All-Class of '22 Team: Defense (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. Since I had two additional players on offense I decided to add two additional players on defense, all in fairness. Special teams players were also included in this addition. 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 is the offseason Class of ’22 team defense: <hr /> Defensive Line: Ends: [player_tooltip player_id="147534" first="Will" last="Hubert"], 6’2" 235 lbs - Papillion - La Vista [player_tooltip player_id="147534" first="Will" last="Hubert"] posted insane numbers during his 2020 campaign, notching 20 sacks and 42 tackles for loss. <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/06/CQMYcgMI_400x400-crop-395x259-1625112400.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-165298 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/06/CQMYcgMI_400x400-crop-395x259-1625112400.jpg" alt="" width="364" height="238" /></a>Hubert displayed an explosive first step and high motor, allowing him to wreak havoc on backfields all year. A variety of pass-rush moves allow him to get the upper hand on O- lineman, tagged with great bend and leverage it is no shock he’s turning into a dynamic defender. Despite the huge breakout year last year, it seems like he is only starting to scratch the surface. It is a scary thought what an additional year of offseason training can do for Hubert. Along with his defensive line partner [player_tooltip player_id="151094" first="Luke" last="Lindenmeyer"], and a solid core of returning starters on defense this could be a great year for the DE and the Monarch defense. [player_tooltip player_id="147852" first="Chance" last="Symons"], 6’3" 240 lbs - Scottsbluff Coming in from the panhandle is [player_tooltip player_id="147852" first="Chance" last="Symons"], an accomplished and disruptive defensive end. During his junior year, the speedy end was consistently making plays in the backfield and blowing up any runs plays that were coming his way. Symons racked up 78 tackles (16 TFL) and 7 sacks, topping off his junior season with All-Conference honors. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11847826/5f9dcf10f5606d07e05b944f" target="_blank" rel="noopener">In his tape,</a> you can see he draws double-teams and still managing to slip away and make the tackle. Symons can not only speed-rush his way to the quarterback, but bully his way there as well with his great strength. Symons is already starting to see more Division-I programs inquire about his talents, as Wyoming, South Dakota State, and the Huskers have expressed interest. If he continues to improve his game and rack up sacks and accolades, soon he’ll be racking up the offers as well. https://twitter.com/chancesymons56/status/1377432914355359745?s=20 Tackle/ Nose Tackle: [player_tooltip player_id="147851" first="Trevor" last="Brown"], 6’2" 270 lbs - Waverly The best term to describe [player_tooltip player_id="147851" first="Trevor" last="Brown"], is simply, a trench warrior. Excelling in both the offensive and defensive line, Trevor is very strong with an incredible work ethic and apparently makes no excuses. https://twitter.com/TrevorB90546042/status/1248341126467158017?s=20 The Viking’s defensive tackle does an excellent job in the run game and making plays behind the line of scrimmage, accounting for a whopping 32 tackles for loss. He is the type of player offensive coordinators have to scheme around, because of his ability to take over in the trenches. Brown is no slouch in getting to the quarterback and disrupting the passing game, totaling 11 sacks last season. Overall, Brown is a very well-rounded player that can play at the D1 level on either side of the ball, his 2021 season will be the cherry on top of an already highly decorated prep career. [player_tooltip player_id="157572" first="Caden" last="Camese"], 6’2" 280 lbs - Bellevue West Camese from Bellevue West is a beast on the football field. He is a player that can clog up the middle of the line and collapse the pocket. Offensive coordinators knew what caliber of player Camese is, often drawing double teams on the T-Bird tackle and calling runs in the opposite direction. One of my favorite plays from Camese came against Columbus (starts :11) in which he reads the screen pass, dropped back into coverage, and went up to make the interception on an exceptional display of athleticism and football IQ. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11060637/5f89b9bd17622f07c82ba3e8" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> With offers coming in from Ivy League schools, it looks like Camese’s football smarts stem from his off-field smarts. With a great senior year, Camese can really shoot up many school’s priority lists. Linebackers: OLB/EDGE: [player_tooltip player_id="147503" first="Devon" last="Jackson"], 6’2" 200 lbs - Omaha Burke [player_tooltip player_id="147503" first="Devon" last="Jackson"], a four-star rated OLB, was among the many players that had to sit out the 2020 season due to COVID restrictions. However, that didn’t stop Jackson from continuing to develop his game. Devon’s game-breaking speed has earned him the nickname, ’The Jet,’ and with very good reason, considering he won the Class A 100m and 200m dash it is very fitting. His quickness off of the line is a mismatch for many tackles trying to contain him off the edge. Jackson also has fluid hips and changes direction very well, which is great for pass coverage situations. Along with racking up Track championships, Jackson has also been piling up the scholarship offers from many top Power 5 teams; Arizona State, Miami, and Oklahoma as well as many others. Looks like defensive coordinators are dying to get ’The Jet’ on their roster and making plays all over the field. [player_tooltip player_id="147506" first="Ernest" last="Hausmann"], 6’3 210 lbs - Columbus The future Husker, [player_tooltip player_id="147506" first="Ernest" last="Hausmann"], is an elite linebacker prospect in this ’22 class. Hausmann is a very versatile linebacker with a natural nose for the ball. In pass coverage, Hausmann can see the whole field and diagnoses plays quickly, allowing him to make a play on the ball. Hausmann also provides a reliable edge rush for the Columbus defense. With Hausmann being used as a two-way player, he will be a big playmaker in the 2021 season and create buzz among Husker nation. https://twitter.com/Ernest_Hausmann/status/1368580792402710538?s=20 Inside: [player_tooltip player_id="163117" first="Aidan" last="Davies"], 6’1" 220 lbs - Grand Island Northwest [player_tooltip player_id="163117" first="Aidan" last="Davies"] is a throwback to the true ’Mike’ linebacker, a high-motor read and react backer that delivers hard hits. At 6’1" and 220 lbs, Davies has great size and speed at his position, able to attack his gaps as a run-stopper or cover the middle of the field in pass coverage. He is a very sound, efficient tackler that makes himself felt every time he makes a play. As the season draws closer, Davies is a prospect I can see gaining a lot of ground on the recruiting trail. He has attended several camps and has definitely opened some eyes during his workouts. [player_tooltip player_id="163118" first="VInce" last="Genatone"], 6’1" 205 lbs - North Platte Vince, who had just moved from Wyoming, found himself as the new person at school to start his junior year, so to fit in he decided to just dominate at every sport he did. The three-sport athlete played football as a two-way player, was Class A state wrestling at 195 lbs, and had a very successful track season, a pretty good introduction to Nebraska athletics. Genatone’s overall athleticism translates to his style of play on the field - speedy, sturdy, hard-hitting - he is always around the football. He is strong enough to shed blocks from linemen and make plays on bigger backs. Vince will have a great season for the North Platte Bulldogs before making a collegiate linebackers coach very happy. I’m sure there will be plenty of opportunities to see Vince’s football highlights, might as well take this chance to watch his dominant run at the 195lb state championship. <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/YNzcbu-bSS4" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Defensive Backs: Cornerbacks: [player_tooltip player_id="156058" first="Jack" last="Wimmer"], 6’1" 190 lbs - Omaha Westside Wimmer possesses tons of starting experience for a prominent program. Jack and the Westside Warriors were able to cap off the perfect season by beating Elkhorn South in the Class A state championship. Playing alongside future Oregon Duck Avante Dickerson definitely provided some insight on how to take his play to the next level. Strong coverage skills and fluid movements are some of Wimmer’s strongest attributes. He is very patient in coverage and can cover a big chunk of ground very quickly. An extra summer of training and honing his craft will help Wimmer uphold Westside’s defensive back pipeline. [player_tooltip player_id="157629" first="Jesse" last="Cruse"], 6’0" 160 lbs - Lincoln High Jesse is a player that is really coming along in his development. The lengthy corner has solid footwork and great get-back speed. Cruse is a very good tackler for a smaller-sized corner, wrapping up at the point of contact and finishing the play. Cruse has been taking advantage of spring/summer camps and taking the opportunity to improve his game. Cruse is a DB I really expect to have a breakout year and continue to show he can play at the next level. Safeties: [player_tooltip player_id="156056" first="Hayden" last="Stec"], 6’1" 205 lbs - Elkhorn Hayden played very well for the Elkhorn defense as a junior, tallying 67 tackles and picking off 3 passes from the strong safety position. Stec plays excellent coverage and can cover sideline to sideline with great lateral speed. Oftentimes, Stec was able to diagnose plays and position himself to make a play. He also did very well providing run-support help, adding an extra line of defense. Expect Stec to build on his junior year in which he received all Class - B honors and was mentioned on second-team Super State. https://twitter.com/StecHayden/status/1393258778724798464?s=20 [player_tooltip player_id="167158" first="Kytan" last="Fyfe"], 6’2" 195 lbs - Grand Island Kytan out of Grand Island Senior High is one of the more interesting prospects in the class of ’22. Primarily playing the free safety position, Kytan was asked to take over the offense at quarterback, adding another level of versatility to Fyfe’s game. He did a great job under center, but the safety position is where he makes his living. A big-bodied defensive back that always lays the wood when making a tackle. He plays very good coverage over-top and can come down to the ’rover’ linebacker as well. Fyfe does a good job diagnosing and reacting to the play and making plays in the run game. Drawing attention from Power 5 teams, Fyfe should continue to make a name as one of the best DBs in Nebraska. Athlete: [player_tooltip player_id="161740" first="Jake" last="Appleget"], 6’4" 210 lbs - Lincoln Southeast The LB/ATH out of Lincoln Southeast looks to stay in his backyard when he packs up for the collegiate level. Appleget, who recently committed to the Huskers, is a top-tier talent with outstanding athleticism and a relentless motor. https://twitter.com/ApplegetJake/status/1406756188365144071?s=20 He is a very strong tackler that can shed blocks with ease to wreak havoc in the backfields. In coverage, Appleget is underrated as he is athletic enough to move with tight ends and receivers. He could’ve been one of the ’starters’ at linebacker above, but with his versatility and playmaking abilities, he’s a player that can be plugged into many spots on the field. Appleget is getting recruited as an OLB after playing a lot of MLB and I am sure he could even succeed in S/LB hybrid roles that are starting to become popular. Overall, Jake is a beast of a football player and will be a major contributor to LSE on both sides of the ball.   Special Team Specialist: Kicker: [player_tooltip player_id="157664" first="Luke" last="Fenton"], 5’11" 185 lbs - Creighton Prep Fenton has been keeping himself busy trying to perfect his kicking. Fenton attended the Kohl’s Kicking camp, while there he really opened some eyes and showed off his big-time leg. Fenton shined at the camp as both a punter and kicker, but shows the most promise as a kicker. He puts a lot of power into his kicks and gets the most of them, also very underrated at getting air under the ball and allowing his teammates to make kickoff tackles. With Fenton the presumed starting kicker for the Jays, he should have a great year to show off his field-goal kicking skills. Punter: [player_tooltip player_id="157630" first="Hunter" last="Brown"], 6’2" 210 lbs - Bellevue West [player_tooltip player_id="157630" first="Hunter" last="Brown"], like Fenton, participated in the Kohl’s Kicking Camp in which he had a very impressive showing. Brown emerged from the camp rated 4.5 stars as a punter and ranked #70 in the country. Hunter has a huge leg and excels in both kicking and punting. The hang time he can get under some of his punts is incredible and he can flip the field. Playing a tough defense like Bellevue West’s is especially hard when Brown can pin your offense down deep in your own territory.