PRZ NE/IA Combine Series Standouts Pt. II

<!-- 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>Excited to start up showcase content from Sunday's Nebraska/Iowa Combine Series. We had roughly 70-80 kids in the house, ranging from 28s to 26s, from the panhandle of Nebraska to Eastern Iowa (and even a couple of players from Missouri).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here is part two of my standouts from Sunday's Combine Series Showcase.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1085197"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67ff494b93a35"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://x.com/SageTooShifty" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong><em>(@SageTooShifty)</em></strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Expect the Wolverines' rushing attack to be fierce next season with the addition of incoming junior [player_tooltip player_id='1085197' first='Sage' last='Giddings']. Sage had a big-time performance at the Combine Series, earning RB MVP honors. Sage stood out with his versatile skillset, which includes solid blocking and receiving, on top of being an explosive runner. Sage is a strong, physical runner with a sturdy frame at 5'10" and 190 pounds, allowing him to plow through defenses, chipping away at them with every carry. As I watched Sage throughout the camp, I noticed some traits that really stood out from his game, including his vision, smooth change of direction, and sharp cutback ability. He also looked great as a receiving back who can create separation from defenders and has strong hands to hold on to contested catches. Giddings posted marks of 4.93 (40-yard dash), 4.53 (shuttle), and an 8'1" broad jump. Big season coming up for Sage!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1114438"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67ff494b93a9a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://x.com/JackLadd9425" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong><em>(@JackLadd9425)</em></strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We've seen what Millard South's [player_tooltip player_id='1114438' first='Jack' last='Ladd'] can do on the offensive line, but he really opened our eyes on Sunday with a dominant performance that earned him DL MVP honors. Right off the bat, Jack stood out with his physicality and explosiveness. Ladd does a great job firing off the ball and has a quick trigger when shooting his hands, delivering a swift, powerful punch that can stun his opponents. Jack uses his hands extremely well when looking to disengage from blockers, making sure opponents never get a clear shot at him. Good use of leverage and hand placement. Jack also impressed by flashing the speed and agility to win with finesse at the line of scrimmage. Jack posted solid numbers in the testing portion with a 4.81 40-yard dash, 4.23 shuttle drill, 9'1" broad jump, and a 7.25 L-drill. Overall, Jack solidified himself as a true two-way trench warrior who could play on either side of the ball at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1646297"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67ff494b93aec"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://x.com/KasynVande11" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@KasynVande11)</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Clear Creek Amana's [player_tooltip player_id='1646297' first='Kasyn' last='VandeBerg'] was a nice surprise from the Combine Series showcase, as this was my first time getting a good look at him. Kasyn seemed to catch everything thrown his way, showing that he's a true "hands" receiver with big, strong mitts to snag the ball out of the air and the strength to hang on to the ball through contact. He moves very well for his size, flashing nice route running with great footwork through the route. VandeBerg showed enough wiggle to create separation at the top of his route. Clean footwork. VandeBerg's size allows him to take advantage of mismatches while using his physicality to beat out opponents who may try to press him or contest catches. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1327922"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67ff494b93b7a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://x.com/CodyBates44" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong><em>(@CodyBates44)</em></strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bridgeport's [player_tooltip player_id='1327922' first='Cody' last='Bates'] is a player we've been monitoring closely since his freshman season and is currently one of the top prospects in Nebraska's 2027 class. This was my first in-person evaluation of Cody, and I was very impressed with his complete performance on Sunday. Cody stands out immediately, standing at 6'4" and 177 pounds with room to continue filling out his frame. Bates tested well during the combine with a 4.75 40-yard dash, 4.47 shuttle drill, 8'9" broad jump, and a 7.72 L-drill. The part of Cody's game that stood out the most was how well he performed in coverage, showing he can pick up RBs out of the backfield, possessing the speed and agility to stay right in their hip pocket. He displayed solid aggressiveness in coverage while possessing the length and ball skills to go up and defend the pass. Good footwork and fluid hips allow him to change direction and break on the ball quickly. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1619680"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67ff494b93b33"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://x.com/Jameshatlevig08" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@Jameshatlevig08)</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Norwalk's [player_tooltip player_id='1619680' first='James' last='Hatlevig'] is another player who's physical traits hooked us in and his play kept our attention. James is a taller QB with prototypical measurements at 6'5", 200 pounds. Hatlevig's size allows him to stand tall in the pocket as he surveys the field, moving through his progression. James might've had two-three of the best deep passes I saw all day Sunday, putting his arm strength and deep-ball accuracy on full display. Hatlevig showed that he can rip throws with solid velocity into tight spaces and has the anticipation and timing to throw to a spot on the field and letting his receiver go get it. Solid mechanics with a quick release. Looking forward to seeing more from James this offseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Make sure to follow&nbsp;<em>@PRZ_OscarG</em>&nbsp;for more news on Nebraska and Iowa HS recruiting.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->