PRZNE 2024 Breakout Candidates | District A-5

<!-- 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 2024 season is rapidly approaching, and as a way to start previewing it, I have decided to go district by district and choose a player from every team as a breakout candidate. The breakout candidates are players who are flying under the radar, young players biding their time, etc. These guys are set to make a big name for themselves in 2024, tap in NOW!!!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Bellevue West:</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='487557' first='Will' last='Anderson'] | 2026 | QB | 6'1" 195 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19334123/Will-Anderson" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://x.com/WillAnderson16_" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's officially the [player_tooltip player_id='487557' first='Will' last='Anderson']-era over at Bellevue West! The junior prospect is ready to take over the reins of the Thunderbird's offense after sitting behind now-Husker QB Danny Kaelin. Will came in during some spots last season and flashed the massive potential he showed as a freshman while throwing for 255 yards and 3 passing touchdowns. Will has proven to have a live arm with the strength to complete throws to all levels of the field and can deliver the ball with solid accuracy. Will's legs are also another reason I think he will break out this season. Anderson displayed great mobility in the pocket and will not hesitate to run the ball himself, as evidenced by his four rushing touchdowns. With great weapons and coaching around him, expect Will and the T-Birds to have the offense firing on all cylinders this fall!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19334123/653886ea3deaa40b5c51a191' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6699e5908cea9"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Lincoln Northeast:</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1219130' first='Liam' last='Gallagher'] | 2027 | WR | 6'3" 180 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19418547/Liam-Gallagher">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://x.com/Liam6Gallagher6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Incoming sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1219130' first='Liam' last='Gallagher'] was a standout from this past weekend's NELITE Wideout camp, where he had a great overall showing. Liam is a player who sticks out immediately with his tall, lengthy 6'3" and 180-pound frame and possesses a QB-friendly catch radius. His size allows him to elevate over defenders to win at the high point. I also thought Liam moved very well for his size, displaying fluid route running and good footwork. Gallagher will join senior TE/WR [player_tooltip player_id='736210' first='Levi' last='Sherman'] as a dynamic 1-2 punch in the Rocket's passing game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Lincoln Southwest:</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='319186' first='Jace' last='Erickson'] | 2025 | RB/DB | 5'9" 175 lbs</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16368674/Jace-Erickson" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://x.com/JaceErickson26" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Silver Hawks have quite a few players that I would consider breakout candidates this season, but [player_tooltip player_id='319186' first='Jace' last='Erickson'] is a very interesting player to keep an eye on. Jace is set to be a difference-maker on offense, defense, and special teams again this year after posting 250 all-purpose yards, 28 tackles, and an interception as a junior. One thing that makes Erickson stand out is his impressive testing numbers, recording a 4.57 40-yard dash, 4.12 pro-agility, and a 34.5" vertical jump. This athleticism will give Southwest coaches a versatile offensive weapon that can take the ball on handoffs and is a receiving threat either out of the backfield or in the slot. Erickson's vision and elusiveness with the ball in his hands make him tough to tackle in the open field. Jace currently holds an offer from Peru State and will likely add a few more by the time the season is over.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16368674/6532a1b55caaa9106cbf369b' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6699e5908cee4"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Omaha Buena Vista:</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1059141' first='Landon' last='Liddell'] | 2025 | LB | 6'0" 185 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13700211/Landon-Liddell">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://x.com/LandoFrm816" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Year 2 will be a big one for a young Buena Vista team as they make the move from Class B to Class A this fall. Despite the growing pains last season, there were still several bright spots on the Bison roster. One player who I'm looking forward to watching this season is inside linebacker/tight end [player_tooltip player_id='1059141' first='Landon' last='Liddell']. We don't have a ton of tape on Landon, but from what we've seen, he looks like a playmaking ''backer who can be an asset in coverage and a thumper against the run. He had a couple of impressive interceptions where he read the QBs eyes and was able to make a play on the ball. I'm surprised more coaches aren't looking Landon's way, but I'm sure he will gain more traction as the season progresses... hidden gem!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13700211/65d796a73863cb0b1c6fe667' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-669821c7149c8"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Omaha North:</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='796582' first='Max' last='Clark'] | 2026 | EDGE/LB | 6'2" 215 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/18180237/Max-Clark">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://x.com/max_clark10" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Omaha North Vikings have the talent to field one of the scariest defensive fronts in the state. One player in this group that you should keep a close eye on is junior LB/EDGE [player_tooltip player_id='796582' first='Max' last='Clark'], who is set to take on a bigger role this season. Max is a ruthless pass-rusher who flashed his massive potential last season as he ended with 41 tackles, 6 TFLs, 3 sacks, and 3 fumble recoveries. Clark is very explosive when getting off the ball and has proven that he can win at the line of scrimmage with his speed or power. He has a great pursuit for the ball and is a very efficient tackler when he gets to his target. Max is a player I believe could shoot into FBS/FCS consideration by the time the season is over if he comes out firing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18180237/65a96a01c123eb10b4192639' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-669c349f45c6e"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">South Sioux City:</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1114443' first='Adrian' last='Curiel'] | 2026 | DL | 6'2" 215 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/15062220/Adrian-Curiel" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://x.com/adriancuriel220" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There were a handful of South Sioux City players that I considered as a breakout candidate, but ultimately, I believe DL/OL [player_tooltip player_id='1114443' first='Adrian' last='Curiel'] could step up big-time this season. Adrian is a strong and athletic 6'2" 215 defensive end who does a good job using his length and bend to win battles at the line of scrimmage. Curiel will also be a pivotal blocker on the offensive line as they push for another outstanding team rushing season. There is a ton of upside here, as Adrian is only entering his junior season and is coming off a busy summer, including a strong showing on the wrestling mats.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/15062220/6509d1f28cd42208c4d336c7' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6699e5908cf25"} /--> <!-- 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 -->