Class A Team MVPs: A-3

Class A team MVPs. District A-3 features 3 teams that did not play during the 2020 season due to COVID concerns; Burke, Central, and South were forced to sit out. As a result, we missed out on watching 4-star players LB [player_tooltip player_id="147503" first="Devon" last="Jackson"] and OL [player_tooltip player_id="147502" first="Deshawn" last="Woods"]. However, that did not take out ALL the talent from A-3 as Papillion La Vista South, and Lincoln Southwest housed some very impressive rosters. Thankfully enough, everyone was back for action in 2021 and provided tons of talent. <hr /> <strong>Lincoln Southwest:</strong> DB [player_tooltip player_id="157628" first="Jake" last="Leader"] - 2022 6’2" 195 lbs | <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/8190440/Jake-Leader" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> Lincoln Southwest had many candidates for team MVP, as they have a very talented group. Jake stood out for his Leader-ship (had to work that one in there) both on and off-field. He was second on the team for tackles with 85, recorded two interceptions, and recovered two fumbles. Leader is a bruiser at the safety position and will come up and square up with anyone. Truly fearless on the field and plays with heart and grit. A perfect example of the fine DBs produced at Lincoln Southwest. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/8190440/615d0c36e9852607704f80c1" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <strong>Omaha Burke:</strong> LB [player_tooltip player_id="147503" first="Devon" last="Jackson"] - 2022 6’2" 200 lbs | <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12792813/Devon-Jackson" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> [player_tooltip player_id="147503" first="Devon" last="Jackson"] has been a monster in his season back to action. The Oregon commit continues to elevate his play with every game and has shown why he is such a coveted recruit. His speed and ferociousness are incredible to watch on the field. Jackson can track down ball-carriers regardless of where he is at on the field. The most impressive part about The Jet is his willingness to contribute however needed. If the Bulldogs need a sack, he’s there; if they need a spark on offense, he can do that. He’s even running down the field making tackles on kick-offs, where some high-touted recruits might see themselves being above that, Jackson embraces it, and his team loves him for it. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/12792813/6144b6c75b3e150bc4239a15" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Omaha Central:</strong> </span> OL [player_tooltip player_id="147502" first="Deshawn" last="Woods"] - 2022 6’5" 290 lbs | <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11075134/Deshawn-Woods" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> Another high-regarded player is the Eagle’s tackle [player_tooltip player_id="147502" first="Deshawn" last="Woods"]. After missing out on last season, he came out looking sharper, meaner, leaner (literally, dude is jacked), and ready for some violence. All season long, Woods worked as a bulldozer for Central’s stable of running backs. He is so fast and agile, it’s hard to get any hands or leverage on him, and if you manage to do so, you still have to out-muscle him, and that is just not happening. With the Eagle’s season wrapped up, Woods will be taking his talents to Mizzou, where he will be part of a strong ’22 recruiting cycle for the Tigers. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11075134/612a352d2aa64405f433d931" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Omaha South:</strong> </span> WR [player_tooltip player_id="227557" first="Aric" last="Thomas"] - 2023 6’3" 180 lbs | <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14340036/Aric-Thomas" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> Thomas is an emerging wideout with tons of potential. So far, he has totaled a team-leading 648 receiving yards and had scored 6 receiving touchdowns. He was a consistent target across the middle of the field for the Packer offense, allowing them to move the chains. Thomas is incredibly tough, taking some lumps but staying on his feet. Thomas also showed a glimpse of his defensive potential forcing some turnovers along the season. I’m excited to see what year four will bring for Thomas and South. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14340036/61743460bed6e4085427cbbe" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Papillion-La Vista South:</strong> </span> RB [player_tooltip player_id="225758" first="Devyn" last="Jones"] - 2023 6’ 205 lbs | <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12831418/Devyn-Jones" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> I believe Devyn had a true breakout year after showing promise as a sophomore. He improved across the board statistically, with 830 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns (470/8 last season), and he looks like the leading Titan back for next year. He’s a grinder on the field and wears away at defenses. Especially late in games when defenders get tired of trying to tackle the 205 pound back. Jones is super tough, has a non-stop motor, possesses excellent vision, and can run a mean wildcat play. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/12831418/6164e459386dfe0934fa9565" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>