PRZ NE/IA Combine Series | 2026 Standouts

<!-- 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:paragraph --> <p>The Prep Redzone NE/IA Combine Series was a star-studded showcase featuring some of the best talent in Nebraska and Iowa. Over 120 prospects filled the Iowa West Sports Plex as they looked to sharpen their skills, compete against other elite talent, and gain exposure to the college coaches in attendance. Marty and I identified several standout prospects who we believe have the potential to play at the next level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This will be a wrap to coverage from the NE/IA Combine Series showcase and we will be closing it out with some 2026 standouts. Marty already covered a good chunk of 2026s in previous articles, so here are a few others that I think had a great day at the showcase.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='487753' first='Elijah' last='Gutz'] | WR | Lincoln East (NE) | 6'1" 190 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/18001207/Elijah-Gutz" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://x.com/elijah_gutz" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='487753' first='Elijah' last='Gutz'] could develop into the next high-flying Spartan wide receiver as he goes into his junior season. The 6'1" 190-pound receiver is an interesting prospect considering he has the talent to go the baseball route as well. On the gridiron, he's a very surprisingly shifty receiver who does a great job creating separation for himself with his route running ability. Gutz can set up defenders with the stem of his route before breaking off quickly and suddenly. He's very strong at the catch point and has made some highlight-reel catches both at our showcases and when I've seen him compete for the Red Wolves 7v7. Tough, physical receiver with inside-outside versatilty. "Worthley finds Gutz for the touchdown"... it's coming!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='487615' first='Tysen' last='Taylor'] | RB | Raymond Central (NE) | 6'2" 220 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19954017/Tysen-Taylor" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://x.com/TysenTaylor1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Raymond Central Mustangs must be excited to get this bruiser on the field. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='487615' first='Tysen' last='Taylor'] is an OL/DL converted into an RB, and let me tell you, that will be a scary sight for opposing defenders next fall. Although that's not a position change you see very often, watching Tysen run through drills, I'll say he looked very natural and fluid. He displays great mobility and agility for his size and looks sharp when doing cutting drills. Tysen also impressed in the RB blocking drills where he could dig into his blocking background and incorporates great technique and strength. Good hands as a receiving back. Looking forward to seeing more from Tysen in the upcoming seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='923427' first='Tavion' last='Johnson'] | WR | Raymond Central (NE) | 6'3" 165 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16627612/Tavion-Johnson" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://x.com/tavionjohnsonn" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We have another Mustang standout! When the Mustangs aren't pounding the rock with Tysen, expect them to be launching bombs downfield to receiver [player_tooltip player_id='923427' first='Tavion' last='Johnson']. Tavion is coming off a great sophomore season and continued to build momentum with a strong combine performance. Johnson is a tall, lean receiver who does a great job using his lengthier frame and ability to elevate to haul in jump balls. For being a bigger receiver, Tavion still displays good explosiveness through his change of direction and can create separation at the top of his route. I was also impressed with Tavion's body control whether that meant extending to make a catch outside of his frame or adjusting in air to make the catch. Johnson has some big, strong mitts that snag up anything thrown his way. Breakout candidate!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1114940' first='Max' last='Parde'] | LB | Syracuse (NE) | 6'3" 180 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17823156/Maxwell-Parde" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://x.com/MParde24" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a small-town stud to keep an eye on this upcoming season! Max is a player they are very excited to see continue to develop over at Syracuse and I'll say I am too after his showcase performance. Parde definitely has the size and length that you look for at the next level with some room to continue filling out his frame. Max is a very reactive linebacker who does a great job reading his keys and acting on what he sees quickly and effectively. He's consistent with keeping his hips square and chopping his feet before exploding downfield to close on the ball. Parde showed good coverage fluidity when competing against RBs in 1v1s and displayed smart hand use with the ball in the air. Max will also be a big factor in the Rocket's offensive passing game as he is one of their top returning receivers. Keep an eye out for this prospect to skyrocket this season!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1114937' first='Ben' last='Monheiser'] | LB | Sidney (NE) | 5'11" 180 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17449097/Ben-Monheiser" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://x.com/BenMonheiser" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coming all the way from the Nebraska Panhandle, Sidney's [player_tooltip player_id='1114937' first='Ben' last='Monheiser'] was a bit of an eye-opener at the showcase, combining a strong testing portion with solid reps/drills. For only coming off his sophomore season, Ben already looks fairly polished as a linebacker. He's smart when playing his gaps, reads his keys very well, and finds his way to the ball consistently. Monheiser was solid in coverage, displaying loose hips that help him change direction seamlessly and good closing speed on the ball. The Sidney LB group is going to be a nasty one this season with Ben as one of the main contributors!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1105194' first='Louis' last='Welstead'] | ATH | Lincoln North Star (NE) | 5'11" 145 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/18016884/Louis-Welstead" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://x.com/LouisWelstead1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With a move from Lincoln to Lincoln North Star, I'm excited to see how Louis will fit into their schemes. On top of seeing Louis tear it up at the Combine Series showcase, I also watched him play with Red Wolves 7v7, where he was equally impressive. The biggest asset in Louis' toolbelt is his versatility playing receiver and defensive back. As a receiver, you can line him up wherever and let him use his 4.57 speed (Combine Series best) to stretch defenses vertically. He's also a savvy route runner who can carve up defenses over the middle of the field. On defense, Louis is always near the ball at the end of the play. He has quick instincts in coverage and breaks on the ball very well. Aggressive with the ball in the air— don't be surprised when Louis is coming down with a 50/50 ball to come away with the interception. Louis posted top 5 testing times of 4.57 40-yard dash, 9'4" broad jump, and a 7.44 L-drill. Lots of upside to this young man!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='487752' first='Dylan' last='Reel'] | WR | Palmyra (NE) | 5'9" 165 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19546891/Dylan-Reel" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://x.com/d_reel11" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Like Louis, I've had the opportunity to watch Dylan at both the Combine Series and playing for Red Wolves 7v7. The Palmyra product is a very versatile player who displays tons of upside at receiver and defensive back. At receiver, Dylan exhibits clean footwork and precise route running with great twitch when the ball is in his hands. Reel does a great job getting clean releases when coming off the ball either by shooting his hands to combat the DBs or simply by using his explosiveness to fire off the snap. Strong hands and concetration at the catch point. Defensively, Dylan is a very physical defensive back who won't hesitate to fight for the ball. He has keen instincts and great closing speed so no pass is entirely safe when it's going anywhere near Dylan. Great athlete with two-way potential!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1114855' first='Wyatt' last='Dent'] | WR | Central City (NE) | 6'1" 165 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/18212157/Wyatt-Dent" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://x.com/Wyatt_Dent13" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Central City's [player_tooltip player_id='1114855' first='Wyatt' last='Dent'] was the unofficial "WR Workout Warrior," as he showed up, and became the only receiver with top five marks in each testing drill. Wyatt flashed his top tier athleticism during the testing portion with a 4.69 40-yard dash, 4.50 shuttle drill, 9'6" broad jump, and 7.59 L-drill. Dent looked very smooth when running his routes, showing great footwork and crisp changes of direction at the break off point. He can fight off pressing DBs and showed good strength when trying to hold on through contact. Wyatt has good size at 6'1" and 165 pounds, but I noticed he played bigger than his frame with his ability to elevate for the 50/50 balls and his lengthy reach providing a sizeable catch radius. The Bison know how to air it out so I won't be surprised if Wyatt continues putting up monster numbers in his prep career.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1114438' first='Jack' last='Ladd'] | DL | Millard South (NE) | 6'0" 230 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17760193/Jack-Ladd" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://x.com/JackLadd9425" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Millard South's [player_tooltip player_id='1114438' first='Jack' last='Ladd'] had to have been a close second for DL MVP after a monster performance at the showcase. With a ton of depth in front of him in the Millard South rotation, limiting his playing time, it was great to see Jack compete against some top-tier competition. The hungry sophomore tore it up in 1v1s where his violent use of hands and quick first step helped him win several reps. Ladd does a great job keeping a low center of gravity with plays through his hips with the strength in his base to anchor down and drive blockers off of their spot. Great upper body strength helps him stand up lineman, giving him even better leverage. Don't get Jack confused for being purely a power-rusher as he flashed how deep his pass-rush bag was with a few speed moves and quick, violent strikes with his hands. Two more years in that Millard South program?? Yea, this guy is going to be a stud by his senior year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1114613' first='Carter' last='Gokie'] | DL | Pius X (NE) | 6'3" 230 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17873111/Carter-Gokie" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://x.com/carter_gokie" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pius X's [player_tooltip player_id='1114613' first='Carter' last='Gokie'] is a player primed to take a big next step in his development this summer as he heads into his junior year. Carter is a "Right off the bus" type of player who catches your attention immediately with his built, athletic 6'3" and 230-pound frame. He plays both O-line and D-line for the Thunderbolts, but he mostly took part in DL drills and DL reps in 1v1s, which is the position I see him playing at the college level. Gokie attacks the line of scrimmage with a good mix of speed and power. He does a great job firing off the ball and displays excellent pop when making initial contact with his opponents. Gokie has the leg drive to force blockers backward, and he has enough twitch to make blockers whiff altogether. Good burst when he finds the backfield and possesses a great motor as seen on film. Break out junior candidate!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1115001' first='Dylan' last='Choutka'] | 2026 | Bishop Neumann (NE) | 6'2" 215 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17768792/Dylan-Choutka" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://x.com/dylan_choutka" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Similar to Gokie, Dylan is another OL/DL player who will likely make their money playing defensive line at the next level. Choutka is a taller, leaner defensive lineman with great length to help him create separation at the LOS. He does a great job exploding through his hips before shooting his hands and extending to keep blockers at a distance. Dylan is then able to quickly chop at his opponents arms before ripping through to work his way into the backfield. Good lateral quickness allows him to flow to the ball and track down ball-carriers. You should expect to see Dylan blow up in the upcoming year as he continues to sharpen his craft and build onto his frame!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /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 -->