PRZNE 2024 Breakout Candidates | District B-1

<!-- 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">Bennington:</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1059045' first='Elliott' last='Andersen'] | 2025 | WR | 6'0" 165 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16387006/Elliott-Andersen" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://x.com/ElliottAnders2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bennington Badgers enter the season riding a 39-game win streak that includes three consecutive Class B championships. After losing a very decorated senior class, there will be many new faces in several key positions. One position that will certainly have a new starter is quarterback, and although I'm not 100% sure who will step into that role, I know that they can sleep well knowing they have [player_tooltip player_id='1059045' first='Elliott' last='Andersen'] to lob it to. Senior receiver [player_tooltip player_id='1059045' first='Elliott' last='Andersen'] returns after leading the team in receiving yards with 394 yards on 24 receptions and 6 receiving touchdowns. Elliott is a smooth route runner who does an excellent job finding open zones in coverage and has the speed to stretch the field vertically. Great hands and excellent body control when adjusting for tough catches. Another underrated aspect of Elliott's game is his willingness and toughness when blocking on the perimeter. Surprisingly still flying under the radar... watch for Elliott to blow up this season!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16387006/656d0b6ef55f8b0d2cf6b468' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-669f31083552c"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Blair:</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='402138' first='Blaise' last='Baughman'] | 2026 | LB/EDGE | 5'11" 190 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17739428/Blaise-Baughman" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://x.com/BaughmanBlaise" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Several players to pick from here but I believe junior [player_tooltip player_id='402138' first='Blaise' last='Baughman'] is primed to have a major breakout season. Blaise had a great sophomore campaign that somehow went under the radar despite racking up 41 tackles, 9 TFLs, 6 sacks, 3 fumble recoveries, 2 forced fumbles, and a defensive touchdown. Blaise is going to be an absolute terror for opposing QBs and lineman with his mix of power and speed. Baughman showed that he has the strength to take on bigger linemen and win at the line of scrimmage. He plays with a tireless pursuit and has a motor that is always running hot. Blaise also carried the ball 26 times for 127 yards and 2 rushing touchdowns, so we could see more of him as a change of pace back. Won't be long before we're hearing more from Blaise! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17739428/655188583449040b9c40c660' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-669e112686c2d"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Elkhorn:</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='319543' first='Kayd' last='Matthews'] | 2025 | QB | 6'1" 200 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16356410/Kayd-Matthews" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://x.com/KaydMatthews" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's year 2 as the Antlers' starter for QB [player_tooltip player_id='319543' first='Kayd' last='Matthews'], who is looking to build on a solid junior campaign that resulted in a playoff berth. Everything is set for Kayd to take off this season, as he'll have a great run game to complement the pass, tons of weapons at receiver, and an experienced offensive line. I've been watching Kayd since his freshman season, and it's clear that he's made tremendous improvements to his game year after year. The main thing that stands out is Kayd's big-time arm, as he is able to make throws to all levels of the field. Matthews has also shown that he can throw the ball with touch and can put some nice zip on it depending on his receiver needs. He also proved to be a weapon on the ground when he decides to tuck the ball and take it himself as he runs hard and is tough to bring down with his 6'1" 200-pound frame. Kayd has offers from Wayne State and Mount Marty and will likely add to his list by the end of the season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16356410/65347952a6765707989ac819' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-669f31083557c"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Elkhorn North:</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1105168' first='Alex' last='Uchtman'] | 2026 | DB/ATH | 6'1" 185 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17809858/Alex-Uchtman" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://x.com/AlexUchtman" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Somewhat lost in the excitement of a tremendous season for the 10-2 Wolves was the top-tier play of CB/ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1105168' first='Alex' last='Uchtman']. Alex had a great sophomore season in which he tallied 23 tackles, 2 TFLs, and two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown. When watching Alex's tape, the biggest thing that stands out is the physicality that he plays with. He has the type of measurables you look for in a CB at 6'1” and 185-pound with good length to go with his frame. Uchtman does a good job using his long arms to jam up receivers and disrupt their route timing. He also won't hesitate to be physical at the catch point and play the ball like a receiver. Great instincts/IQ, quick break on the ball, and solid closing speed. With his athleticism, it will be interesting to see how Elkhorn North coaches involve him on offense after he rushed for 215 yards and two touchdowns. I'll check back in November to see how much his stock has skyrocketed!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17809858/6556e57a0660fe08747e1e0a' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-669f31083559d"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Skutt Catholic:</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='245855' first='Dylan' last='Van Dyke'] | 2025 | QB | 6'1" 190 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16215858/Dylan-Van-Dyke" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://x.com/DylanVanDyke8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After a tough loss in the state championship game, expect Skutt Catholic to come out red hot as they look to make their way back to Memorial Stadium. A player who will play a big part in that is senior QB [player_tooltip player_id='245855' first='Dylan' last='Van Dyke'], who has played very well in the limited time we've seen him on varsity. In two games as a starter, Dylan passed for 380 yards (78% completion), 3 passing touchdowns, and a rushing touchdown. Dylan is a strong, sturdy QB at 6'1" and 190 pounds, with a big arm that can push the ball deep downfield. I was impressed with Dylan's ability to maneuver the pocket while progressing through his reads and looking for an open receiver. I like the Sky Hawks to go far with Van Dyke taking the reins!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16215858/655fd185a0226808f03e9f38' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-669f3108355bb"} /--> <!-- 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 -->