoffs in the East Noble rematch.

Expect to see more of Foster this year as he is employed as Leo’s most dangerous and veteran weapon. Hand-offs, screens, jet sweeps, it is all on the table to get the ball in the hands of Foster.

In our opinion, Foster is the best player in northeast Indiana as the 2025 begins.

Congratulations to all of our Top 50 honoree.

COACH’S QUOTE ON NATHAN FOSTER: “Nate is the total package when it comes to a high school back. He’s got great speed and explosiveness through the hole. He also has put on some muscle and is able to earn tough yards between the tackles and has great hands coming out of the backfield.”– Leo coach Jason Doerffler