Outside the Huddle and Blitz are counting down who they feel are the top 50 individual players in northeast Indiana heading into the 2026 season.
Our highest preseason honor, the 8th annual First Eleven, profiles the top players (in the mind of Outside the Huddle) entering the fall.
No. 2: LB/TE Eli Neuhouser, senior, Carroll
If you are looking for an old school, hard-nosed football player in the area, the prototypical example is Newhouser.
Big, strong and willing to unleash punishment on every play, Neuhouser mans the middle linebacker spot for the Chargers with relentless energy and skill.
What stands out quickly on tape is how aware Neuhouser is at all times. He reads the backfield before a play, and his head is always up watching the ball no matter what is going on around him. His feet are always in motion, ready to change direction and accelerate to where he is needed.
As a junior, Neuhouser led the Chargers with 142 tackles to go with three tackles for loss and a sack. He also had a pair of interceptions, including one he took to the house for a touchdown against North.
Neuhouser was also used on offense, including in short-yardage situations near the goal line. He scored three times on 11 carries, and also hauled in a couple pass receptions. This year, except to see him in a greater role at tight end as well.
COACH’S QUOTE ON ELI NEUHOUSER
“Eli Neuhouser has been on the field since about halfway through his freshman season. Eli has made a huge impact on the program by being a great teammate as well as a great player. Eli makes plays versus the run and pass, sideline to sideline. Eli will also play a significant role on the offensive side at tight end.”– Carroll coach Doug Dinan
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