PRZ IA/NE Stock Up Showcase: LB Standouts

Sunday brought 13 Linebackers to the showcase from each side of the Missouri River. They were a solid group who were attentive, focused, and pushed themselves to be their best. Below I will outline who stood out from the group by their performance in the drills and 1:1 breakout sessions. &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="245856" first="Caden" last="VerMaas"] | Millard North (NE) | 5’10"  178lbs | Class of 2025 Caden must have worn his PF Flyers on Sunday because he was flying around the field. He had an LB best 4.6 40-yard dash time, ran the shuttle in 4.83, and the L drill in 7.94. Caden also had a LB best in the broad jump, jumping 9’. Watching the 1:1’s, Caden had no issue covering with his speed and showed tremendous hustle. He donned a cast one arm but still was able to break up plays. He has tremendous confidence and the next three years of development could turn him into a top Linebacking prospect in the state of Nebraska! <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16155408/Caden-Vermaas">https://www.hudl.com/profile/16155408/Caden-Vermaas</a> &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="245836" first="Levi" last="Pingel"] | Cherokee Washington (IA) | 5’11"  188lbs | Class of 2022 Levi finished in the top 4 in every drill. He ran a 4.89 40-yard dash, a 4.62 in the shuttle, a 7.66 in the L Drill, and had an 8’8" broad jump. He is very athletic and can easily play sideline to sideline. In High School, he played RB and returned kicks along with playing linebacker. He has the size and strength to take on blocks and has an extra gear when he diagnoses that helps him explode to the play. This young man is a very well-rounded player and will instantly impact a college football field! <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11917058/Levi-Pingel">https://www.hudl.com/profile/11917058/Levi-Pingel</a> &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="245822" first="BRAYDEN" last="PEARSON"] | Norwalk (IA) | 5’11"  198lbs | Class of 2023 Brayden has a good LB frame and did well in all the skill drills. He ran a 4.90 40-yard dash, tied for an LB best 4.56 in the shuttle, ran a 7.94 in the L drill, and had the 2nd best broad jump at 8’11". Like Levi, he was a well-rounded performer who showed off good speed and instincts during 1:1s. He has the size to potentially put on the defensive line for some blitz packages but the speed to keep up with any Tight End. Brayden should have a fantastic senior year! <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12941410/Brayden-Pearson">https://www.hudl.com/profile/12941410/Brayden-Pearson</a> &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="245894" first="Nolan" last="Simpson"] | Burlington (IA) | 6’0"  213lbs | Class of 2023 Nolan was impressive being the biggest LB there and moving with a lot of agility. He ran a 4.91 40-yard dash, a 4.72 in the shuttle, and a LB best 7.41 in the L drill. Nolan had intent with everything he did. He puts his entire self into what he is doing and that translates to a hard-hitting result on the football field. With his physicality, he can take on blocks and can cover with his athleticism. I am expecting Nolan to have an imposing effect on offenses next year with his hustle and grit! <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12807949/Nolan-Simpson">https://www.hudl.com/profile/12807949/Nolan-Simpson</a> &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="245824" first="Jaxson" last="Hildebrand"] | Denison-Schleswig (IA) | 6’0"  203lbs | Class of Class of 2023 Jaxson may not have the straight-end speed that some of the other linebackers do but his athleticism is undeniable. He had a 4.75 in the shuttle and a 2nd best time of 7.62 in the L drill. He also had a 8’6" broad jump. Jaxson has a solid frame and can match up physically with any tight end or create problems on blitz packages. You can tell he works hard at his craft and is a very coachable player. His senior season should amass to a lot of tackles around the line of scrimmage and QB hurries. Next-level potential for sure! <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14887605/Jaxson-Hildebrand">https://www.hudl.com/profile/14887605/Jaxson-Hildebrand</a> &nbsp; Honorable Mentions: &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="245880" first="Cord" last="Symons"] | Scottsbluff (NE) | 5’10"  182lbs | Class of 2024 Cord is fundamentally sound and has a strong skillset for a sophomore. He ran a 4.93 40-yard dash, a 7.81 L drill, and had an 8’4" broad jump. Listened to the coaches well and hustled all day! <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/15021675/Cord-Symons">https://www.hudl.com/profile/15021675/Cord-Symons</a> &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="245619" first="Tristan" last="Kuehler"] | Pierce (NE) | 5’8"  156lbs | Class of 2023 Tristan might not have had the day he wanted but he still ran a 4.97 40-yard dash, a 7.97 L drill, and had a 7’10" broad jump. Tristan led the state of Nebraska in tackles in 2021 and has shown a natural ability to play the LB position. He will continue to develop and look to repeat his success next year but it shouldn’t take schools that long to see his talent!