Freshman Friday: 2026 Players to Watch II
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Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: OscarGalindo30 in the coupon code area. It’s Friday and that means one thing… FRESHMAN FRIDAY is HERE!! We continue with the second installment of the Freshman Friday series with another batch of 2026…
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It’s Friday and that means one thing… FRESHMAN FRIDAY is HERE!! We continue with the second installment of the Freshman Friday series with another batch of 2026 prospects that could make noise in 2023.
Avry Harris Avry Harris 6'0" | 170 lbs | WR Omaha Central | 2026 NE | WR/ATH | Benson | 5’11” 165 lbs
Benson’s Avry Harris Avry Harris 6'0" | 170 lbs | WR Omaha Central | 2026 NE wasted no time making a name for himself in his freshman campaign. The talented young prospect did it all for the Bunnies, playing receiver, cornerback, and return man. Avry finished his freshman season with 32 receptions for 449 yards, eight receiving touchdowns, 253 kickoff return yards, two KO return touchdowns, 13 tackles, and seven pass break ups. Avry’s elite speed and fluidity as a route runner help him create separation regardless of the coverage. Even when you can keep up, he has no problem getting physical for the contested catch. He is extremely reliable at the catch point and does a great job securing the ball. Now that he has a season of varsity experience under his belt, watch out for him to make a statement in his sophomore campaign.
Jett Thomalla Jett Thomalla 6'4" | 185 lbs | QB Millard South | 2026 State NE | QB | Millard South | 6’3″ 175 lbs
The Patriots will have some competition for QB1 this offseason with the departure of Cam Kozeal. One name that could emerge from the QB group is freshman Jett Thomalla Jett Thomalla 6'4" | 185 lbs | QB Millard South | 2026 State NE who saw some varsity time this season. In total, Jett appeared in four games, but his performance against Gretna gave us several flashes of his potential. He completed 25 of 47 passes (53%) for 260 yards and two touchdowns with an interception. Despite the loss, it was a good showing against the Class A runner-up where Thomalla displayed great poise and pocket presence despite seeing pressure. He can make a lot of the tough throws and deliver the ball into tight windows and in between defenders. High upside player that is only starting to scratch the surface!
Landen Von Seggern Landen Von Seggern 6'4" | 275 lbs | OL Millard South | 2026 State NE | OL | Papillion – La Vista | 6’4″ 260 lbs
The Monarchs have been a machine at pumping out big, tough, physical players in the trenches. Freshman Landen Von Seggern Landen Von Seggern 6'4" | 275 lbs | OL Millard South | 2026 State NE looks like another beast developing in the Papio OL pipeline. I first caught eye of Landen at a Wayne State camp last summer, and as a fresh out of eight grade OL, he did not look the part. He dominated using his technique that looked past his years of experience. Von Seggern’s strength is also a huge asset, as he can power his way to gain inside leverage and then easily flip defenders on their heads for a devastating pancake block. There is a lot of competition in the Monarch’s OL and DL rotation, but I can see Landen as their bookend left tackle for years to come.
Derek Jones Derek Jones 5'7" | 185 lbs | RB Papillion-La Vista South | 2026 State NE | RB | Papillion – La Vista South | 5’7″ 165 lbs
With older brother and starting RB Devyn Jones Devyn Jones 6'0" | 205 lbs | RB Papillion La Vista South | 2023 State NE off to Chadron State, younger brother Derek Jones will have a shot at taking over RB1 duties in 2023. Derek is a player that impressed me a lot during camps and showcases last summer, and I’m excited to watch what he does with a bigger role. Jones rushed for 131 yards and two touchdowns on only 19 carries during varsity time. Even with this small sample size, it’s clear to see that the talent and tools are there for Derek. He is quick with his first step and does a great job anticipating running lanes. He can accelerate very well once he hits the corner and has the speed to separate from defenders in the second and third levels. One thing people should also pay attention to is Derek’s hands and his ability as a receiver. Could be a huge year in store for Derek Jones!
Adrian Wilson Adrian Wilson 5'11" | 150 lbs | ATH Bellevue West | 2026 NE | DB | Bellevue West | 5’11” 150 lbs
Bellevue West DB Adrian Wilson Adrian Wilson 5'11" | 150 lbs | ATH Bellevue West | 2026 NE was one of the many prospects I watched for the first time at the Warren Academy Showcase. At the showcase, Adrian displayed many great traits you want to see in a young DB. He was quick with his feet and has solid fluidity in his hips to mirror receivers. Wilson was very sticky in coverage and could latch on right to a receiver’s hip throughout the route. My biggest takeaway from Adrian’s game was that he uses his length very well, especially in 1v1s where he used his long arms and ball skills to break up several passes. Lots to like about Adrian’s upside, and with the coaching at Bellevue West, don’t be surprised if he is a big name by his senior year.
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