Reichard, Mull named all-state
PLYMOUTH - With state champions named in the state of Indiana, football coaches have turned their attention to honoring the most outstanding performers in the sport for the past year.
The Indiana Football Coaches Association released their all- state selections for each class and Plymouth’s Jake Reichard was named to the first team on offense. Culver Academy’s Jaxon Mull grabbed a spot as a defensive back on the 2020 team.
“It feels awesome,” said Reichard of the honor. “Last year I was honorable mention and so it was nice to actually make it this year. I’m grateful for only playing eight games and getting it. It’s a great accomplishment and I’m happy to have it.”
“I can’t even put into words what this feels like right now,” said Mull. “I
know a lot of kids that would dream for an opportunity just to play on a high school football team and I was lucky enough to be selected as a member of the all-state team.”
A big part of the Eagle offense as well as the defense, Mull just considers himself a football player.
“I don’t have a favorite side of the ball,” he said. “I just like to get out on the field wherever I can. I love the game and I love to help out wherever I can. Whether it’s offense, defense, or special teams.”
Reichard capped an outstanding career at Plymouth as a wide receiver, defensive back, and quarterback with over 1,000 yards rushing - including six games out of eight over 100 yards - and 14 touchdowns.
In his junior year, he hauled in 55 catches for 789 yards and 11 touchdowns.
He helped his Rockies team to an round one upset victory over a heavily favored New Prairie team, then falling to Mull’s CMA Eagles in the semi-final.
“I would have loved to win that sectional championship, it would have made all this better,” said Reichard. “I would have rather won the sectional, but I’ll take what they give me.”
“Experiencing the bond and that brotherhood you get from playing football is something that I couldn’t give up,” said Reichard of his college plans. “I decided to focus on football and the future for me. This is what I really want to do.”
Mull credits that team bond with his success.
“I couldn’t have done
this without my teammates,” he said. “I know that’s cliche. Everybody says that, but it’s honestly true. They push me every day in practice and I feel I wouldn’t have come this far without them. I’ve been a part of other sports teams - basketball and track - over the years. There is something really special about the football brotherhood that’s unlike any other.”
COVID- 19 shortened the 2020 season and has also played havoc with the recruiting process for the class of 2021. Mull remains undecided about what his college future will be.
“Right now my top three choices would be Hanover,
Valparaiso, or Indiana University as a walk-on,” he said.
It’s also left Reichard weighing his options.
“Right now I have three official offers, but nothing serious since we are in the dead period before the start of the year,” said Reichard. “With the (college) seniors getting an extra year of eligibility it’s been kind of tough to get an offer for all of us in this recruiting class. It’s been a little bit of a struggle for me because I came up so late. I’m grateful for what I have. I just keep working out and sending out film and staying in contact.”