Offseason Notebook: Top Positional Units In The State (Pt. 3)

<!-- 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">Millard North Running Backs</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='212374' first='Kylonn' last='Haynie'] ('27), [player_tooltip player_id='1085146' first='Austin' last='Ruhter'] ('27), and [player_tooltip player_id='1581455' first='Kaden' last='Craig'] ('28)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Millard North Mustangs were looking for the new workhorse back and seemed to have found him with the addition of 3-star RB [player_tooltip player_id='212374' first='Kylonn' last='Haynie']. Haynie joins a backfield that already showed a ton of promise with risers like [player_tooltip player_id='1085146' first='Austin' last='Ruhter'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1581455' first='Kaden' last='Craig']. As a junior, Kylonn recorded 134 carries for 730 yards and nine touchdowns. Incoming senior [player_tooltip player_id='1085146' first='Austin' last='Ruhter'] is too good to keep off the field on defense, but expect him to still be a great rotational back after recording 50 carries for 187 yards and three touchdowns last season. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1581455' first='Kaden' last='Craig'] is an intriguing prospect with elite speed and agility. He can also catch out of the backfield and in the slot, so watch out for him to be a key part of the Mustangs' backfield. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='212374' first='Kylonn' last='Haynie'], 2027 5'11" 200 lbs - <a href="https://x.com/HaynieKylonn" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@HaynieKylonn)</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19151187/68ec34d6ed4b1e3e02ec1c67' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69cc58bdbdeb5"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1085146' first='Austin' last='Ruhter'], 2027 - 5'8" 185 lbs - <a href="https://x.com/RuhterAustin12" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@RuhterAustin12) </a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19857048/690f63bb74301bea69f9f497' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69cc58bdbdf31"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1581455' first='Kaden' last='Craig'], 2028 - 5'10" 190 lbs - <a href="https://x.com/KadenCraig18" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@KadenCraig18)</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/22574643/69153ca54f38d669b7dd5e25' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69cc58bdbdf99"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Millard West Defensive Backs</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1556216' first='Colton' last='Williams'] ('27), [player_tooltip player_id='1903042' first='Gage' last='Orso'] ('28), and [player_tooltip player_id='2067978' first='Kj' last='Fox'] ('28)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I've always said that the Millard West Wildcats could be one of the better programs for developing DBs, and that doesn't change with their 2026 secondary. This group is led by senior cornerback [player_tooltip player_id='1556216' first='Colton' last='Williams'], who made QBs pay for throwing his way with five interceptions (one pick-six) along with eight tackles and two TFLs. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1903042' first='Gage' last='Orso'] jumped on the radar with a strong showing, totaling 18 tackles and an interception. Fellow sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2067978' first='Kj' last='Fox'] played a limited role last season but looks set to compete for a starting spot in the secondary. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1556216' first='Colton' last='Williams'], 2027 - 6'1" 180 lbs -<a href="https://x.com/ColtonW2027" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@ColtonW2027)</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/22641842/68bb45e28435c0e063754eb3' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69cc58bdbdfd6"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1903042' first='Gage' last='Orso'], 2028 - 6'2" 160 lbs - <a href="https://x.com/Gageorso_" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@Gageorso_)</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/27971099/69209e8d0d2b02f226e215f8' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69cc58bdbe00c"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2067978' first='Kj' last='Fox'], 2028 - 5'11" 165 lbs - <a href="https://x.com/KJFox2028" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@KJFox2028)</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/23354165/6911405f74301bea69fb50d0' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69cc58bdbe03b"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">York Receivers</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1845150' first='Dax' last='Peterson'] ('27), [player_tooltip player_id='1845151' first='Troy' last='Schmid'] ('27), and [player_tooltip player_id='1591358' first='Max' last='Erickson'] ('28)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The York Dukes will have to navigate having a new QB under center, but can rest easy knowing whoever that is will have a deep assortment of weapons to throw to. The Dukes return two of their top three receivers from last season in [player_tooltip player_id='1845150' first='Dax' last='Peterson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1845151' first='Troy' last='Schmid']. Dax is a towering TE/WR who is an instant mismatch wherever he lines up, and he ended last season with 15 catches for 253 yards and three touchdowns. Troy did a great job working all levels of the field, totaling 14 catches for 181 yards and a touchdown. [player_tooltip player_id='1591358' first='Max' last='Erickson'] didn't have a big role last season, but that should change next fall as the Duke junior will also have a size advantage that will create fits for opposing defenses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1845150' first='Dax' last='Peterson'], 6'7" 215 lbs - <a href="https://x.com/DaxPeterson1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@DaxPeterson1)</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18325589/691378631e7a4800429cfbd2' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69cc58bdbe06d"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1845151' first='Troy' last='Schmid'] </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16658307/6918a127930670c0e4796dc3' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69cc58bdbe09b"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1591358' first='Max' last='Erickson'], 6'3" 190 lbs - <a href="https://x.com/max_erickson16" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@max_erickson16)</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18361368/6913dd84bc2272d60c03398f' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69cc58bdbe0c9"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Omaha North Defensive Backs</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='547140' first='Re'Aire' last='Washington'] ('27), [player_tooltip player_id='487729' first='Jayden' last='Cannon'] ('27), [player_tooltip player_id='1192553' first='Kordai' last='Richard'] ('27), [player_tooltip player_id='1692798' first='Dominic' last='Yancy'] ('28), [player_tooltip player_id='1590688' first='Michael' last='Valencia Jr'] ('28)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is a very underrated group that is already starting to gain attention on the recruiting board. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='547140' first='Re'Aire' last='Washington'], who holds several D1 offers, headlines the group and is fresh off posting 25 tackles, a TFL, and three interceptions as a junior. [player_tooltip player_id='487729' first='Jayden' last='Cannon'] is a player with proven production and tape, having recorded 52 tackles, 3.5 TFLs, and a forced fumble. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1590688' first='Michael' last='Valencia Jr'] had a tremendous first season with the Vikings and looks like he could play a S/LB hybrid. Valencia tallied 38 tackles and two TFLs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='547140' first='Re'Aire' last='Washington'], 2027 - 6'1" 180 lbs - <a href="https://x.com/ReWashington13" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@ReWashington13)</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19574420/68c06cbb285d940b0dad393f' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69cc58bdbe0f9"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='487729' first='Jayden' last='Cannon'], 2027 - 6'0" 190 lbs - <a href="https://x.com/Jaydencannon_" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@Jaydencannon_)</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/25645771/68e7dd8e427329f48fdb2321' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69cc58bdbe146"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1590688' first='Michael' last='Valencia Jr']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Lincoln Standing Bear Receivers</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1588237' first='Chase' last='Loecker'] ('27), [player_tooltip player_id='1573580' first='Paul' last='Hart'] ('28), [player_tooltip player_id='1647266' first='Kaedyn' last='Luebbe'] ('28), and [player_tooltip player_id='2129211' first='Jase' last='Coke'] ('28)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Grizzlies are another team that will be breaking in a new QB next season, but will have a solid group of receivers around whoever takes that job. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='2129211' first='Jase' last='Coke'] led the team in receiving last season after hauling in 12 catches for 196 yards and two touchdowns. Fellow junior [player_tooltip player_id='1588237' first='Chase' last='Loecker'] is a sleeper prospect to watch this fall and should build on his 13 catches for 131 yards and a touchdown from last year. Sophomores [player_tooltip player_id='1647266' first='Kaedyn' last='Luebbe'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1573580' first='Paul' last='Hart'] have emerged as some of the top '28s in the state and should assume bigger roles after recording 12 catches for 92 yards and 10 catches for 88 yards and a touchdown, respectively. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1588237' first='Chase' last='Loecker'], 2027 6'2" 200 lbs - <a href="https://x.com/chaseloeck" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@chaseloeck)</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19464722/69079e1a0c02cc788e71abc9' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69cc58bdbe193"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1573580' first='Paul' last='Hart'], 2028 - 6'4" 215 lbs - <a href="https://x.com/PaulHart2028" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@PaulHart2028)</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/22484956/6910b189626691989132e25c' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69cc58bdbe219"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1647266' first='Kaedyn' last='Luebbe'], 2028 - 6'4" 180 lbs - <a href="https://x.com/LuebbeKaedyn" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@LuebbeKaedyn)</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2129211' first='Jase' last='Coke'], 2027 - 5'11" 170 lbs - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17845980/6908fdeab1092d8c7e32ee3b' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69cc58bdbe263"} /--> <!-- 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 -->