Undervalued Players: Offensive Skill Positions
The offseason is spent trying to make a name for yourself at camps while working to get better at your craft. Talented players will begin to emerge, and some will gain a hype or begin to garner attention from all…
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Continue ReadingThe offseason is spent trying to make a name for yourself at camps while working to get better at your craft. Talented players will begin to emerge, and some will gain a hype or begin to garner attention from all aspects of the recruiting world. This article will focus on players who may not be getting the hype that others at their position are receiving, however, they deserve college’s attention with the skill and talent they display on the field.
https://twitter.com/rezac_anthony?s=20&t=qbm8KILejwbTxCFdSeTZRgrnI know there is a high regard for Rezac in the state, however, when it comes to the recruiting scene, you do not see the same him mentioned in the same sentences as Zane Flores Zane Flores 6’3″ | 190 lbs | QB Gretna | 2023 State NE , Daniel Kaelin Daniel Kaelin 6’3″ | 195 lbs | QB Bellevue West | 2024 State NE , or Mikey Gow Mikey Gow 6’1″ | 185 lbs | QB Bellevue East | 2025 OK . Rezac may not be the A typical drop back passer but in 2021, he threw for over 1200 yards, 19 touchdowns and only 1 interception with an inexperienced wide receiving core, outside of Guyett. Standing at 6’3″and 190lbs, he has strong quarterback size, and his mobility requires attention, or he will quickly gouge you for a 20-yard run. Rezac makes good decisions with the ball and is collected on the field, hardly ever making ill-advised throws or putting the ball on the ground. Only a junior, Rezac’s skill will only grow with recent transfers Jaylen Llyod and Jeremiah Truitt Jeremiah Truitt 5’10” | 165 lbs | DB Omaha Westside | 2023 State NE , Caleb Benning Caleb Benning 5’11” | ATH Omaha Westside | 2024 State NE ‘s year on year growth and some talented young receivers entering the fold, people will be surprised he is not getting some of the same visits or offers as some other names around the state.
Highlights
https://twitter.com/_danejacobsenrnAnother junior, Jacobsen is an extremely athletic quarterback who can float in the pocket like a cloud, dropping raindrops all around the field. During his sophomore year, he threw for over 1500 yards, 19 touchdowns and only 5 interceptions. His 118-quarterback rating shows he makes quality decisions and quality plays. Jacobsen is a two-sport athlete who knows how to win and knows how to lead, it’s in the Jacobsen blood. The Bluejay’s had a young team last year, but the talent was apparent, and Jacobsen’s talent led the charge. Jacobsen should make himself a household name around the state by the end of his junior season.
https://twitter.com/Djones_402rnJones is a workhorse type back running for over 1300 yards and 19 touchdowns in 2021. He has size, sneaky speed and seems to enjoy the contact. When jones touches the ball, he is as decisive as they come, attacking gaps with force and is not the type of back you will arm tackle. As mentioned, his speed sneaks up on you as he bursts in holes and comes out of it at full speed where you find yourself behind the play in an instant. Jones makes good inside cuts and can lower his shoulder in tight, short to go situations. Another underrated part of his game is his receiving ability, Jones has good hands and can create a mismatch against a linebacker out of the backfield. With the offseason work the Titans have put in to improve, I am betting Jones will be considered one of the best backs in the state by the end of the year.
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https://twitter.com/BrockRobleernLike Vince Genatone, Roblee is a hard running and physical football player. It could be the mentality from the wrestling mat, but from the moment he lifts his head up to take a handoff, defenses know it will take pure force to bring Roblee down. In a shared backfield last year, Roblee still ran for almost 1200 yards and 11 touchdowns, dragging numerous bodies along the way. Averaging 5.6 yards a carry last year, he hits gaps hard and always falls forward. If Roblee reaches past the second level, he does have good breakaway speed and it will generally take more than one defender to bring him down. An increased role should have more colleges taking notice of toughest and determination that Roblee can bring to a team.
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https://twitter.com/aricthomas4rnOne of the most underrated talents in the state, Thomas has the full skillset to be a star in the state. He has size, good speed, can play in the slot or on the outside and can make players miss in the open field. Omaha South’s lack of success has hidden his talent some, but Thomas amassed over 800 yards receiving and 7 touchdowns in 2021. Thomas does a great job dropping his hips on routes and is excellent in a double move setting. An underrated part of his game is his physical stature and ability to block, along with his ability to be a real threat in the kick return game. Nebraska has a very talented pool of high school receivers and Thomas deserves to be mentioned with some of the top names around the state.
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https://twitter.com/jackbaptista1rnBaptista is a play making talent with Antonio Brown vibes. Averaging 16 yards per catch, Baptista has 4.5 speed and can make a house call with the smallest seam. His footwork and physicality show strong, allowing him to be a good blocker or fight through initial contact to get open. The yards after catch will be where Baptista will impress scouts the most. Whether its bubble screens or quick slants, he is dynamic once the ball is in his hand and if he gets behind you, he’s a ghost. Lincoln Southwest could surprise this year with the level of talent they have. One thing is for sure, they will need to get the ball in Baptista’s hands more and let his star shine.
Highlights
https://twitter.com/TrevionneB1rnAnother big play threat, Brown averaged over 23 yards per catch last year in an offense that did not find its true passing ability till late in the year. Brown has a burst off the line that allows him to quickly get behind defenders and in his tail winds. Brown can cut on a dime at full speed, which means he is extremely elusive in the open field. Omaha North has always been a run primary team but found a rhythm with Keshaun Williams and Brown, and their defense, last year that propelled them to the state semifinals. The Vikings have a couple talented young quarterbacks in Sebastian Circo Sebastian Circo 6’0″ | 170 lbs | QB Millard North | 2025 FL and Nate Collins Nate Collins 6’1″ | 175 lbs | QB Omaha Burke | 2025 State NE , along with one of the top backs in the state in Te’Shaun Porter Te’Shaun Porter 5’11” | 200 lbs | RB Omaha North | 2023 State NE , and with Williams graduated, Brown will take a prominent role in the pass catching which could create a lot of highlight reels in 2022.