As has become customary, Blitz is counting down who he feels are the top 50 individual players in northeast Indiana heading into the 2025 season.
A few insights into Blitz’s protocol:
- This is based on high school impact, not college potential
- No newbies. Players with previous varsity playing time only
Today, we begin the unveiling of the best players in the area with positions No. 50-46.
No. 50: QB/DB Jaret Laughlin, senior, Fremont
Sometimes some of the most impactful high school players around are not household names. That is the scenario with Laughlin, who was a major catalyst for Fremont during its eight-win campaign in 2025, the most wins for the program since 2001.
As a junior, Laughlin stepped in to the QB1 role shared with senior Trace Handshoe and threw for 736 yards and eight touchdowns. Laughlin was the bigger run threat of the two, evidenced by his 1,333 yards rushing and 20 touchdowns, including a 96-yard scamper for a score against Toledo Christian
Defensively, Laughlin is a hawk at his safety spot. His length (6-foot-1) and finesse, coupled with his acceleration, make him a perfect player on the back end of a defense able to play the run or the pass. He had three interceptions last fall and 40 tackles.
Laughlin is the complete package that is even more valued at a 1A program.
No. 49: RB Brandon Gaither, junior, North Side
As part of a one-two punch in the backfield last year at Bishop Luers, Gaither burst onto the scene as a sophomore rushing for 1,228 yards and nine touchdowns. He had arguably his best performances in the playoffs, rushing for 160 yards against Twin Lakes, a pair of touchdowns against Knox and 172 total yards on the turf at Lucas Oil Stadium in the state title game loss to Cascade.
Built compact at 5-foot-7 but tough and willing to put his head down to gain a few extra yards, Gaither’s best days are ahead of him even with eclipsing the 1,200-yard rushing mark last year.
Now at North Side, ‘BG’ is the premier back for the Legends on a talent-laden offensive unit. Look for him to be utilized in the passing game a bit more this season as well.
COACH’S QUOTE ON BRANDON GAITHER
“BG is the definition of consistency and hard work. He’s a physical runner with great vision, but what separates him is his character and willingness to do whatever the team needs. The sky is the limit for him and I believe his junior season will be special.” – North Side coach Ben Johnson
No. 48: LB Ashtin Jacquay, senior, Woodlan
Being described as a “solid, all-around defender” doesn’t sound like high praise, but it is more rare than you think when it comes to talking about high school athletes. There is an innate personality trait that goes with it, one that can feel the game instead of thinking it.
That is Jacquay, who was named First Team All-ACAC at linebacker a season ago as a junior. He isn’t a hulking, overpowering linebacker, but he makes up for it in intelligence and fire, dishing out punishment more than his 5-10, 150-pound frame should allow.
At outside linebacker, Jacquay, a three-sport athlete, is versatile enough to fill numerous roles for the Warriors.
COACH’S QUOTE ON ASHTIN JACQUAY
“Ashtin really understands football. He’s fundamentally sound and very tough-minded. He has a nose for the football and is an excellent tackler. On top of that, he’s a great person and a great teammate!” – Woodlan coach Brock Rohrbacher
No. 47: DB Linkoln Grabner, senior, Carroll
Watching the growth and development of Grabner over the years has been an absolute treat. Now in his final year of prep competition before heading to Indiana State, the sky is the limit this season for “Link.”
At 6-2 and just over 200 pounds, Grabner is an absolute dude. He has worked hard to fill out his frame and become a nasty safety who can play sideline to sideline and deliver big hits. He was one player in particular we felt deserved a spot on the All-SAC team as one of the team leaders in tackles (90) and ended the year tied for the team lead in interceptions with three.
Grabner is almost overlooked by nature. He isn’t a talker and has bided his time patiently at Carroll over the course of his high school days, steadily getting better and better each year while getting valuable playing time as others handled the spotlight. It has paid off with a scholarship to play at Indiana State, and he will show out as a senior this season.
COACH’S QUOTE ON LINKOLN GRABNER
“Linkoln is going to be a three-year starter at safety. He makes all the secondary calls for the defense, exemplifying his vast knowledge of the game. He is tremendous in coverage as well as in his ability play against the run in the box.” – Carroll coach Doug Dinan
No. 46: DT/OL Camden Day, senior, Northrop
It is hard to decide what side of the trenches Day makes his biggest impact, because he is an absolute dude on both.
From his guard spot, Day is incredibly difficult to get off of once he engages. He has a strong upper body with the drive from his legs helping to take a defender off the play. That same get-up helps the 6-2, 300 pounder play quicker than his size would make you think. He can bottle up a hole in front of him as an interior lineman, as well as pursue on the back side and finish a play.
Day is expected to see much more action on the defensive side of the ball this year for the Bruins, but Coach John Schaefer will need to be strategic on usage to keep Day as fresh as possible for four quarters.
COACH’S QUOTE ON CAMDEN DAY
“Camden is the hardest-working student-athlete on the roster. He works his tail off in the weight room and the classroom, setting the example of what we want our players to be like in our program. He is going to be a major force for us in the trenches.” – Northrop coach John Schaefer
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