Top Indiana defensive end Madison Norris said his visit to Notre Dame this past weekend was “wonderful.” It was the second visit to South Bend for the 6’5” 200-pound Hamilton Southeastern junior.
On October 22, he visited Cincinnati, where the Bearcats have three Indiana 2017 commits – Snider OL Zenden Dellinger, Carmel WR Jalen Walker, and Franklin Central WR Wil Huber.
“I liked the way they talked about their academics,” Norris said of Cincinnati. “They really are in depth about getting your education.”
But Norris was excited about last weekend’s visit to Notre Dame. The Irish topped Miami 30-27 off a fourth-quarter kick from Justin Yoon.
“I like the atmosphere of the school and games the most,” Norris said. “Then another thing I like is the player brotherhood that the teammates have with each other.”
Center Grove RB/DB prospect Russ Yeast committed to Louisville on Monday night. The 5’10”, 178-pound senior has fueled the Trojans’ offense. He announced his commitment on Twitter:
“First, I want to say how truly thankful I am to God for blessing me with the opportunity and talent to play the sport I love. I want to say thank you to all the schools and coaches that wanted me to be a part of their program. With that being said I would like to announce that I have officially committed to the University of Louisville.”
Yeast was originally committed to the Wildcats. He has posted 1,320 all-purpose yards and 20 touchdowns this season, according to Matthew VanTryon of The Indianapolis Star.
“Louisville had been my number for awhile now,” Yeast tells IndyScout. “And once I took my official visit, I knew that was where I was going.”
The Cardinals are ranked #5 nationwide and post a 6-1 record. In Yeast, they get a terrific athlete who can play on both sides of the ball. The Trojans (8-1), meanwhile, will face Jeffersonville in the first round of sectional action on Friday.
Indianapolis Cathedral has lost two straight games to Brebeuf and Fishers, but the Irish have been without one of their best players – running back Markese Stepp. Stepp pulled a hamstring on his only carry of the season in Week One against East Noble.
But he will be back in a couple of weeks during the IHSSA tournament, when it matters most. He tells IndyScout that he has learned a lot over the past couple of months.
“It’s taught me that you can still help the team out even though you aren’t playing,” Stepp said. “I’ve just been very vocal on the sideline, making sure that my teammates know their assignment. And trying to keep a positive attitude even though this season has been kind of frustrating.”
Last summer, the 6’0” 205 junior committed to Notre Dame. The Irish will play Lawrence North in the first round.
Mt. Vernon (Fortville) QB Zac Montgomery’s greatest memories as a high school player come in winning games that come down to the wire. Saturday’s game against Shelbyville in Lucas Oil Stadium was just that, as Montgomery led the Marauders to a 28-21 win and finished 19/24 for 286 yards and four touchdowns.
The 2018 prospect threw two touchdowns in the final three minutes, including a game-winner to Mitch McCarthy. After a 1-3 start to the season, the 6’0” 195 quarterback has Mount Vernon on a four-game winning streak.
That hasn’t gone without notice of college football teams. Montgomery, who transferred from Memphis, Tenn., is already looking ahead to his future.
“The way I see it, if you love doing something and you are good at it, then you might as well try to make a career out of it,” Montgomery tells IndyScout. “I’m hoping to draw interest from more Power 5 schools after my junior season.”
On tape, Montgomery throws a nice, catchable ball. He scans the field well, can extend the play with his legs and hit receivers in stride when throwing on the move. And as he showed on Saturday, he can win in the clutch.
His offer list includes Florida Atlantic, UAB, South Florida, Western Carolina and Northern Colorado. Though he transferred just this year, Montgomery has Indiana roots. His father, who moved the family back to Indiana due to a job change, played at New Palestine and Anderson University.
This week’s under-the-radar prospect is Warren Central DB Dijon Anderson (5’11” 160). He made a game-changing one-handed interception in a tight game against the Greyhounds last night. Anderson exhibits the ability to undercut routes and make plays on the ball. He is instinctive, quick to close and can make tackles in space for the best team in the state. Anderson has experience playing corner and safety, and has also served as a kick returner on special teams. Anderson, who wants to study sports medicine in college, does not have any offers, but tells IndyScout that he expects that to change in the near future.
Carmel OL Mark Stickford committed to Purdue over the weekend. The 6’7″ 245 offensive tackle for the Greyhounds had offers from Yale, Wake Forest, UCF, New Mexico, Cincinnati and a bunch of MAC teams, but he ultimately chose the Boilermakers.
Carmel head coach John Hebert said Stickford is a 4.0 student who “leaves the weight room drenched every single time.” Hebert praised Stickford’s humbleness and work ethic.
“Mark is an awesome guy,” Hebert tells IndyScout. “Everybody here loves him and is so happy he is in this position.”
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