Jabez Yarber – Caston High School
He may only be a junior but make no mistake,
for the presence of Jabez Yarber is certainly gonna make you pay. For a kid who has been around football half his life, the star running back of Caston High School can remember a time when America’s most popular game was instilled in him. After learning how to play football through his father Tim, young Jabez became a pure natural when it came to playing something new for the very first time. His love has only grown since then, as he continues to show why he’s such a big deal at running back. He has gained a lot of respect from the people around him and is considered to be one of the best halfbacks Fulton County has ever known.
“My dad actually forced me to start playing in 5th grade when I was still at Rochester. During my 7th grade year, I moved to Caston and continued to play. People started to notice me and told me how much potential I had. This inspired me to keep going; playing hard every game and leaving it all put on the field. I’m happy my dad forced me to play. I was presented with the running back position and that grew my love for the game of football. I just get the ball and go! I love hitting and I love getting hit. I always used to watch old NFL stars like Emmitt Smith, Ronnie Lot, Marshawn Lynch, etc to help me grow into my role as a high school running back. Yarber told Justin Hartsough of One Nation Sports Indiana.
As a way to better himself on defense, the 5-11 free safety has been working on a multitude of agility skills to get his feet up to speed.
By running track, it has paved the way to his level of succession on the gridiron. He has created a few adjustments to his game which should give him a boost of confidence when hitting the field this fall. Yarber has also been a part of the Colts 7 on 7 program which helps players reach their goal of wanting to play football at the next level. It has been a big blessing for Jabez to compete against some of the very best as he prepares to put on a showing to begin his junior year of high school.
“As a free safety, I could say I’ve been trying to be more agile and mobile. Allowing myself to move around the field quicker and faster. I joined the track team this year, running sprints and competing well. For a change in direction, I’ve been trying my best to improve that by watching film and reading angles of defenders and blocks better. I have participated in the Indianapolis Colts Sunday 7 on 7 program since 8th grade. This has been not only a neat experience but I have been able to compete at high levels with peers from schools 3 times the size of Caston.” Yarber said.
After another disappointing season which saw Caston finish with a 2-9 (1-6) record, the star running back managed to pick up the pace by leading his team in rushing with a total of 98 carries for 613 yards and 6 touchdowns. His potential as a starting offensive machine has only gotten better as he looks to become more of a team leader this fall. Jabez hopes he can motivate other guys to follow by example and bring a certain kind of mentality to the playing field.
“First, I need to step up my role as a leader for the team. We are a young team and still learning. It can be easy to feel like you aren’t good enough at first, but we grow and get better, and stronger. When a teammate has a play go wrong, I do my best to teach them what to do next time; while at the same time encouraging them that they’ll get it the next play. I want to try to have everyone always physically helping each other up on the field and sticking up for each other while off the field. Your team is your family on the field! Secondly, I want to teach my teammates to always be hyped up! If you’re always excited and ready to go – I think you’ll do well. If you’re upset about a play a few snaps ago, you aren’t focused and ready to perform the way you want or know you can! Trust me, I know from experience.” Yarber explained.
With his recruitment up in the air, Jabez Yarber knows what he must do to gain multiple offers this fall. It will all be based on the hard work he puts in on both sides of the football. Yarber has already figured out a way of how he can get his name out the door. A very smart young man indeed!
“It will most definitely take a lot. I come from a small school and I’ll need to do big things to be noticed. Not only on the field but off the field as well, I’ve been attempting to put myself out there. Posting highlights on Huddle, Facebook and most recently I set up a Ryder account. I am reaching out to Caston Football alumni for some knowledge and help on what I can do to be noticed.” Yarber said.
The goals and dreams that this talented running back holds can only measure an athlete’s point of view. Jabez Yarber believes he can make it happen this season. There’s no doubt about it!
“My running back goals this season are to get over 1000 rushing yards and at least 10 touchdowns. Free safety goals are to have a few interceptions and to never get beat deep. I want to be the top athlete in my area and be noticed throughout the state.” Yarber said.
As we draw a little bit closer to the start of high school football, your Caston Comets begin play on the road this year as they travel to take on the Carroll (Flora) Cougars. Kickoff time for Week 1 is slated for 7pm!
Derek Sherwood, Northridge
With his senior season upon him, there’s a special kind of running back in Middlebury, Indiana who has been around the game of football his entire life. For Derek Sherwood, football can be traced back to his childhood after watching his brother play, which sparked enough interest in wanting to follow his example. Many things in life lead the 5-10 workhorse to play football and all the wonderful characteristics that come with it. He loves every aspect that comes with being a starting running back, which has lead him to have great success on the ground. By understanding how the game is played, Sherwood has grown deeply with his Northridge teammates and cannot wait to get his senior season started!
“When I was young my brother played football and I was always around it and that’s how I think my first interest came, since then I’ve been in love with it and the contact aspect of it. When I became a running back, that instantly made my love for the sport increase as I love the workload and being a big role on the field along with all of the contact. Once I got a little older and started understanding the brotherhood more I loved the aspect of football being bigger than yourself and working together to have success.” Sherwood
When it comes to having fun on the gridiron, there’s something special about playing with your teammates that can only last a lifetime.
“What I think makes football the most fun is just having a blast with my friends on the field and putting in work day in and day out and seeing the results that come from there,” Sherwood said.
As the second-best rusher on last year’s Northridge team behind current North Dakota State running back McClain Miller, Sherwood had himself a great junior season, after racking up 120 carries for 645 yards and 7 touchdowns, while completing 6 receptions for 35 yards and 1 touchdown, helping the Raiders to a 9-3 record after falling to state runner up NorthWood in last year’s sectional final. With Sherwood, as the lead running back this season, he knows what needs to take place for his Northridge brethren to have another shot at state and potentially win the program’s first state title!
“I think the biggest thing we need to do as a team for getting to state is to just focus on the little details and make sure we are all doing our jobs to the best of our ability. We have a bunch of young guys this year and I think if we all just work together and trust in each other we will have a very successful season. I also really think we need to work on moving past mistakes and just having that next-play mentality.” Sherwood explained.
In the meantime, Derek continues to put in the good work with his personal training instructor Chris Windbigler to grow bigger and stronger for his upcoming senior year.
“I have been training with Bare Fitness Training for the past 3 years to help get me to where I’m at. Chris has been a big part of my growth along with my coaches.” Sherwood said.
Thus far he has attended a multitude of college football camps to gain the attention of coaches who have taken interest in his game. Derek has yet to receive any offers at this time but feels optimistic about where his recruiting process stands. If he works hard enough and can put on a good show, there’s bound to be a great selection of schools who will want this kid as their future star running back! It will only be a matter of time until we find out what colleges/universities offer Derek and where he intends to play college football. That’s his dream after high school at Northridge.
“Camps have been good this year for sure, I have been talking to coaches at camp and getting some positive feedback from those and building relationships with a lot of coaches. I have been talking to some schools that have been interested in me and it’s going good! When it comes time to pick my school I really want to stay in the midwest and be closer to home and I want to play for a successful program where I can make an impact right away.” Sherwood replied.
To break it all down, Derek Sherwood has a ton of goals he’d like to meet before the season’s end. He hopes to have a breakout season by being the first of any Northridge player to rush for 1500 yards and 20 touchdowns while hauling 200 receiving yards. Only one can dream, but reality is what really matters! Winning state is nice, but what’s most important is giving it your all and knowing that you did your very best out on the field. If there’s one important aspect he wants to be known for, it is the state of being a good teammate and mentor. In the end, Derek hopes his running back skills can earn him a spot to being an All Conference and All State First Team selection. That would make the perfect ending to his high school career.
“I have been thinking a lot about my goals and dreams this year and I think I have them summed down pretty well. I want to have a big year with 1500 yards and 20 touchdowns and also have 200 yards receiving. I also want to leave a big legacy for the younger guys and leave the program better than when I first started playing. The ultimate goal is always stated but I want to make it as deep into playoffs as we can and I also want to be an All Conference and All State selection.” Sherwood said.
As we inch a month closer to the start of Indiana High School Football, Northridge will get things going on August 23rd when they welcome the North Side Legends. Kickoff from Middlebury, Indiana is slated for a 7pm start time.
Noah Boutsomsy, South Bend St. Joseph
As a kid who had bright dreams of playing high school football, there was nothing in this world that most intrigued South Bend St. Joe’s Noah Boutsomsy. Ever since watching his dad David play semi professional football, Noah’s journey of becoming the next best athlete in his family was about to begin!
“What inspired me first was being on the sidelines watching my dad play semi pro football which made me fell in love with the sport. I was always surrounded by football and watching the game and eventually started playing flag football which transitioned me right into organized football with Granger Rocket Football.” Boutsomsy told Justin Hartsough of One Nation Sports Indiana.
If there’s one NFL player he looks up to as a star running back at South Bend St. Joe, Noah
compares himself to former Los Angeles Rams sensation Tavon Austin!
“Watching the likes of Tavon Austin in college at West Virginia University sparked my interest even more cause of his style of football.” Boutsomsy said.
On the defensive side, his talent as a free safety
has lived up to the potential of two time Super Bowl champion Ray Lewis!
“Watching Ray Lewis play was also another reason why I also love playing defense when given the chance, because of his tenacity and leadership. I love hitting people.” Boutsomsy said.
With his high school transitioning over to the
nickname Huskies, it brings out the fire from inside as he looks to be a leader for a football program that has had a lot of success since making their debut as the Indians back in 1976.
“It motivates me in many ways because when I think of the name Huskies, I visualize a pack (my teammates) going out there and dominating each and every week we get placed in front of.” Boutsomsy said.
Boutsomsy’s demeanor as a high school football player at St. Joe is to bring a solid statement to begin his senior year.
“I want to start off this season representing the HUSKIES name and starting the new era in the right direction and that’s with this current team.” Boutsomsy declared.
As a result of what took place last season, the 5-5 160 lbs freeloader rushed for 332 yards while completing 14 receptions for 158 yards and three touchdowns. The deceased Indians finished with a mediocre at best 4-7 (2-3) nod before being knocked out by state runner up NorthWood in the opening round of sectionals.
“First and foremost being this my last season of high school, I want to go out there and lead by example in dedication, work ethic and a positive attitude on and off the field so that it inspires not only the senior class but the underclassmen as well as a whole.” Boutsomsy said.
With the amount of work he puts in, Boutsomsy finds ways of critiquing his game so that he can be stronger and faster out on the field.
“Continuously work on improving my skills, knowledge of the game and understanding whatever roles the coaches may have me in.” Boutsomsy said.
In order to carry out his team’s needs, Noah has high hopes of bringing senior leadership to the gridiron this fall.
“Be more vocal on the field, remain dedicated to the team’s goals and never losing sight of the ultimate objective-winning as a team.” Boutsomsy said.
To start things off, Noah has been given special privileges to begin his senior year of play in the secondary. He is very excited about this bright opportunity, and has intentions of pulverizing fellow opponents that come storming his way.
“This year, I will have an opportunity to play in the secondary and make some crucial plays as well as returning kicks. Again, anything I can do to ensure our chances, I’m willing to make it happen. I play in space and I feel I can dominate whoever is across from me.” Boutsomsy said.
His recruiting process has landed him a couple of great offers from the likes of Anderson and Milliken University as a way of proving himself that he’s one player to consider entering this season. He has put in a lot of great work since starting out as a freshman at nearby Osceola-Grace as his path to perfection continues to grind!
“So far I’ve been in constant communication with other schools from the FBS, FCS, D2, D3 and NAIA schools.” Boutsomsy said.
He has kept himself pretty busy over these last few months as a way of gaining some exposure in order to receive the attention of some college coaches. By going to camps, Noah knows for a fact what it will take for him in finding the right school.
“At this time I’ve been on visits and done virtual visits as well and as I’m narrowing down the right school it ultimately comes down to the FIT.” Boutsomsy explained.
With academics being a main factor, Noah really wants to find a school that has a great education program. His second priority is to find a program that can better his skills at running back, and to make a convenience for his family and friends to come watch him play.
“Education (Major) first and foremost and Secondly the demographics of where the school will be at, I want to be able to have family and friends come attend my games rather than not due to distance and lastly, the type of offense also is vital to my development at the next level so whomever it will be, I promise you, you’re going to get a complete package.” Boutsomsy said.
Boutsomsy admits that finding the right school to play college football isn’t easy as it looks, but intends on making a decision whoever gives him the best offer/scholarship.
“Its been a long process and its been tough to narrow schools down as I’m evaluating the coaching staff and seeing how our relationships continue to grow or not is a great indicator on where I’d like to be.” Boutsomsy explained.
He also wants to find a program that has the intentions of having him play right away.
“Feeling needed and wanted at a school rather than just a number is what I also value in my decision making.” Boutsomsy said.
With his standards feeling high, Boutsomsy feels really good about where he plans to play college football. What matters to him is playing hard and showing what he can do at the next level.
“Being able to come in and compete right away for playing time in college is also what I’m looking for just an opportunity to compete and earn it.” Boutsomsy said.
The goals and dreams he has for this season can only identify what the star running back wants to accomplish.
“My goals and dreams as a high school player is to prove I’m one of the very best in the state of Indiana.” Boutsomsy said.
Boutsomsy’s ultimate goal as a high school RB/DB is to bring home the school’s first football state title since 1995!
“My ultimate dream is winning a High School State Championship for Saint Joseph before I set off for college.” Boutsomsy said.
He has made it a goal for this season to be the best running back possible in the NIC.
“My goals for my season is to rush over 1,000 yards and get into the end zone as many times as possible either on the ground or through the air.” Boutsomsy said.
As a defensive back, Boutsomsy would like to show the world that he is an athlete who can play just about anywhere on the field. There’s zero doubt that this kid has potential to make big plays happen!
“On defense I want to be able to make an immediate impact and show how versatile I am.” Boutsomsy stated.
Last but not least, Noah has a couple of goal setters he’d like to achieve before completing his final year of high school.
“My goal as a RB/DB is to make All Conference, All State and play in the North/South Game and finish off my high school career as a Saint Joe Huskies football player.” Boutsomsy said.
A new era of South Bend St. Joseph football begins on August 23 as the newfound Huskies will look for revenge on the road when they take take on a good Lakeland Lakers group. Kickoff from LaGrange, Indiana is slated for a 7pm start time.