Uncommitted Senior Spotlight | 8-man Hidden Gems

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We continue the Uncommitted Senior Spotlight tour with four players from the 8-man football ranks. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator {"className":"is-style-wide"} --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='584128' first='Kyle' last='Kasik'] | RB/DB | Clarkson/Leigh | 6'0" 180 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/9906395/Kyle-Kasik" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/KasikKyle" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a> </em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='584128' first='Kyle' last='Kasik'] emerged as the Class D1 state championship hero with a monster 320 rushing yards, six rushing touchdowns, six 2-pt conversions, five tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and an interception. Kasik's huge performance helped seal a state championship for the Clarkson/Leigh Patriots and capped off a prolific season for the senior. Kyle rushed for 2,281 rushing yards, 41 rushing touchdowns, 249 receiving yards, and four touchdowns. Kasik rushed for totals of 204 yards/5 TDs, 294 yards/6 TDs, and 320 yards/ 6 TDs in the season's final three games. Behind the line of scrimmage, he is an extremely patient back with great vision and can see the field/running lanes open up in front of him. Kasik has a balanced running style with both shiftiness and power in his game. Kyle has solid footwork and can hit a quick jump cut or plant his foot and flip the field on a dime. He is a tough runner who has no problem dipping the shoulder pads and trucking a defender for some extra yardage. Kasik also had a great season on defense, where he racked up 62 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and four interceptions from the cornerback spot. Tough, rugged player that can flat-out ball. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/9906395/63896ea25ef6280de8571b1c' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63b76e018bfa7"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='584129' first='Jordan' last='Mariska'] | RB | Thayer Central | 6'0" 170 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14698192/Jordan-Mariska" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/JordanMariska1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>RB [player_tooltip player_id='584129' first='Jordan' last='Mariska'] had a huge breakout season for the Thayer Central Titans. Jordan jumped from 220 rushing yards last season to 1,542 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns as RB1 this season. One thing you cannot do is let Mariska win the edge because he has the burst and acceleration to break off a long run on any given play. He keeps his pad level low and has kind of a forward lean when he runs, allowing him to fall forward for extra yardage. He's very tough to bring down on first contact and will keep his legs pumping with defenders draped on him. When the ball was going to other backs, Mariska showed his selflessness by turning into a bruising blocker and clearing running lanes. Get this guy some looks ASAP!!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14698192/6352b861d225d0069c50b0aa' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63b76e018bfdc"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='584130' first='Reid' last='Fletcher'] | QB | Elmwood-Murdock | 6'3" 175 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12884107/Reid-Fletcher" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/ReidFletcher7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Elmwood-Murdock's [player_tooltip player_id='584130' first='Reid' last='Fletcher'] emerged as one of the top QBs in the 8-man classes this season. Reid had a great year, not just through the air but on the ground as well. The dual-threat QB threw for 1,574 passing yards, 15 touchdowns (only 2 INTs), 126 QBR, rushed for 916 yards, and 21 rushing touchdowns. Fletcher displayed good mechanics in his feet and looked natural through his release. His mobility helps him maneuver in the pocket and buy time for his receivers. He's overall a great athlete that you can confidently do designed QB runs and expect consistent big yardage gains. Fletcher runs the option very well and is quick/accurate with his decisions. Very huge upside for the Knight's dual-threat!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/12884107/637d0311e97a850598dc29e5' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63b76e018bffd"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='330259' first='Keegan' last='Shuler'] | LB | Hitchcock County | 5'11" 215 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14698192/Jordan-Mariska" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/KeeganShuler" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you watched the Hitchcock County Falcons play this season, you probably became familiar with [player_tooltip player_id='330259' first='Keegan' last='Shuler']. Keegan continued his excellent prep career with his third consecutive season with 130+ tackles. Shuler ended the season with 156 tackles, three tackles for loss, three fumble recoveries, two block kicks, and SIXTEEN sacks. Shuler was an absolute menace on the football field with a nonstop motor and incredible pursuit. Keegan will catch you off guard with his quickness, boasting a 4.68 40-yard time. Playing inside linebacker, he covers a good chunk of field and can quickly close in on the ball carrier. He gets low on his tackles and uses his 215-pound frame to drive his opponents back. Shuler is a true throwback that plays hard and physical downhill football. Keegan was the best defender on the best defense in Class D2 and captured the Class D2 State Championship to show for it. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/12957685/632c77647bd4880d6061b6c4' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63b76e018c01b"} /--> <!-- 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 -->