2022 Updated Rankings: Prospect Spotlight (Part 2)
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With the release of the updated 2022 rankings, let’s look at some players and see where they landed. Players have been grinding since the end of last year to see their work culminate in a state title and scholarship offers.…
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Continue ReadingWith the release of the updated 2022 rankings, let’s look at some players and see where they landed. Players have been grinding since the end of last year to see their work culminate in a state title and scholarship offers. As the season progresses, players develop more, get more opportunities, or have breakout seasons. As a result, there was quite a bit of movement across the 2022 rankings, with the list nearly doubling. Here we will highlight a few players that have shown out this season.
Christian Nash Christian Nash 6'0" | 220 lbs | RB Millard South | 2022 State NE (ATH/LB/RB – Millard South)
6’ 220 lbs | Hudl
Overall: 20 | ATH: 3
The more I watch Nash’s tape, the more I wonder why more schools are lined up at the door. Every game, Nash continues to boost his stock higher and higher. Through 7 games, Nash has surpassed last year’s rushing yards mark (654 rushing yards) and matched the touchdown total (9). At 6’ 220, Nash has a solid build to play either LB or RB; he can wear down defenses with physical runs and come up with a bone-crushing tackle on defense. Nash has really broken out on the defensive side of the ball this year. He shows good discipline and instincts to attack the ball and prevent long gains at the linebacker position. His speed is also a huge asset, as he’s quick to move sideline to sideline and to take off on defenders on one of his many long runs of the season.
Luke Lindenmeyer Luke Lindenmeyer 6'4" | 240 lbs | TE Papillion - La Vista | 2022 State NE (TE – Papillion-La Vista)
6’4″ 240 lbs | Hudl
Overall: 42 | TE: 4
Luke is a player starting to gain more FBS attention and has some Ivy League offers under his belt. Lindenmeyer also plays some LB but makes his biggest impact as a pass-catcher. He is a big target at 6’4″ and is a mismatch against small DB and slow linebackers. In the Monarchs passing game, he has quietly become a safety blanket, coming down with clutch catches on crucial plays and third down. Lindenmeyer has some huge mitts that allow him to catch anything in his range, and he even has some wheels to burn defenses deep. His bigger frame certainly helps the YAC department, considering he is tough to take down and continues to fight for extra yards. Luke can definitely improve a tight end room with his athleticism and physicality.
Donovan Moody Donovan Moody 5'10" | 170 lbs | ATH Omaha Burke | 2022 State NE (ATH/DB/RB – Omaha Burke)
5’9 170 lbs| Hudl
Overall: 68 | ATH: 9
Moody is another player who had a “Covid Year” in the OPS system. However, that has not kept Moody and the red-hot Bulldogs from showcasing their talents. Moody has been killing it on both sides of the game (Technically, all 3 phases – DANGEROUS return man) and is riding a hot streak of 6 straight games of 100+ all-purpose yards and 5 straight games with at least one touchdown. Under the RB1 role, he has amassed 690 rush yards and 10 touchdowns. He is a very speedy, twitchy, and elusive back that can wear out defenses having to chase him. A very underrated trait is his balance and footwork; he can bounce off players, spin, juke, etc., and manages to stay on his feet and keep running or falling forward for more gains. I compare this almost to Alvin Kamara’s ability to stay on his feet despite heavy contact. He has also displayed great coverage, ball skills, and fluid hips when he’s on defense. Overall, Moody is just a straight athlete that can be a dangerous plug-and-play player that can play either side while getting you perfect field position on a return.
Mason Limbach Mason Limbach 6'0" | 205 lbs | LB Fremont | 2022 State NE (LB – Fremont)
6’ 195 lbs | Hudl
Overall: 83 | LB: 12
Limbach for the Fremont Tigers is a tackling MACHINE. After racking up 119 tackles, 7 TFLs, 4 sacks, and a pick as a junior, he followed that up with a 72 tackle, 11 TFL, 4 sack, and 1 pick season through 7 games only. He is around the ball on every play, and you can count on him being at the center of most big defensive plays. He has great quickness and agility for a middle ‘backer and can read and diagnose plays swiftly. Coaches looking for a fiery MLB with natural football instincts and consistent tackling production look no further than Fremont’s #44
Kamden Dusatko Kamden Dusatko 6'1" | 240 lbs | LB Stanton | 2022 State NE (LB- Stanton)
6’1″ 240 lbs | Hudl
Overall: 125 | LB: 19
Dusatko, out of Stanton, is an extremely versatile player that can play various positions on both sides of the ball. He can line up at RB, blocking TE; on defense, he can line up right off the edge or head-on with the center and translate as a standup linebacker at the collegiate level. He is a strong individual who can move linemen at will and shed his blocks to make impact plays in the backfield. Dusakto’s play goes beyond what is on the stat sheets, as he is constantly wreaking havoc and drawing additional attention, opening the door for teammates. Don’t underestimate the small-school/8/6-man players as they can ball out too; look at Kamden.
Luke Blatchford Luke Blatchford 6'4" | 220 lbs | TE Lincoln Southeast | 2022 State NE (DL/TE – Lincoln Southeast)
6’4″ 220 lbs | Hudl
Overall: 178 | DL: 24
Blatchford is a very intriguing player that has a ton of potential. His mix of size and athleticism make him a dangerous player at the TE and DE positions. As a pass-catcher, he uses his strong, lengthy 6’4″ frame to outmuscle LB/DBs and make catches out of their reach. He is also a physical blocker that can create running lanes for their tough running back, Max Buettenbeck. As a defensive end, he has displayed a nice array of finesse and power rush moves in his arsenal. He has a quick get-off, maintains great leverage, and tirelessly pursues the ball, all of which make him a solid pick-up at DL.