Recruiting Report: Noah Nephew/Lakeville North (2021)

<strong>LAKEVILLE--</strong> You probably got a glimpse of our next recruiting report from my report on one of our "2020-2021 MN Football Hotbeds" where we took a look at the <a href="https://www.northstarfootballnews.com/2020/04/2020-2021-mn-recruiting-hotbeds-lakeville-north-panthers/">Lakeville North Panthers</a>. Northstar Football News connected with Panthers ATH <strong>Noah Nephew </strong>this week about his journey as a Panther, his recruiting interest, and much more! <strong>Get to Know Noah Nephew</strong> Nephew's talents for Lakeville North are all over the football field. He plays linebacker, safety, H-Back, and will be the Panthers top returning wide receiver this season. "I've never had one set position," Nephew told Nate Wahl from Northstar Football News. Nephew's passion has always been on both sides of the football field. Defensively, Nephew has a presence of stopping the run, but yet can also drop back in coverage. Offensively, Nephew can make his plays, but also can get in front and block for the guy with the football in their hands. His biggest strength? Being versatile, and creating a positive impact wherever he may line up on any given play. <strong>Bests About Playing All Over the Field</strong> I mentioned versatility as a strength for Nephew, but his "best part" about playing multiple positions is "how much I get to learn from each spot" and the different techniques I can add to my game." <strong>College Interest</strong> Nephew told NFN he "is very interested in playing college football," as Nephew got a recent offer from the Northern Sun from the University of Mary in Bismarck. He's in the day in age where he's collected virtual visits and phone calls from UW-Eau Claire, Sioux Falls, Minnesota State-Moorhead, Dordt (Iowa), Concordia-St. Paul and quite a few more. This was the elevator pitch Noah Nephew gave NFN for those recruiting him and those that haven't learned about him yet: <strong>I am a leader that works hard on and off the field. I can play multiple positions and I love the game of football.</strong> Nephew was named one of three team captains for the Panthers this fall along with NFN ranked RB Logan Freeburg and Joe Grillo. <strong>Offseason Work Ons</strong> This past season, Nephew learned from great receivers from the Panthers so he's well aware he has some big shoes to fill next year. "I have been working this offseason to improve my footwork, speed, and hands at receiver. He's been no stranger to the weight room building muscle so he can be a clutch inside linebacker that's able to bounce off blocks easier. <strong>Noah's Mentors</strong> Right along Noah's football journey, he's had a few mentors that have paved the way for his success with the Lakeville North football program. Head Coach <strong>Brian Vossen</strong> is one for Nephew as he "is a great motivator and expects big things from me," Nephew told NFN. Another coach on the Lakeville North staff is assistant linebacker coach <strong>Alex Wood</strong>. Wood took Nephew under his wing starting his sophomore year and "believed in me and pushes me to become a better person and player." Wood plays that role model role to Nephew, as they've built a great relationship in their few years for the Panthers. <strong>Learning About Yourself as a Player/2020 Goals</strong> In the great words of Jim Valvano the term "Never Give Up" comes to play for Noah Nephew. He knows that he can never give up even when things go bad. "There have been multiple times last season where we got down early but we stayed focused and came back to win the game," Nephew said about keeping his head in the game at all times. Leading by example, and working hard for everything is another key learning item Nephew learned about himself. His 2020 goal is to bring home a state championship for the Lakeville North Panthers football program, which knowing their track record is a very realistic goal in 2020.