5A State Championship Preview: Div. III
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There are some talented prospects set to take the field for Nevada’s first 5A state championship this afternoon. In this article I focused on some of the skill guys who should get used to playing on Saturday afternoons. Below, I…
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Continue ReadingThere are some talented prospects set to take the field for Nevada’s first 5A state championship this afternoon. In this article I focused on some of the skill guys who should get used to playing on Saturday afternoons. Below, I highlight five prospects set to be matched up against each other in the Galena vs. Legacy contest.
Joseph Czyz Joseph Czyz 6’0″ | 180 lbs | ATH Galena | 2024 State NV has been one of the most productive players in northern Nevada on both sides of the ball for Galena. I am surprised he has not received more regional attention this fall; Expect that to change once the playoffs end. Good power gets displayed as a tackler, while Joseph’s next level strength allows him to run through tackles with the ball in his hands. Good vision and lateral quickness as a runner shows creating in crowded run boxes. Contested catch ability and a large radius highlight Joseph’s receiving value at the next level. Watch for recruiters to evaluate Joseph’s postseason play on both sides of the ball to determine where his best fit is at the next level.
Highlights
Darren Bowen Darren Bowen 5’9″ | 185 lbs | RB Legacy | 2024 NV may be a rising senior defender after recruiters turn on his 2023 film. Darren has been to a camp at Boise State in the past, but I am surprised he has not received more interest from other schools in the region. Keep an eye on Darren’s recruitment to pick up once the postseason ends. Good closing speed and power shows finishing tackles from a backside corner pursuit angle in the run game. Darren’s instincts show quickly finding threats in his zone, while his next level burst and physicality shows punishing intended targets at the catch point.
Ben Imse Ben Imse 6’3″ | 205 lbs | WR Galena | 2025 NV has produced for Galena in all three phases this season. However, the versatile prospect is bound to be locked in as a top Reno receiver before his senior year gets here. Watch for schools outside northern Nevada to recruit Ben once the postseason ends. Ben’s size, strong hands, and ability to absorb contact give him a chance to be a reliable option over the middle in college. Good length and athletic ability shown extending above his head to complete off target catches highlights Ben’s next level redzone potential. Good balance and vision shows with the ball in his hands; Watch for evaluators to make note of how Ben produces for Galena in prime time with or without the ball this afternoon.
Highlights
Erick Rodriguez
Erick Rodriguez
Erick Rodriguez has had a lockdown season for Galena’s secondary. Recruiters are excited to see how Erick does versus next level receivers in the state championship game. He attended a University of Nevada game this month, so be on the lookout for Erick to become a top Reno recruit before his senior year gets here. Good recovery speed shows guarding receivers vertically in zone, while Erick’s next level athleticism allows him to turn at the catchpoint and intercept well-thrown deep balls. Quick feet, deceptive length, and good strength allows Erick to guard bigger receivers in press man coverage. Good patience, acceleration, and top speed shown in off man coverage gives Erick a chance to be a man defender all over the field at the next level.
Dominic Oliver Dominic Oliver 6’1″ | 165 lbs | WR Legacy | 2025 State NV and the rest of the Legacy Longhorns are hungry to finish their season with a state championship victory. Dominic has received interest from the University of Nevada throughout this season. Although I think defensive coaches want to see Dominic lock up Galena’s ball carriers, I would expect the playmaker’s offensive recruitment to pick up once the postseason ends. Dominic’s combination of size, speed, and strong hands gets displayed elevating over defenders to make tough catches on vertical throws. Quick feet and next level acceleration allow Dominic to consistently separate from defenders. Good length, adjustment ability, solid hands, and next level speed tools will allow Dominic to line up at either X or Z in college. Watch for Dominic to finish his junior year by giving Galena problems on both sides of the ball today.