All - Class of '22 Team: Offense (Offseason)

As the weather begins to pick in Nebraska, so too does the competition at camps across the state. Players begin the summer grind of camps, 7v7, and the start of another recruiting cycle, seems like the ’offseason’ is just as busy as any. This is the summer to polish their craft for the incoming seniors before putting the finishing touches on their resumes. Nebraska’s class of 2022 has some serious talent which created some tough deliberation to compile a starting offense. I was unable to decide between two TEs or two RBs, so I caved and did two of each, along with an ATH position, but no one’s complaining, right? I considered several factors for each player and position to determine who would make the starting offense. Some ways that this was determined were recruiting hype, accolades (All-state, All-conference, etc.), 2020 season statistics, offseason progression, and of course each player’s individual intangibles. This is solely for the offseason and could change for pre-, mid-, and post-season updates. So here are the offseason Class of ’22 starting e13ven: <hr /> Quarterback: [caption id="attachment_165103" align="alignright" width="200"]<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/06/E4no4NqXwAUjcKG.jpg"><img class="wp-image-165103 size-medium" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/06/E4no4NqXwAUjcKG-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="300" /></a> [player_tooltip player_id="147507" first="Caden" last="Becker"] in his future college threads. He is committed to Wyoming.[/caption] [player_tooltip player_id="147507" first="Caden" last="Becker"], 6’4" 220 lbs - Omaha Skutt [player_tooltip player_id="147507" first="Caden" last="Becker"] is an interesting prospect who poses a threat over the air or on the ground. Although Caden didn’t attempt a lot of passes in 2020, he showed the damage he can do on the ground. Becker has taken advantage of the spring and summer camp scene to show he has arm talent as well. A full 2021 season should provide him the opportunity to take the reigns of the Skyhawk offense and propel them on a deep playoff run. Having recently committed to Wyoming, the future Cowboy has the speed, work ethic, and athleticism to stamp himself as the top quarterback in Nebraska’s ’22 class.     Runningback: [player_tooltip player_id="147818" first="LJ" last="Richardson"], 6’1" 215 lbs - Bellevue West [player_tooltip player_id="147818" first="LJ" last="Richardson"] is a prospect I’m expecting to have a big year in 2021, with a full season to produce. Last year, Richardson averaged 177 ypg. in seven games for a total of 1,239 yards and 15 rushing touchdowns. He’s a very productive back with great vision and patience to find the open running lane. Richardson is a balanced runner that can break away with his speed or run defenders over with his strength. When you watch his film you see a very motivated runner that demands more respect than just an arm tackle attempt because he will make you pay for it. Along with Richardson’s exceptional talent, he will also have a formidable line to run behind, which could make for a long night for opposing defenses. [player_tooltip player_id="147784" first="Christian" last="Meneses"], 5’11" 185 lbs - Plattsmouth [player_tooltip player_id="147784" first="Christian" last="Meneses"] had himself a sneaky good 2020 season in which he ran for 1,740 yards and 20 touchdowns on the ground. That rushing total is the most of any returning RB in 11-man football. The Plattsmouth product is a very shifty back that can cut and outmaneuver defenders to blow right past them. Meneses possesses great balance and vision allowing him to find the openings in the defense and the burst to capitalize and take it to the house. His offseason training should help him take the next step in being an all-around back and help him build more recruitment momentum. https://twitter.com/_C1M_/status/1401070217774571528?s=20 Wide Receivers: [player_tooltip player_id="147988" first="Tyson" last="Money"], 5’10" 195 lbs - Papillion - La Vista The wideout from Papillion - La Vista has been turning heads in the spring circuit of camps and 7v7s. In a shortened 7 game season, Money was able to break out in a big way for the Monarch offense. The aspect of Money’s game that is most impressive is his ability as a vertical threat, he accumulated 525 receiving yards on 17 receptions for a ridiculous 30 yard per catch average. With 4.45 speed and crafty footwork, Money can create separation for himself to gain those big chunk plays. Using the offseason to polish his craft should help him boost his stock in 2021 and draw him more attention. With Money’s receiving skills, and returning ability, you can just hear - "Pass goes deep... caught... TOUCHDOWN!!! Tyson THAT’S Money takes it to the bank!" - yup, heard it here first. https://twitter.com/TysonMoney3/status/1409246440774279169?s=20 [player_tooltip player_id="147509" first="Garrett" last="Oakley"], 6’4" 205 lbs - Columbus Scotus Although I project Oakley as a tight end, he is versatile enough to be used as a true wide receiver and dominate. Oakley is a matchup monster and can line up out wide, in the slot, or the tight end position. He is incredibly slippery and can attack soft spots in the coverage very well. The 6-foot-4 Scotus product has great size, sure hands, and makes 50-50 balls look more 70-30 with his long frame and ability to high-point the ball. Oakley is a player that understands the assignment and does his job well, whether pass-catching or blocking. Regardless of which position he is in, his skill set and work ethic translate to his production on the field, don’t be surprised if he shoots up recruiting boards! Tight End: [player_tooltip player_id="147504" first="Micah" last="Riley-Ducker"], 6’6" 240 lbs - Bellevue West [player_tooltip player_id="147504" first="Micah" last="Riley-Ducker"] has been getting a lot of attention from prominent Power 5 schools and when you <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11479445/5f8cc3b2b3c9e70b0c0d6bb4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pop on his tape</a>, it’s clear to see why. The four-star prospect is a physical tight end with good speed to beat you on deep passes. He has great hands with a huge catch radius and leaping ability to "Moss" unfortunate defenders. When his number is not dialed up, he is a vicious blocker that can drive you out of the stadium, opening lanes for the ball carrier. A very high-motor, high-intensity player that always looks for work until the final whistle and works hard off of the field as well. It’s no wonder why schools like Missouri, Iowa, Auburn, and Iowa State along with other Power 5 programs are vying for Micah’s services. [player_tooltip player_id="147505" first="Kaden" last="Helms"], 6’5" 220 lbs - Bellevue West To say that the Bellevue West tight end room is stacked would be an understatement. [player_tooltip player_id="147505" first="Kaden" last="Helms"] is another big-bodied pass catcher for the Thunderbirds. Helms, like teammate Riley-Ducker, is a four-star tight end prospect as well and has been turning heads with his unique skillset. The 6’5" matchup nightmare can lineup as a receiver out wide or in the slot, using his speed to beat linebackers and size to beat smaller defensive backs. As a tight end, he creates mismatches inside and provides solid blocking in running situations. Helms’ versatility will be his biggest asset, as coaches will look at ways to get him the ball in open space, and opposing defenses will have to find a way to stop the Helms and Riley-Ducker duo. Helms is ready to open some eyes this season, with a very diverse skill set, he should begin to see himself gain even more recruiting hype. [caption id="attachment_165164" align="aligncenter" width="635"]<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/06/Eyt9RKfWgAYslFg-crop-1242x816-1625104061.jpg"><img class="wp-image-165164" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/06/Eyt9RKfWgAYslFg-crop-1242x816-1625104061.jpg" alt="" width="635" height="417" /></a> Bellevue West Pass Catchers: TE [player_tooltip player_id="147504" first="Micah" last="Riley-Ducker"](’22), WR Dae’Vonn Hall (’24), TE [player_tooltip player_id="147505" first="Kaden" last="Helms"] (’22)[/caption] Offensive Lineman: Tackles: [player_tooltip player_id="147502" first="Deshawn" last="Woods"], 6’5" 290lbs - Omaha Central Woods, my top-rated prospect in Nebraska, had to watch from the sidelines as a result of the Omaha Public Schools system putting a hold on fall sports as a precaution to lower the risk of COVID-19 outbreaks. Nonetheless, the tackle prospect has still managed to garner attention from Power 5 schools and has taken official school visits this summer. As a <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11075134/5db649f3d21c67025824641e" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sophomore</a>, Woods showed tremendous upside and promise that he would develop into an elite tackle prospect. His excellent hand placement allows him to maintain leverage on the defender coupled with a strong lower body, which makes for a very hard person to move. Woods also has great footwork and speed, allowing him to move to the second level and clear house for his back. [player_tooltip player_id="151111" first="Gage" last="Griffith"], 6’3" 285 lbs - Aurora [player_tooltip player_id="151111" first="Gage" last="Griffith"] had a very solid junior year in which he made All-Nebraska first-team offense, and went on to win the Class B championship in the shot put and discuss, not a bad year at all. However, it’s 2021 now and Griffith is ready to get at it and continue to serve up some pancakes. The tackle from Aurora plays a very physical game, packing a strong punch and sturdy lower body to drive defenders into the dirt. He is a very athletic lineman that can move up to different levels and pull to open up the running game. With stud back [player_tooltip player_id="151106" first="Mack" last="Owens"] running behind him, I would hate to try and be the defender to disrupt their momentum. Griffith has experience holding down both the left and right tackle position, which should make him a valuable prospect for any collegiate program looking for a bookend tackle.   Guards [player_tooltip player_id="151113" first="Henry" last="Rickels"], 6’4" 275 lbs - Bellevue West The Bellevue West guard [player_tooltip player_id="151113" first="Henry" last="Rickels"] is a mauler on the offensive line. One thing that Rickels does very well is pulling, he has great lateral quickness and builds good momentum, which opens up huge lanes for the running game. Rickels is also incredibly strong with a really good punch, able to knock defenders down and continue to work upfield. His experience starting in a high-octane offense like Bellevue West’s will be one of his best attributes going into the season, being familiar with the position and expectations of the program will allow him to focus on the nuances of his game. [player_tooltip player_id="156369" first="Dawson" last="Fox"], 6’5" 295 lbs - St. Paul Fox and a very talented St. Paul offensive line helped pave the way for departed RB Eli Larson’s 2,087-yard rushing yard campaign. As a team, St. Paul led the state in rushing yards with 3,912 at a 7.6 clip. Fox was a major contributor to the team’s running success and moved along both sides of the line when needed. He exhibits quick feet and great hand placement in his tape, making him a tough guard to shake if you’re a defender. His strong junior campaign is starting to bring more attention to the St. Paul product, with the Huskers keeping tabs on the lineman. Center: [player_tooltip player_id="157614" first="Cooper" last="Tracy"], 6’3" 290 lbs - Lincoln Southeast Cooper out of Lincoln Southeast has been hard at work this summer. The Knights center has been attending several camps throughout the state and is continuing to work on refining his skills ahead of a big season for Lincoln Southeast. Tracy has a great build, the strength to lock down bigger tackles, and the agility to hold his own with speedier rushers. Cooper will have an opportunity to anchor what is expected to be a great Lincoln Southeast offense, and I believe he will show out as a top center. https://twitter.com/coopertracy6/status/1367310563420876802?s=12 Athlete: [player_tooltip player_id="147535" first="Braden" last="Thompson"], 6’4" 215 lbs - Nebraska City Thompson, like Oakley and Helms, is a very athletic pass-catching hybrid. The big target from Nebraska City is incredibly versatile and can line up anywhere on the field, he can be utilized as a deep threat or as reliable hands across the middle in certain situations. An underrated aspect of Thomspon’s game is his football IQ, using route concepts to his advantage and exploiting weaknesses in the defense. Thompson’s effectiveness as a two-way player is something recruiters will covet, as he was able to play both sides exceptionally well catching 47 passes for 891 yards and 13 touchdowns on offense and accumulated 85 tackles on defense.