NebPreps 7v7 State Championship: Five Players Who Caught My Eye

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The NebPreps 7v7 State Championship brought together talent from across the state of Nebraska and Iowa, offering prospects an opportunity to compete against quality competition and continue building momentum heading into the fall. Here are five players from Class B and C from Nebraska who stood out during the event.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jack Laney | WR | 5-foot-7, 150 pounds | Class of 2028 | Plattsmouth</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Laney showed why he projects well as a slot receiver at the next level. The sophomore-to-be displayed very good quickness and fluid hips, two traits that are paramount for inside receivers. He consistently got in and out of his routes efficiently and created separation with his change of direction. As he continues to add strength and experience, Laney is a player worth monitoring in the 2028 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Alex Zielke | QB | 6-foot-1, 170 pounds | Class of 2027 | Plattsmouth</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After taking a year away from football, Zielke is looking to compete for the starting quarterback position this fall. He showed encouraging signs throughout the tournament, standing tall in the pocket while doing a good job working through progressions and making sound reads. His comfort level and development four or five games into the season will be interesting to evaluate, but the tools are there to make an impact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1192652' first='Chance' last='Jackson'] | LB/TE | 6-foot-2, 190 pounds | Class of 2027 | Plattsmouth</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jackson turned in one of the more impressive performances of the tournament. Possessing good size and an overall strong skill set, he looks capable of contributing on both sides of the ball. His frame provides plenty of room for continued development, whether that ultimately comes as a tight end or linebacker at the next level. Jackson is a versatile athlete with considerable upside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1085632' first='Levi' last='Walker'] | RB | 5-foot-11, 180 pounds | Class of 2027 | Plattsmouth</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A returning starter, Walker prides himself on leadership and communication and brings a physical presence to the running back position. He possesses the requisite size to compete at the next level and still has room to continue filling out his frame. Walker already ranks among the top running backs in Class B and is a player to keep a close eye on entering the 2026 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ty Schmidt | WR/SS | 6-foot-1, 185 pounds | Class of 2028 | Columbus Lakeview</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Schmidt enjoyed an impressive showing on both sides of the ball. Offensively, he displayed strong route-running ability and consistently won 50-50 balls with his size and body control. Defensively, the strong safety showed instincts and reliable hands while recording numerous pass breakups throughout the tournament. With two years of high school still ahead of him, Schmidt is a prospect whose stock should continue to rise as he gains experience and further develops.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For more coverage, evaluation and information follow<a href="https://x.com/NebrPrepRedZone">:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> <a href="https://x.com/NebrPrepRedZone" id="https://x.com/NebrPrepRedZone">https://x.com/NebrPrepRedZone</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->