2026 Film Room: Under The Radar Juniors

Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: OscarGalindo30 in the coupon code area.   It's another beautiful Sunday for some Film Room breakdowns! I'm continuing coverage of the 2026 class by stepping into the film room to look at some prospects flying under the radar. This week, I don't have a county or specific region to cover; I just wanted to highlight some juniors who are currently flying under the radar.   Check out the updated Class of 2026 rankings <a href="https://prepredzone.com/nebraska/rankings/2026-rankings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HERE</a>.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   [player_tooltip player_id='1625784' first='Hunter' last='Rosenbaum'] (DB), Elkhorn North - 5'11" 175 lbs - <a href="https://x.com/hunterrosey20">(@hunterrosey20)</a>   The Wolves' 2026 group is shaping up to be special, with several players starting to earn offers. One name that should be getting more attention is junior defensive back [player_tooltip player_id='1625784' first='Hunter' last='Rosenbaum'], who played safety and receiver for Elkhorn North. Hunter had a solid showing, recording 38 tackles and two passes defended with an impact that went deeper than the stat sheet. When watching Hunter's junior tape, I was impressed with his coverage skills as he showed the ability to quickly change direction and instinctively flow to the ball. Rosenbaum does a great job reading the QB's eyes and has the football IQ to pick up on passing concepts. He plays with great pad level and has quick feet that help him to sharply break on the ball and make the stop. Hunter also embraces being physical with his willingness to step up into the box to help out against the run and when playing his hands when going up to defend a pass.    [player_tooltip player_id='1310007' first='Gavin' last='Ruskamp'] (LB), Waverly - 6'0" 200 lbs -<a href="https://x.com/gavinruskamp08" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@gavinruskamp08)</a>   The Waverly Vikings are always a good place to look for quality prospects. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='1310007' first='Gavin' last='Ruskamp'] is the next player up as a disruptive inside linebacker with the size and motor to succeed at the collegiate level. As a junior, Gavin recorded 50 tackles, 11 TFLs, and a forced fumble. Gavin has a solid frame at 6'0", 205 lbs, which allows him to make physical tackles at the point of attack and fight off blockers at the line of scrimmage. He plays his gaps very well and does an excellent job taking smart pursuit angles to cut off the ball carrier. Gavin plays with a quick trigger and fast eyes that help him make smart, efficient reads on his keys before breaking downhill to close on the ball. Although the stats may not show it, Gavin's tape showed his ability to create pressure against QBs and force them into bad throws. Strong, secure tackler who utilizes great technique to chop down his opponent.    [player_tooltip player_id='487751' first='Austin' last='Scheuler'] (QB), Archbishop-Bergan - 5'9" 170 lbs - <a href="https://x.com/AustinScheuler" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@AustinScheuler)</a>   One player who has quietly been making huge strides year after year is Archbishop-Bergan's [player_tooltip player_id='487751' first='Austin' last='Scheuler'], who is coming off his best season yet. During his junior year, Austin completed 63% of his passes for 1,893 yards and 18 touchdowns with a QBR of 110.9. One thing that stood out about Austin was his processing speed, showing that he can make rapid, accurate reads that allow him to get the ball to his receivers quickly. Good field vision to read the opposing defense and work through his progressions. Scheuler's pocket presence and ability to evade the pass rush were also impressive. He showed he can effectively roll out of the pocket while keeping his eyes downfield, looking for an open receiver.    [player_tooltip player_id='1617401' first='Peyton' last='Else'] (RB/ATH), Seward - 5'11" 185 lbs - <a href="https://x.com/PeytonElse_4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@PeytonElse_4)</a>   Seward's [player_tooltip player_id='1617401' first='Peyton' last='Else'] is set to step into a bigger role next season as the featured back in the offense. Still, as the backup RB last season, Peyton managed to rush for 291 yards and six touchdowns on 40 carries. We have Peyton listed as a running back, but he could also receive serious looks as a slot receiver after catching 25 passes for 322 yards and a receiving touchdown. He is a very shifty athlete who can create magic with the ball in his hands, showing he can make defenders miss in the open field and can make sharp cuts in tight quarters. Great burst as he hits his hole with the acceleration to separate from defenders past the second level. Else also displayed impressive contact balance as he keeps himself upright while fighting through attempts to trip him up. As a receiver, Else showed he can get open over the middle of the field and has reliable hands to secure the catch.    [player_tooltip player_id='1625749' first='Kaden' last='Knaak'] (TE/ATH), LDNE - 6'3" 220 lbs   LDNE's [player_tooltip player_id='1625749' first='Kaden' last='Knaak'] is a player who could take off this offseason with a solid camp cycle. Despite playing on a run-heavy team, Kaden still had a strong showing, as he led the team in receiving yards with 240 yards and four touchdowns on 18 receptions. Knaak also showed his two-way upside after posting 28 tackles, seven TFLs, four sacks, two interceptions (one pick-six), a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown on defense. Offensively, Kaden flashes as a tight end who can use his size to bully around smaller defenders and "out-physical" them at the catch point. He does a great job elevating to a high point the ball, especially on 50/50 balls, and has good control when adjusting to make the catch. Knaak also showed nice awareness when trying to get open by finding the soft spots in the coverage and moving into those open passing windows. Physical blocker who can be an extension of the O-line in the run game. Defensively, Kaden is an athletic and versatile defender who you can play defensive end, EDGE, or outside linebacker and can be disguised in coverages and blitzes. He's aggressive when attacking off the EDGE, playing with a quick first step, power to drive blockers off the line, and hands that stay loaded and ready to shoot.    <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   Make sure to follow @PRZ_OscarG for more news on Nebraska and Iowa HS recruiting.

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