As has become customary, Blitz is counting down who he feels are the top 50 individual players in northeast Indiana heading into the 2026 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 cross the halfway point of our countdown with positions No. 25-21.
No. 15: RB Caleb Kiengele, senior, North Side
One of the most punishing players in the area, Kiengele runs the ball with authority and ferocity. His compact 5-foot-9 frame is built to bowl over dudes close to the line of scrimmage and out in the open field.
When healthy, Kiengele is one of the top all-around players in the area. He continues to deal with lower-body injuries, but is a special weapon for the Legends when available. In nine games a season ago, Kiengele rushed for 887 yards and seven touchdowns. He averaged over eight yards per carry as a junior, and for his high school career is averaging 7.7 yards a touch.
Kiengele has also shown flashes in the pass game. Last year saw him haul in 23 receptions for 205 yards. With Brandon Gaither II in the fold this year, Kiengele could see action in the slot for North Side in addition to his spot in the backfield.
COACH’S QUOTE ON CALEB KIENGELE
“Caleb is one of those guys where you want the ball in his hands, whether as a running back, wide receiver or in the return game. He’s tough, explosive and plays with a confidence that his teammates feed off of. I’ve watched him continue to grow into not only a special player, but a leader for our program. He’s a difference maker, and I truly believe his best football is still ahead of him.” – North Side coach Ben Johnson
No. 14: LB/RB Reece Hammond, senior, Adams Central
Need a tackle? Hammond is your guy. After all, he amassed 136 of them last year at linebacker for the Flying Jets, to go with nine tackles for loss, three interceptions, three passes broken up and a forced/recovered fumble.
The Flying Jets have been blessed with dudes over the years who command the second level of the defense. For AC, the last two years that guy has been Hammond. He stands out as a ‘floater’ of sorts, just roaming around the play, then springing into action when the ball is released by the quarterback downfield. In the same vein, his effectiveness playing the run stands out, with no play too far out of reach for him to get involved in.
Hammond maximizes opportunities with the ball in his hands. Last year, he returned a fumble and an interception for touchdowns. This season, AC will utilize him as a wing back on offense, where he will surely excel as he has on defense.
COACH’S QUOTE ON REECE HAMMOND
“Reece is another outstanding kid. He has proven himself as an outstanding LB, but I also think he will prove to be great on the offensive side of the ball this year as one of our wing backs. He has been a great leader.” – Adams Central coach Michael Mosser
No. 13: DB/RB Drake Hall, senior, DeKalb
The Barons lost a significant amount of their offensive firepower from last year’s seven-win team. So why is there so many positive vibes floating around Waterloo?
It is for players like Hall, who were exceptional on the defensive side last year but will now see a lot of time on offense as well.
A pure athlete with a great mix of speed, strength and smarts, the 6-foot-2, 200-pound Hall was all over the field for the Barons a season ago on defense. He had 92 tackles to go with six interceptions, three passes defended, a forced fumble and a blocked punt. His anticipation defending the pass put him in great position to create a turnover and swing the momentum. He also handled punts and kick returns for DeKalb.
Now a true two-way player, Hall is going to be a problem in all three facets of the game in 2026.
COACH’S QUOTE ON DRAKE HALL
“Drake is like having an extra coach on the field, in the weight roo, and walking the hallways. Kids naturally gravitate toward him because of the way he carries himself. Everything Drake has coming his way is a result of the work, leadership, and commitment he has put in.” – DeKalb coach Ryan Robertson
No. 12: WR/DB Jayvon Irby, senior, South Side
There were few players last season who scored touchdowns in three different ways last season. Irby was one of them, as he accounted for five receiving touchdowns, four rushing scores and a 99-yard kickoff return for a score against Bishop Luers.
Irby just likes to run, and it shows. He weaves in and out of traffic with ease. He can slip through the tiniest hole at the line of scrimmage and turn it into a big gain. On defense, he plays the ball as well as he handles it on the other side, as he finished with 22 tackles, an interception and a fumble recovery as a junior DB.
On offense, Irby hauled in 53 receptions for 729 yards last season to go with those five touchdowns. He also averaged seven yards per rushing attempt, finishing with 348 yards on 50 touches. He even saw some time at quarterback when South Side was in a pinch. Why not turn to Irby, who can seemingly like up anywhere?
A First Team All-SAC selection last year, Irby is in for a huge senior campaign.
COACH’S QUOTE ON JAYVON IRBY
“He is every coach’s dream, a selfless teammate and an unselfish star who’s willing to sacrifice himself for the betterment of the team. He does whatever is asked of him and he’s just a born winner on and off the field, with a 3.8 GPA. I can’t say enough about him. He is clearly one of the best athletes in the state of Indiana, and I’m proud to be his coach.” – South Side coach Andre Goodwell
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