Freshman Friday | 2026 Prospects to Watch VII

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code:&nbsp;OscarGalindo30&nbsp;in the coupon code area.</em></strong></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>We're back with Freshman Friday #7, and we have another elite crop of 2026 prospects that you want to add to your radars ASAP!</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='284046' first='Araf' last='Evans'] Jr. | DB/WR | Bellevue West | 6'0" 185 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17422310/Araf-Evans-Jr" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/arafevansjr" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kicking off Freshman Friday part 7 with the guy they call "7," [player_tooltip player_id='284046' first='Araf' last='Evans'] Jr. Before the season started, I would've thought I would be talking about Araf's great season at receiver in this article; instead, I am talking about his impressive showing at defensive back. Araf showed us this season why he will likely be one of the top 2026 prospects when it's all said and done. Evans finished the season with 19 tackles, an interception, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. He mostly played cornerback but showed the ability to shift to nickel/safety, depending on the defensive package. When I watch "7"'s tape, I can't help but be impressed with his IQ and quick read-and-react instincts. He already plays like someone past his experience, and it shows through the little things like his mechanics when changing direction (hips/footwork) and staying disciplined with his eyes/hands in coverage. Araf is also a willing tackler that won't hesitate to step into the box to play the run and can sniff out screens and blow them up at the line. Wouldn't be surprised if he starts the season with at least his first offer, if not more already in hand.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17422310/63d5646d38643506243ac42b' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-641d2bfe4b3ad"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='487608' first='Dallas' last='Gaius'] | TE/DE | Millard West | 6'3" 170 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16500326/Dallas-GaiusAnyaegbu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/DallasGaius" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Millard West freshman [player_tooltip player_id='487608' first='Dallas' last='Gaius']-Anyaegbu is going to be a player to watch in the upcoming years. He is an athletic, tall player who can be a threat on offense and defense. He really impressed at defensive end, where he can use his length and athleticism to create separation at the line. Gaius provided a consistent edge-rushing presence for the Wildcat's freshman team, winning one-on-ones with his quick first step and use of speed moves to break into the backfield. When I watch Dallas' tape, his motor also stands out with how he plays hard all the way through the whistle. I've also seen Dallas' talents as a pass catcher and think he could make an impact at tight end as well. He knows how to play to his strengths when he's in mismatches against smaller DBs and less athletic LBs. High upside player!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16500326/6350bc9815f64e1770e640c0' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-641d2bfe4b3d9"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='487614' first='Logan' last='Holtmeyer'] | DL/OL | Papillion-La Vista |6'0" 240 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/18909614/Logan-Holtmeyer" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/logan_holtmeyer" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Monarchs continue to reload in the trenches with another big mauler. [player_tooltip player_id='487614' first='Logan' last='Holtmeyer'] is a player that I will be keeping tabs on this off-season. There isn't a lot of tape from Logan's freshman year, but he did manage to see some varsity time in some games, totaling seven tackles, five tackles for loss, a sack, and a fumble recovery in two games of action. The tape that we do have shows a player that can win his matchups at the line of scrimmage by being explosive at the snap and getting a strong initial push. He utilizes his strength very well on the field, using his strong upper body and powerful anchor to stand up and drive defenders back. Logan has bulked up quite a bit this offseason and should be a handful to try and block. I'm hoping to see more of Logan at some camps this off-season to watch him compete some more. Keep an eye on this guy to get some solid snaps next season!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18909614/63977f374210da03c89ce340' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-641e46df3ce10"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='487620' first='Caden' last='Shafer'] | TE | Roncalli Catholic | 6'1" 190 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/18284566/Caden-Shafer" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/Caden12549271" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the 2026 pass catchers that went under the radar was Roncalli Catholic's [player_tooltip player_id='487620' first='Caden' last='Shafer']. In one of the top passing attacks in Class B, Caden found ways to stand out whenever he got the ball. Despite only having 11 receptions, he averaged 15.6 yards per reception for 176 yards and scored three touchdowns. On defense, he also racked up 12 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, and two sacks. Caden does a great job getting open and finding windows for his QB to get him the ball. He's a tough player that can make catches over the middle of the field and hang on through contact. Shafer is a hybrid WR/TE at the moment with route running, inside-outside versatility, great hands of a receiver, and the ability to get physical as a run blocker like a tight end. As Caden continues to grow and develop, we'll get a better read on his true position. Could emerge as the favorite target of rising QB [player_tooltip player_id='340508' first='Brady' last='McGill']. Huge stock riser potential!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18284566/636844c819a54707741fd88e' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-641d2bfe4b3fb"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='488226' first='Cauy' last='Meyer'] | LB | Loomis | 5'10" 160 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16329658/Cauy-Meyer" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/cauy_meyer" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There aren't many players that make the jump to varsity as a freshman and end up leading their team in tackles, which is exactly what Loomis' [player_tooltip player_id='488226' first='Cauy' last='Meyer'] did in 2022. Cauy burst onto the scene as a green freshman and made an instant impact in the 8-man football ranks. He finished the season with 96 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and will also be the team's returning leader in rushing yards with 160. Even though Cauy is only a freshman, he already shows the ability to make quick, smart decisions and plays his gaps very well. Meyer is a versatile defender that can play Mike LB, and he can line up at the line of scrimmage and apply pressure to the backfield. Impressive looking freshman that will only continue to get better!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16329658/6358202c4debd01204ba852b' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-641d2bfe4b417"} /--> <!-- 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 -->