LAFAYETTE — Seven high school football players from the greater Lafayette area will represent their schools and communities at the 58th Annual Murat Shrine North/South Football All-Star Classic.
The list includes five offensive players and two defensive players who will play in the game at Decatur Central High School on Friday, July 12 at 6 p.m.
Meet athletes from Lafayette Jeff, Harrison, West Lafayette, Central Catholic, West Central, Fountain Central and Clinton Prairie.
more:West Lafayette makes strides with the return of Burgett, a key offensive lineman
carter neu
school: harrison
position: wide receiver
Statistics for 2023: He rushed 41 times for 328 yards and five touchdowns, and caught 43 passes for 755 yards and nine touchdowns.
summary: Neu was a versatile offensive threat who could catch short-yard passes, run the ball, and be relied upon as a deep threat as a slot receiver. Neu helped the Raiders win their first IHSAA playoff game since 2019 and was named the Journal & Courier Big School Offensive Player of the Year.
Carson Kitchell
school: west lafayette
position: Quarterback/Punter
2023 statistics: Completed 237 of 357 passes for 2,789 yards, 30 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He punted 37 times for 1,297 yards and completed eight runs inside the 20-yard line.
more:Kitchell twins live the dream as West Lafayette football players
summary: During this game, Purdue University's preferred walk-on will have the opportunity to earn his first scholarship out of high school. Kitchell's skill and composure helped West Lafayette rally from a 28-7 deficit at halftime to defeat Hanover Central 42-41 in OT and win the IHSAA 3A division championship. Kitchell completed 22 of 33 passes for 229 yards and two touchdowns, and also ran.
DJ Young
school: Lafayette Jeff
position: wide receiver
2023 statistics: Had 55 receiving catches for 911 yards and 13 touchdowns.
summary: Quietly, at 5-foot-11, he has become one of the best deep threats in the state. He's strong and quick and can also play cornerback. Young signed with Siena Heights University.
Isaac Gaylor
school: fountain central
position: tight end
2023 statistics: 41 receptions for 829 yards and 14 touchdowns. He was blocked in an offense that finished with 1,868 yards and 23 touchdowns, averaging 6.8 yards per carry.
summary: Defenses found it difficult to tackle the athletic, 6-foot-5, 190-pound Gaylor. Gaylor has soft hands and a high level of agility, which have made him one of the top football and basketball players in the area.
blake hughes
school: west central
position: offensive lineman
2023 statistics: Led the offense, rushing for 2,344 yards and 36 touchdowns and throwing for 1,356 yards and 22 touchdowns. West Central finished with an 8-3 record and defeated Tri-Central in the first round of the 1A sectional playoffs.
Bryn Robbins
school: central catholic
position: linebacker
2023 statistics: Made 117 tackles, intercepted two passes and forced a fumble.
more:How Central Catholic D coordinator Gavin Breyfogle found his home in Lafayette
summary: Robins made basic tackles and helped knock down passes and create awareness in short coverage for the Knights. Robbins helped Central Catholic win the 2A regional and section championships in 2023.
levi osler
school: clinton prairie
position: defensive tackle and offensive line
2023 statistics: Had 74 tackles, 23.5 of which were missed. 4.5 sacks, 1 pass deflection, 1 forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.
summary: Osler was impressive, leading the Gophers in tackles in 2023. The 6-foot-5 Osler is being looked at by Indiana Wesleyan University as both an offensive and defensive lineman.
