Top Hoosier Football Talent Honored at 19th Annual Griddy’s

For the better part of the 21st century, Indiana Football Digest has presented its PrimeTime 25 honorees at the annual Griddy’s awards show, which also celebrates its all-state selections from the previous season.

Over the years, players honored as part of the PrimeTime 25 have gone on to become Super Bowl champions and NFL draftees.

This year, the next wave of elite talent from across the state gathered at the Indianapolis Colts’ headquarters on April 27 to celebrate their past seasons and individual accomplishments.

One of the most accomplished seniors in the state, Decatur Central quarterback and Toledo recruit Bo Polston, has led the Hawks to two consecutive state title runs and added to his impressive résumé with a PrimeTime 25 nomination.

“It’s been a goal of mine forever to bring a state championship to the Decatur Central community, and the last three years have been nothing short of remarkable,” Polston said. “We’re at the bottom of the food chain now in 6A, and that’s our one goal — to win another state championship.”

For Warren Central defensive lineman Jerimy Finch Jr., a consensus three-star recruit with several Power Five offers, such an honor signals greatness still to come.

“All the hard work I’ve put in over my whole life and being recognized as one of the best players in the state means a lot,” Finch said. “Personally, my goal for the season is to be named Gatorade Player of the Year and Mr. Football for the defensive line.”

While accolades continue to pile up for many from larger schools, others from smaller programs take the accomplishment even more personally, recognizing the challenges it took to earn recognition.

Knox running back Myles McLaughlin, who ranked No. 12 nationally in rushing yards last season with 2,830 yards, has seen his recruitment take off because of his breakout year.

“It’s a blessing,” McLaughlin said. “It’s hard to get recruited from my area, hard to get noticed. We don’t have much media coverage, and this is definitely going to help.”

Recent visits to Butler and Alabama State have fueled McLaughlin’s latest recruitment buzz, but the three-sport athlete has his eyes set on making history during his senior season.

“Becoming the all-time leading rusher here in Indiana,” McLaughlin said. “I believe I can get it.”

Although breaking Charlie Spegal’s all-time rushing record of 10,867 yards would require McLaughlin to rush for a lofty 3,874 yards this fall, the hard-nosed runner is on pace to become Indiana’s second all-time leading rusher. He also sits just 336 points away from becoming the state’s all-time leading scorer.