As is tradition, this year’s NFL Scouting Combine will call Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana home for the week. With it, a special opportunity for the hometown kids to put on a show in front of their home crowd.
Last year’s combine featured top prospects such as Colts cornerback JuJu Brents and Browns tackle Dawand Jones who showed out in their on-the-field performances. This year’s crop certainly has some potential to replicate last year’s overall success from Indiana HS products.
The 5 Indiana-native prospects in this year’s class are comprised of 2 running backs, 1 tackle, and 2 defensive linemen. Let’s take a look at what these Hoosiers bring to the table.
1. Isaac Guerendo, RB, Louisville/Wisconsin | Avon (2018)
*using 247sports recruiting records*
Guerendo was a multi-sport star in HS, in football but also track & field. He was a 3-star Wisconsin recruit that could never quite outsnap top recruit Braelon Allen during his time there but also proved more than serviceable whenever he was given the chance. It wasn’t until his 5th-year senior season at Louisville he burst onto the scene. Guerendo rushed for 810 yards on 32 carries (6.1 avg) and scored 11 times.
The Athletic’s Draft Analyst Dane Brugler had some high praise and expectations for Guerendo this week, sharing on The Athletic Football Podcast:
He’s a big-time track guy. I won’t be surprised if he tests off the charts. Not only the 40 but the explosive jumps as well. He might come away this week as a “winner.”
His linear speed proved fruitful for the ACC runner ups and although he will indeed impress at the combine in Indy, he’s already been turning heads this offseason. At this year’s Shrine Bowl, a core event amongst the early slate of collegiate all-star showings, Guerendo impressed NFL scouts, especially with his overall mobility.
2. Tyrone Tracy Jr., RB, Purdue/Iowa | Decatur Central (2018)
Tracy Jr. was a 3-star Iowa Hawkeye recruit out of Decatur Central HS in Indianapolis, IN, the 8th overall player in the state of Indiana in 2018. He was recruited as a running back but quickly switched to wide receiver ahead of his freshman season. After transferring to Purdue in 2022, he then was able to revert to his original position. The NFL Combine invite solidifies that a healthy choice was made.
As was Gurrendo’s praise, Dane Brugler also mentioned Tracy Jr. as a late-round RB candidate to keep an eye out for, saying:
One of my favorite Day 3 backs this year is Tyrone Tracy from Purdue. I’m looking for a good week from him.
As a redshirt freshman at Iowa in 2019, Tracy proved his playmaking ability in the receiving game to the tune of 36 catches for 589 yards (16.4 avg) and 3 TDs. He showed great flashes rushing the ball in his first year with Purdue, garnering an 8-yard average on the ground, though it was on limited action in 14 games. It was not until his final collegiate season in 2023 that where was given a chance to put it all together, and that he did. Tracy rushed for 716 yards on 113 carries (6.3 avg) in 11 games, scoring 8 times on the ground. Look for Tracy to ride his successful season’s high into this week’s on-the-field performances.
3. Blake Fisher, T, Notre Dame | Avon (2021)
Blake Fisher was the No. 1 player in the state of Indiana in 2021. He was a 4-star Notre Dame recruit who started at LT as a true freshman in the team’s season opener, becoming the 5th Fighting Irish offensive lineman to start as a true freshman in the past 20 years.
Fisher’s quick start to college football saw an even quicker setback as his first start resulted in a season-ending knee injury. Although top-5 projected tackle and teammate Joe Alt filled “took his spot” amidst his absence, Fisher proved to be versatile as he started at RT in all but 1 of his 27 games over his 2 seasons at that spot. Not as much stock will be had with offensive linemen this week, although, between team interviews, medical checks, etc., Fisher has plenty of opportunity both on and off the field to boost his stock.
4. Braden Fiske, iDL, Florida State/Western Michigan | Michigan City (2018)
Braden Fiske was a 3-star Western Michigan recruit out of Michigan City HS. Originally a Guard, Fiske made the move to the defensive line before ever stepping on the field. After totaling 13.5 sacks and 27.5 TFLs over 2.5 years starting for Western Michigan, Fiske transferred to Florida State where he helped lead the Seminoles’ defense alongside potential 1st rounder Jared Verse en route to an ACC Championship and undefeated season.
Fiske shined at the Senior Bowl this year and is looking to build on that climbing momentum this week back home in Indiana.
5. Austin Booker, DL, Kansas/Minnesota | Center Grove (2021)
Booker transferred to Kansas after two seasons with the Minnesota Golden Gophers. A 3-star recruit and 9th overall in the state of Indiana coming out of high school, Booker transcended to new heights after finding a new home in Lawrence, Kansas where he won Big 12 Newcomer of the Year after registering 8 sacks, 12 TFLs, and 2 FFs.
Dane Brugler also mentioned Booker as someone he’s keeping an eye out for this week, speaking fondly of his unorthodox build and methods, he said:
The more you watch him, he just grows on you and grows on you. He’s such a long player. His strides are so long and he’s so fast getting up the field. I think he can be one of those guys that tests really well and maybe convert some doubters. His tape, I just keep bumping him up…I just watched him the other day and I’m still too low on him. He’s a good player. He’s got what, 505 snaps in college? He’s barely played. He’s a puppy. Once you get him coaching, and some weight on him, you keep working with him…He’s one of the more intriguing pass rushers that this Draft class has to offer. If he ends up going Top 50, to me, that wouldn’t be surprising. I think part of that will be what he can do this week in Indy.
Needless to say, Brugler is steering the ship for Booker and it sounds like it’s only a matter of time before everyone else will hop on board.
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