We’re loaded.
The Herald-Times area has some of Indiana’s best talent back on the offensive side of the ball, so let’s take a look at the top returning players for 2024 from Bloomington North, South, Edgewood, Eastern Greene and Owen Valley:
Elijah Anderson, Owen Valley, Sr. RB
One of the Patriots’ main weapons last year at quarterback slides to running back. He threw for over 700 yards and ran for over 400 last year while scoring 10 touchdowns. Will also play in the secondary.
Kendall Britton, Eastern Greene, Sr. OL
Took over at center last year for the T-Birds and earned All-Area honors. Will make the line calls for a group that will play a big role with Eastern replacing nearly every starter from its skill positions.
Jorian Brooks, North, Jr. WR
A potential game-breaker on every snap Made a huge splash in his first year on varsity as a big-play threat, catching just 31 passes but turning them into a team-best 724 yards and six TDs. All-Area. Indiana Preps Preseason Top 22 selection.
Luke David, South, Sr. OL
One of two starters back for the Panthers up front, the 6-5, 265-pounder was a standout at right tackle last year.
Calvin Dean, Owen Valley, Sr. WR
Two-year varsity starter will be head the receiving corps and be a deep threat. He’ll also play a starting role in the secondary at cornerback.
William Doty, Owen Valley, Jr. OL
One of two returning starters back from the Patriots offensive line, this 260-pounder will be a two-way player at guard on offense and tackle on defense.
Gabe Drew, Edgewood, Sr. RB
Injuries slowed the Mustangs most explosive offensive player last year and he’ll be coming off foot surgery this year so keeping him healthy will be key. Ran for 462 yards and three TD in 2023.
Nolan Gonser, Owen Valley, Jr. OL
This 255-pound returning starter will be counted on this year on both offensive and defensive lines.
Carter Hayden, Edgewood, Jr. OL
He’s been on the varsity field since his freshman year and will be an important part up front for a rebuilt lineup.
Landon Henderson, Eastern Greene, Sr. OL
Starter back at left guard gives T-Birds two returning anchors for the offensive line.
Dash King, North, Sr. QB
One of the state’s best last year going 157-of-241 for 2,239 yards with 22 touchdowns and eight interceptions to repeat as an IFCA Class 5A Junior All-State pick. Second year in a row with a 65% completion rate while piling up 358 completions, 4,568 yards and 50 TDs. Broke school record for yards passing in a game again with 435 yards in the sectional.
Mason Law, Edgewood, Jr. QB
Started several of the Mustangs’ games last year after injuries to Grant Coffey and tossed for 154 yards and ran for 200 more with three scores. He’s slated to own the role this season as Edgewood looks to develop an improved passing attack.
Peyton Lewis, Eastern Greene, Sr. ATH
Hard to pigeon-hole this 6-1, 255-pound athlete into any one spot on offense this year for the T-Birds. He could show up at tight end, running back and even take a direct snap. He’ll also be a presence up front for the defense.
Isaac Sullivan, South, Sr. OL
A bit undersized at 225 but took over the center spot after an injury to the starter last year and ran with it, helping the Panthers produce a well-balanced offense.
Bryce Taylor, South, Sr. K
One of the state’s best kickers, he’s committed to Indiana. Took over all the kicking duties this year and excelled at 39.4 yards per punt, going 51-of-54 on extra points and eight-of-eight on field goals with a long of 43 to earn repeat All-Area honors.
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: IHSAA football: Top offensive players back in the Herald-Times area
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