2022 Team Previews: Bellevue West

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Team Overview:</span></strong> Another year of big expectations for one of the top football programs in the state as Bellevue West gears up for the season. The Thunderbirds are coming off a great season in which they won 10 games and featured one of the top offenses in the state, however this crew is not about to rest on their laurels and looks to come back hungrier. Several of the T-Bird players were among the most active this offseason in terms of competition and recruiting and it shows in their progression as players. Bellevue West will again have one of the most talented rosters in the state which will come in handy considering the gauntlet that is their schedule. In total they play 7 games against playoffs teams, including the 3 other teams left in the final four of last year's playoffs (they were one of the four). Despite the rough schedule, it is still a fool's task to bet against a well-coached Bellevue West team, especially with all the fire power they have on their team. This could very easily be one of the teams representing Class A at Memorial Stadium in November.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Head Coach:</span></strong> Coach Michael Huffman</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">2021 Record:</span></strong> 10-2 (Lost in Class A semi-finals)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">2022 Team Schedule:</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Week 0 - @ Creighton Prep</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Week 1 - @ Omaha North</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Week 2 - Omaha Burke</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Week 3 - @ Omaha Westside</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Week 4 - Kearney</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Week 5 - Omaha South</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Week 6 - @ Gretna</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Week 7 - Bellevue East</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Week 9 - @ Papillion La Vista South</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Players to watch:</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="169896" first="Dae'Vonn" last="Hall"] (2024) | 6'1" | WR | Bellevue West</strong> <strong>|</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>WR [player_tooltip player_id="169896" first="Dae'Vonn" last="Hall"] enters the season as the top-ranked 2024 prospect and should continue to solidify his case in year 3. Despite sharing touches with 2 power 5 tight ends last year, Hall still managed to snag 43 receptions for 592 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns. Dae'Vonn is only a junior but can already make a solid case as the best overall receiver in the state with his footwork, route running, and hands all looking elite. Hall has already picked up several Power 5 offers with many more coaches and staff keeping close tabs on the junior prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"id":"block_62e1a5b7c6f62","name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/12139045/6196b88b32dcbf0a6c9f54ba' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"align":"","mode":"edit"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="169899" first="Daniel" last="Kaelin"] (2024) | 6'3"| QB | Bellevue West | </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another highly-ranked 2024 Thunderbird prospect is QB [player_tooltip player_id="169899" first="Daniel" last="Kaelin"]. Daniel will be stepping in as the full-time starter for Bellevue West and should lead one of the more explosive offenses in the state. Daniel gave us plenty of glimpses of his arm talent last year as a rotating QB and finished with 692 passing yards (50/82 passing completion) and five touchdowns to zero interceptions. Kaelin has shown that he can throw the ball on a rope and is an efficient passer. With a ton of talent around him and his throwing ability, there could be a fireworks show at every Thunderbird game this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"id":"block_62eac2d1b94ba","name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14285745/6133b4a93df5bd0368703462' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"align":"","mode":"edit"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_62e180cc2285c","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["180286"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Kyrell has been one of the biggest risers of the offseason with dominant camp and 7v7 performances. Kyrell has been dazzling coaches and burning defensive backs all summer with his blazing speed. He enters the season as one of the top deep threats in the state. However, don't be fooled into thinking he's all speed, because Kyrell is a technician with the footwork and can create separation anywhere on the field. Jordan had a big season last year with 476 yards on 27 receptions and 6 touchdowns which I can see him improving on now that he'll be a bigger part of the offense.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"id":"block_62eac4739be65","name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/15547584/6191d8a23df541031c143231' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"align":"","mode":"edit"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="226966" first="J'Dyn" last="Bullion"] (2023) | 6'0" | LB | Bellevue West | </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A huge transfer pick-up for the Thunderbirds came in the form of LB [player_tooltip player_id="226966" first="J'Dyn" last="Bullion"]. J'Dyn had a good season as a middle linebacker for Omaha Central, racking up 28 tackles and 2 passes defended. J'Dyn will be expected to be the top dog in the second level of the Thunderbird defense. Bullion is a hard-hitting downhill linebacker that also has the athleticism to drop back into coverage when needed. I would like to see big J'Dyn blowing up the edge and rushing the passer as well. Lots of potential with this addition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"id":"block_62eac4dd9be66","name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/12782852/62301e6f066c030b744becd1' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"align":"","mode":"edit"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="330253" first="Gio" last="Contreras"] (2023) | 6'0" | RB | Bellevue West |</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There are big shoes to fill at RB, but if anyone is up to that task, it's senior [player_tooltip player_id="330253" first="Gio" last="Contreras"]. Contreras is looking like the guy at running back after having the second most carries for a back last year and a great offseason. Contreras has a completely different style from Wyoming RB Richardson but brings more than enough to the table. Contreras is a shifty, speedy all-purpose back that can take a handoff one play and make a quick catch out of the backfield the next. He is very twitchy with the ball in his hands and does a good job shaking off defenders. Gio's versatility will be a huge asset to this offense and will boost his recruit stock before the season is over.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"id":"block_62eac50d9be67","name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/12801033/622f6fcfb3d28608b4f6aa0e' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"align":"","mode":"edit"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="330252" first="Donnovan" last="Whitfield"] (2023) | 6'3" | DB | Bellevue West | </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another huge stock riser this offseason was DB [player_tooltip player_id="330252" first="Donnovan" last="Whitfield"]. Whitfield is a player that I think is bound to erupt this season now that he'll have a bigger role on the defense. He is a high-effort player with great reaction and closing speed. He's looked very sharp at the camps and competitions that I've seen him at this offseason. I don't think people are ready to deal with Donnovan's range and ball skills, as they have been some of the most impressive parts of his game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"id":"block_62eac54a9be68","name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/12992576/6228dc73ab9d170f709f7387' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"align":"","mode":"edit"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_62e181b122861","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["226986"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"One of the top maulers in the state will be back as the leader on the Thunderbird offensive line. Steuben-Allen started coming into his own last year with some dominant games and punishing pancake blocks. One thing I like about Kellen is his versatility and ability to play left tackle or guard. Regardless of where he's lined up, Kellen is going to be a monster play after play. He finishes through his blocks and has some of the most explosive hands in the class.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"id":"block_62eac5f59be69","name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/12683711/62013815ab92c90ca45768d7' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"align":"","mode":"edit"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_62e182c322864","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["226961"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Cayden is a player that I am excited to see this upcoming season considering the change of scenery. Echternach is coming over from Burke and looks to make an impact in a pass-happy offense like Bellevue West's. Cayden is a big-bodied target that can outmuscle and outreach defensive backs and moves faster than most linebackers. He caught 10 passes for 190 yards as a junior, numbers that I expect him to pass easily. Echternach has had some good recruiting buzz this offseason and should continue to elevate his recruitment status as the season carries on.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"id":"block_62eac62c9be6a","name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13282643/6180a79d7bd37e06b8521513' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"align":"","mode":"edit"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_62e182e522865","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["250689"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"McMorris has erupted as a playmaker in not just football but in basketball as well. During his time at Millard North he won two basketball state championships and on the football field he was an impact player in all three facets of the game. He finished last year with 1,000+ offensive yards, 14 touchdowns, 3 interceptions, and emerged as a dangerous kick/punt returner. McMorris is a player you want to have on the field at all times. He can be used in several different ways offensively and is going to make scheming against this offense incredibly difficult.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"id":"block_62eac6539be6b","name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14900037/6189769b9a9c4d09487b4e8a' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"align":"","mode":"edit"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Other players to watch:</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_62e1822122862","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["226987"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"id":"block_62eac67f9be6c","name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/12780996/614bb4c7bd6c190ae4f8808e' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"align":"","mode":"edit"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_62eac4559be64","name":"acf/evaluation-block","align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_62e183d122867","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["250681"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"id":"block_62eac6be9be6d","name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14437277/6134b88a345312085c7480b4' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"align":"","mode":"edit"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_62e182a222863","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["250686"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"id":"block_62e19fa8a86ff","name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14562175/6186bbeb19a6a408c8fffc51' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:separator {"className":"is-style-wide"} --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide"/> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Make sure to follow @PrepRedzoneNE on Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date with all your Nebraska prep recruiting news.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->