Nebraska Madness: Linebackers

In the spirit of March Madness and the stage set between the Final Four teams, I decided to make a final four made up of 4 different Nebraska area teams. We divided the state into Team Omaha, Team Lincoln, Team 402, and Team 308. The goal is to expand on past “All-Nebraska” teams and bring exposure to players from all corners of the state. The winner of the final four will be determined through a Twitter poll vote. Stay tuned to see which squad becomes the “Kings of the Corn.” <div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1ektp" data-offset-key="b0uhq-0-0"> <div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="b0uhq-0-0">A little clarification of how the teams were formed:</div> <div data-offset-key="b0uhq-0-0"></div> <ul> <li class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="b0uhq-0-0">Team Omaha – Omaha schools, Gretna, Elkhorn, Bennington, Bellevue, etc.</li> <li class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="b0uhq-0-0">Team Lincoln – Lincoln basically.</li> <li class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="b0uhq-0-0">Team 308 – All 308 schools (inc. Grand Island)</li> <li class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="b0uhq-0-0">Team 402 – All 402 schools minus Omaha and Lincoln schools. Includes Waverly, A-G, Fremont, Plattsmouth, etc.</li> </ul> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2022/03/nebraska-madness-qb-rb-breakdowns/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">QB/RB</a> | <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2022/03/nebraska-madness-wr-te-breakdowns/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">WR/TE</a> | <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2022/03/nebraska-madness-offensive-line/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">OL</a> | <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2022/03/nebraska-madness-defensive-line/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DL</a> | <hr /> Team Omaha: [player_tooltip player_id="239821" first="Ethan" last="Stuhr"] (2023) | Gretna | 6'2" 200 lbs <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12956256/Ethan-Stuhr" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/StuhrEthan" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a> Season Stats: 67 tackles, 4 tackles, 1 sack, a forced fumble Gretna has been pretty well represented on Team Omaha. Stuhr is another talented member of Gretna's excellent 2023 class. Ethan reacts very quickly to the play and is tireless in pursuing the ball. He is a very versatile player who can line up at inside and outside backer and took snaps with his hand in the dirt. He fights through his blocks and always keeps his legs chopping. Expect even more production out of Stuhr in 2022. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/12956256/616c9de0f56aeb039cde0358" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> [player_tooltip player_id="305111" first="Christian" last="Jones"] (2025) | Omaha Burke | 6'3" <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/15641471/Christian-Jones" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/CJones428" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a> Season Stats: 49 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, 3 fumble recoveries, 2 forced fumbles, 4 passes defended One of the biggest freshman stars, Omaha Burke's [player_tooltip player_id="305111" first="Christian" last="Jones"] burst onto the scene as a freshman with a dominating season. Jones is already showing polish beyond his years with his ability to adapt to every play. He can provide run support, rush the passer, and helps in pass coverage. He has excellent size already and will only continue to add to his frame. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/15641471/61416376d45e6a06a407368d" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> [player_tooltip player_id="227050" first="Curt" last="Cubrich"] (2023) | Omaha Westside | 5'11" 190 lbs <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13073245/Curt-Cubrich" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/CubrichCurt" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a> Season Stats: 61 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, and a fumble recovery. Cubrich is a player that started to come into his own in 2021. Curt still managed to stand out with his excellent play, alongside a great cast of linebackers and defenders. One thing that Cubrich and most Westside linebackers do well is make plays in the backfield. Cubrich knows how to break through the protection and make tackles for loss or sack the QB. Curt is automatic when he tackles and uses excellent form to wrap up and bring the ball carrier down. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13073245/61a7b3e74206380bf4b3e524" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> [player_tooltip player_id="227005" first="Tyler" last="Stewart"] (2023) | Omaha North | 5'10" <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13455960/Tyler-Stewart" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> Season Stats: 65 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, an interception, and a fumble recovery. Tyler is a bad dude! Recently, he claimed his second state championship in wrestling. Stewart uses his wrestling prowess when he's on the gridiron. He has a great sense of leverage and did a great job overpowering linemen. He doesn't have many tapes on Hudl, but both times I watched North, I walked away impressed with [player_tooltip player_id="227005" first="Tyler" last="Stewart"]. Team Lincoln: [player_tooltip player_id="238881" first="Kade" last="Seip"] (2023) | Lincoln North Star | 6'3" 235 lbs <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13076969/Kade-Seip" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/thekadeseip23" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a> Season Stats: 71 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries, a fumble recovery for a touchdown. Kade is an exciting prospect because of his unique skill set and athletic frame. In 2021, Seip played primarily inside linebacker, while also getting a few snaps at outside linebacker and defensive end. I think his potential is most significant coming right off the edge and applying pressure on the QB. He has a long, stacked frame and plays with excellent game speed. He has excellent field awareness and showed that he also has a nose for the football. Kade is the top-ranked linebacker in the 2023 class and has the potential to be one of the best overall players in his class. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13076969/61971095d45ea80280f5b5a4" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> [player_tooltip player_id="226956" first="Brogan" last="Ling"] (2023) | Lincoln Southwest | 6'3" 200 lbs <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/10080930/Brogan-Ling" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/BroganLing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a> Season Stats: 45 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, an interception, and a forced fumble Seip and [player_tooltip player_id="226956" first="Brogan" last="Ling"] edge-rushing together.... sheeesh! Brogan is a player that I have been lobbying hard for because I think he will be a monster edge rusher. He has great size and a strong frame to take on linemen. Ling can use his speed off the edge, but he's also very patient when rushing and makes sure he doesn't run himself out of the play. He'll have more chances to show off his skills with a bigger role in 2022. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/10080930/61731e12ff01a80990c16a34" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> [player_tooltip player_id="238886" first="Will" last="Jesske"] (2023) | Lincoln Southeast | 6'0" 200 lbs <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13367046/Will-Jesske" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/willjesske" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a> Season Stats: 77 tackles, a half-sack, an interception, and a forced fumble. Will is a stud athlete that is somewhat of a tweener for his position. He plays outside linebacker but has the fluidity and coverage skills to play safety/nickel. Jesske doesn't get asked to pressure the QB much, but that doesn't stop him from being a playmaker and finding his way to the ball. I think he's especially good at covering the flats and shutting down pass plays to running backs out of the backfield. Will's versatility will be essential for Team Lincoln and Southeast's 2022 defense. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13367046/618960129a90e206b0149010" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> [player_tooltip player_id="227090" first="Cooper" last="Jackson"] (2023) | Lincoln Southwest | 5'11" 190 lbs <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13168083/Cooper-Jackson" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/CooperJackson23" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a> Season Stats: 83 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 2 forced fumbles Cooper is another great player from the Silverhawk's star-studded 2023 class. Cooper is a non-stop competitor and is the returning tackles leader for the Lincoln Southwest. He can play sideline to sideline and downhill against the run. I especially like how he plays against the run. He is strong when he makes his tackle, and he doesn't get pushed around by bigger backs and linemen. Cooper, like Ling, is a player that I think will start to blow up on the recruiting circuit. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13168083/61781ca2f560280ae025e908" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Team 308: [player_tooltip player_id="227079" first="Jayce" last="Wilkinson"] (2023) | Scottsbluff | 6'0" 180 lbs <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11854084/Jayce-Wilkinson" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/jaycewilk13" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a> Season Stats: 57 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 3 interceptions, 3 batted passes, 2 fumble recoveries. The Scottsbluff linebacker room is one of the best in the state, and one of the key members is outside linebacker [player_tooltip player_id="227079" first="Jayce" last="Wilkinson"]. Jayce is a versatile player that can do it all on the field. One thing that I think Wilkinson is underrated in is his pass coverage skills. He does a great job sticking to his receiver and can make plays on the ball. He had three interceptions and three more batted passes to show that he can be aggressive when the ball is in the air. Jayce is a well-rounded player who can also play the run and rush the passer. Jayce will be a player circled on the scouting report every week. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11854084/607997a6ab92961804fb799c" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> [player_tooltip player_id="227051" first="Kolten" last="Tilford"] (2023) | North Platte | 5'10" 165 lbs <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13262719/Kolten-Tilford" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/KoltenTilford" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a> Season Stats: 106 tackles, 2 interceptions, blocked punt Linebacker, safety, receiver, punter... did we miss any? Kolten is a machine on the football field and was an x-factor on the Bulldog's offense AND defense. Tilford is a player that can line up anywhere on the field because he is so quick and athletic. He played a Safety/middle linebacker role and was consistently in the thick of the action. Kolten has excellent closing speed and plays a lot bigger than his size when he comes up to tackle. I'm excited to see what he has in store for 2022. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13262719/61b0127e386e280b58f09ad9" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> [player_tooltip player_id="227069" first="Jace" last="Chrisman"] (2023) | Grand Island | 6'0" 220 lbs <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12790591/Jace-Chrisman" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/J_Chrisman35" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a> Season Stats: 59 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, a sack, 2 interceptions, and a fumble recovery. Jace is an underrated linebacker from the Grand Island area. He has a solid frame and knows how to use it when delivering some tough tackles. He has a great motor and has the quickness to close spaces between himself and the ball carrier. Jace is a versatile prospect that can play in the Mike, Will, and Sam roles with no issues. Chrisman is a linebacker that coaches should consider giving a deeper look into. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/12790591/616ca2d4f55fc90758567497" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> [player_tooltip player_id="227081" first="Josiah" last="Mobley"] (2023) | Scottsbluff | 6'0" 175 lbs <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13228905/Josiah-Mobley" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/josiah_mobley" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a> Season Stats: 87 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, a sack, 2 forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery. [player_tooltip player_id="227081" first="Josiah" last="Mobley"] is a top-tier athlete and another member of the vaunted Scottsbluff linebacker group. The Panhandle backer plays inside linebacker and does a great job commanding the middle of the field. He has a quick reaction time, especially when he plays the run. Mobley shoots his gaps with lots of explosiveness and brings the booms when he makes contact with the ball carrier. Like the other backers, Mobley has tons of athleticism and can play sideline to sideline. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13228905/62447970bd6bf313703d3b13" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Team 402: [player_tooltip player_id="226998" first="Benny" last="Alfaro"] (2023) | Fremont | 5'11" 210 lbs <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13269378/Benny-Alfaro">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/benny38100812" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a> Season Stats: 68 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries, and a pass defended. Benny is a very tough football player who has continued developing into a well-rounded inside linebacker. Alfaro is physical, a solid tackler, and does a great job tracking down the ball carrier. Benny is an underrated blitzer where he times his blitzes very well before exploding through the gap and making a stop. Very underrated 'backer! <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13269378/618d45f7bed697095c79c44f" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> [player_tooltip player_id="227540" first="Tristan" last="Kuehler"] (2023) | Pierce | 5'10" 160 lbs <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/10195479/Tristan-R-Kuehler" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/kuehler_tristan" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a> Season Stats: 157 tackles, 5 tackles, for loss, a sack, and an interception. Tristan, the 2021 state leader in tackles, had a huge season in 2021. He amassed over 150 tackles and constantly flew around the field for the Bluejay's defense. He may be a little undersized, but his heart and drive can't be matched. Tristan is a fiery player who always hustles to the ball and makes sure he gets his nose in the ball carrier's chest. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/10195479/6174536406613e08cc1582d2" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> [player_tooltip player_id="239843" first="Jackson" last="Bos"] (2023) | Norfolk | 6'3" 225 lbs <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13330519/Jackson-Bos" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/bos_jackson" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a> Season Stats: 60 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, a fumble recovery, and a pass defended. Jackson is a versatile defender that can play multiple roles on defense. He can play defensive end, inside linebacker, and outside LB/edge rusher, and he does it all at an exceptional level. Jackson knows how to get after it and displayed a great motor during his 2021 season. I think Bos would fit just fine as our outside linebacker for this exercise. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13330519/61787872d45ee404bc21efc1" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> [player_tooltip player_id="227521" first="Dane" last="Larsen"] (2023) | Blair <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13179151/Dane-Larsen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/DaneLarsen_37" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a> Season Stats: 60 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles Dane is a solid two-way player poised for a break-out year. Dane is a punishing 'backer that loves to bring the pain. Dane is a versatile linebacker that can play inside linebacker or be bumped to the outside or the edge. He has a solid frame and moves very well. He's very underrated when it comes to making plays behind the line of scrimmage. Dane will make some noise whether on offense or defense... probably both. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13179151/6181de43da511c0b101dd093" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <hr /> <hr /> Make sure to follow @PrepRedzoneNE on Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date with all your Nebraska prep recruiting news. </div>