Offseason Notebook: Top Positional Units In The State (Pt. 2)

<!-- 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>Diving back into my "Offseason Notebook" series, I wanted to take a look at some of the top positional groups returning to the field in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here is the second round of some of the deepest positional groups in the state:</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">Gretna Defensive Backs</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1818746' first='Talon' last='Daharsh'] ('27), [player_tooltip player_id='1271363' first='Zeke' last='Jasa'] ('27), [player_tooltip player_id='1086176' first='Breckin' last='Sliva'] ('27), and [player_tooltip player_id='2139580' first='Nathan' last='Thiellen'] ('29)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Gretna Dragons will return a healthy amount of defensive production to the field, especially in their secondary, where they'll see four standouts from last season back in the fold. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='1818746' first='Talon' last='Daharsh'] had a breakout campaign on both sides of the ball, but projects best as a safety, where he tallied 54 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, four interceptions, and a forced fumble. Fellow junior [player_tooltip player_id='1086176' first='Breckin' last='Sliva'] held down the opposite safety spot, where he racked up 37 tackles, 0.5 TFLs, and 2 interceptions. Starting CB [player_tooltip player_id='1271363' first='Zeke' last='Jasa'] seemed to turn it up week in and week out, ending the year with 46 tackles, three TFLs, eight PBUs, and a forced fumble. Freshman star [player_tooltip player_id='2139580' first='Nathan' last='Thiellen'] caught my attention during a playoff game against York, where he shot out of the gate for an 80-yard TD reception, but stood out for his defensive prowess, where he contributed 47 tackles and four PBUs at cornerback.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1818746' first='Talon' last='Daharsh'], 6'1" 190 lbs - <a href="https://x.com/TalonDaharsh4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@TalonDaharsh4)</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19602744/697c07e8a87e7010910456ab' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69c301d6f2ac1"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1271363' first='Zeke' last='Jasa'], 5'10" 175 lbs - <a href="https://x.com/ZekeJasa6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@ZekeJasa6)</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18601264/69b453f9dd49ca80efe27911' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69c301d6f2afd"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1086176' first='Breckin' last='Sliva'], 5'8" 165 lbs - <a href="https://x.com/breckinsliva09" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@breckinsliva09)</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2139580' first='Nathan' last='Thiellen'], 5'11" 165 lbs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/20772474/691750b036665d2a0199ea45' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69c301d6f2b21"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Lincoln Southwest Wide Receivers</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2157637' first='Gavin' last='Stroup'] ('27), [player_tooltip player_id='2071039' first='Alex' last='Dawes'] ('28), and [player_tooltip player_id='2149958' first='Kevin' last='Richardson'] ('28)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Lincoln Southwest offense looks primed to take a major step forward in 2026 after several flashes from a very young squad. One group that really stands out going into this season is the wide receivers, where all four of last year's top receiving yards leaders return (one RB). [player_tooltip player_id='2157637' first='Gavin' last='Stroup'] will be the source of leadership for this group as the sole incoming senior who recorded 14 receptions for 140 yards and two receiving touchdowns. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2071039' first='Alex' last='Dawes'] emerged as a two-way star for the Silver Hawks and led the team in receiving with 21 catches for 332 yards and two touchdowns. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2149958' first='Kevin' last='Richardson'] is an up-and-comer to keep a close eye on after hauling in 13 catches for 245 yards and three touchdowns.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2157637' first='Gavin' last='Stroup'] ('27), 5'10" 160 lbs - <a href="https://x.com/GavinStroup3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@GavinStroup3)</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/22466130/68b71f2b685a209ebb4bc7f3' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69c301d6f2b40"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2071039' first='Alex' last='Dawes'], 5'8" 155 lbs - <a href="https://x.com/Alex_Dawes_" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@Alex_Dawes_)</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/22597464/690186fe0d2241dbb0940c61' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69c301d6f2b5d"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2149958' first='Kevin' last='Richardson'], 6'0" 170 lbs - <a href="https://x.com/kjrich_09" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@kjrich_09)</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/22634811/68fc79e981541fb05ac46bb9' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69c301d6f2b78"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Creighton Prep Defensive Line</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1085131' first='Jake' last='Brock'] ('27), [player_tooltip player_id='1085149' first='Ayron' last='Shaw'] ('27), [player_tooltip player_id='1085159' first='Roberto' last='Macias-Sidzyik'] ('27), [player_tooltip player_id='1581447' first='Cooper' last='Fix'] ('28), [player_tooltip player_id='1590726' first='Gavin' last='Trapp'] ('28), and [player_tooltip player_id='2129285' first='Wyatt' last='Pisarik'] ('28)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Creighton Prep Jr Jays dominated in the trenches last season with strong, physical offensive and defensive lines. On defense, the Jr Jays were able to make splash plays in the backfield, recording 77.5 TFLs and 34 sacks as a team. They return a good chunk of that production wth a deep rotation at defensive line featuring prospects from the next three recruiting cycles. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='1085131' first='Jake' last='Brock'] served up 30 tackles, nine TFLs, 6.5 sacks, and a forced fumble. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='1085149' first='Ayron' last='Shaw'] tallied 20 tackles, 4.5 TFLs, and five sacks. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='1085159' first='Roberto' last='Macias-Sidzyik'] racked up 36 tackles, six TFLs, three sacks, and a forced fumble. Sophomores [player_tooltip player_id='1581447' first='Cooper' last='Fix'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1590726' first='Gavin' last='Trapp'] look ready to shoulder a bigger load in 2026 after flashing last fall. Cooper ended the year with 27 tackles, four TFLs, 2.5 sacks, and a forced fumble. Gavin didn't trail too far behind with 26 tackles, five TFLs, 2.5 sacks, and a forced fumble. Fellow sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2129285' first='Wyatt' last='Pisarik'] is an interesting player who didn't see much varsity time but has the measurables and tools to dominate in a bigger role. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1085131' first='Jake' last='Brock'], 6'1" 265 lbs - <a href="https://x.com/JakeBrock_" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@JakeBrock_)</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19575205/691fce76c57f485abe4cc273' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69c301d6f2b93"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1085149' first='Ayron' last='Shaw'], 6'3" 260 lbs - <a href="https://x.com/ayron_shaw2027" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@ayron_shaw2027)</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19575192/6919dc6b750b306810856cd4' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69c301d6f2bae"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1085159' first='Roberto' last='Macias-Sidzyik'], 6'0" 260 lbs - <a href="https://x.com/Rob96000Roberto" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@Rob96000Roberto)</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19575212/691bb001f370298536c4306d' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69c301d6f2bc9"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1581447' first='Cooper' last='Fix'], 6'1" 235 lbs - <a href="https://x.com/CooperFix93" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@CooperFix93)</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/23253610/68d049ae8a61b935346b52a8' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69c301d6f2be3"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1590726' first='Gavin' last='Trapp'], 6'1" 245 lbs - <a href="https://x.com/G_Trapp86" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@G_Trapp86)</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/22814479/691ff803c57f485abe4cd427' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69c301d6f2bfd"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2129285' first='Wyatt' last='Pisarik'], 6'6" -<a href="https://x.com/wyattpisarik" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> (@wyattpisarik)</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Elkhorn North Linebackers</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1699286' first='Grant' last='Sutko'] ('27), [player_tooltip player_id='1588236' first='Ian' last='Christo'] ('27), and [player_tooltip player_id='1581458' first='Zac' last='Minino'] ('28)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This group was absolutely stacked last season and will be another huge strength for the Wolves with a highly productive LB duo [player_tooltip player_id='1699286' first='Grant' last='Sutko'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1588236' first='Ian' last='Christo'] back on defense. Grant ended the year with 50 tackles, 10.5 TFLs, three sacks, and two fumble recoveries(one return for TD). Ian was also flying all over the field, tallying 49 tackles, three TFLs, and an interception. The Wolves will look at some younger guys to step up around Grant and Ian, with sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1581458' first='Zac' last='Minino'] looking like a promising player who could earn a starting role this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1699286' first='Grant' last='Sutko'], 6'3" 210 lbs - <a href="https://x.com/GrantSutko" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@GrantSutko)</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19595322/691551924f38d669b7dd6b4f' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69c301d6f2c18"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1588236' first='Ian' last='Christo'], 6'1" 190 lbs - <a href="https://x.com/Christo_Ian14" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@Christo_Ian14)</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19628086/69127ab12e5cb6150ef0d955' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69c301d6f2c30"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1581458' first='Zac' last='Minino'], 6'0" 160 lbs - <a href="https://x.com/ZacMinino" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@ZacMinino)</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Norris Offensive Line</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2110833' first='Carson' last='Bell'] ('27), [player_tooltip player_id='2157658' first='Easton' last='Burenheide'] ('27), [player_tooltip player_id='2064479' first='Jalen' last='Koehn'] ('28), [player_tooltip player_id='2157634' first='Wyatt' last='Dyer'] ('28), and [player_tooltip player_id='2137961' first='Wade' last='Brewster'] ('29)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We'll show some love to the Norris skill guys in a future feature for top positional groups, but for now, I want to give some credit to the big guys upfront. The Titans return four players who were either full-time starters or big rotational pieces. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='2110833' first='Carson' last='Bell'] should return to man the left tackle spot for the Titans. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='2157658' first='Easton' last='Burenheide'] and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2157634' first='Wyatt' last='Dyer'] will likely return to the interior, where they could take over both guard spots, or we could see one move in to replace their graduating center. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2064479' first='Jalen' last='Koehn'] is an interesting player who can play either tackle or guard. Rising freshman [player_tooltip player_id='2137961' first='Wade' last='Brewster'] is another interesting big body added into the mix who could find himself getting serious varsity time next fall. This unit helped lead the charge for one of the top offenses in Class B, resulting in 1,500+ passing yards, 2,500+ rushing yards, 21 passing touchdowns, and 39 rushing touchdowns.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2110833' first='Carson' last='Bell'], 6'4" 250 lbs - <a href="https://x.com/Carson_Bell1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@Carson_Bell1)</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19562965/691697f9dc5adf429deda4a2' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69c301d6f2c4a"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2064479' first='Jalen' last='Koehn'], 6'4" 250 lbs - <a href="https://x.com/jmkoehn34" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@jmkoehn34)</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/23441440/690bb43aa95a6eb837169143' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69c301d6f2c63"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2157634' first='Wyatt' last='Dyer'], 6'2" 230 lbs - <a href="https://x.com/dyer_wyatt25310" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@dyer_wyatt25310)</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/23441376/69826e6ed14fce077b741b0a' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69c301d6f2c7c"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2137961' first='Wade' last='Brewster'] </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- 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 -->