SPOOK WEEK Day 2: Terrors from the Trench
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In the spirit of Halloween, we will be taking this week to feature some of the spookiest players you’ll see on the field. Every day will highlight a different position group/groups, eventually leading up to the scariest of the scariest…
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Continue ReadingIn the spirit of Halloween, we will be taking this week to feature some of the spookiest players you’ll see on the field. Every day will highlight a different position group/groups, eventually leading up to the scariest of the scariest to be revealed on Halloween night.
When you go out on Halloween, there is only one place your mother warns you to stay away from. A place so treacherous only the most calloused of souls survive—a place where the weak-hearted are the first choice of prey for its inhabitants. A place where legend says running backs and defensive backs wander in here, never to be heard from… ever…. again! Of course, I am talking about the TRENCHES, an abyss filled with the most menacing beasts deprived of humanity. The trenches are a mass of defensive and offensive linemen crashing together in a violent yet synchronized chaos. For day 2 of Spook Week, we will highlight linemen on both the offensive and defensive sides.
Deshawn Woods Deshawn Woods 6'5" | 290 lbs | OL Omaha Central | 2022 State NE – Omaha Central – 2022
6’5″ 290 lbs | Hudl
Deshawn Woods Deshawn Woods 6'5" | 290 lbs | OL Omaha Central | 2022 State NE came out of the trenches this year ready to feast on defensive linemen. The 4-star product more than lived up to his billing by opening huge running lanes and keeping the QB upright for the Eagle offense. Woods’ blocks are downright evil, delivering with every bit of force behind his long powerful arms. He can uproot defensive linemen completely off their feet like a true beast before putting them to rest. He is fighting until the whistle on every play and will rush downfield to find more players to block. Mizzou is getting a monster at the tackle position.
Omaha North DL:
Gameplanning for one trench monster is difficult enough, but how do you prepare for an encounter with a three-headed beast. The North defensive line has been making up for lost time after missing the 2020 season for Covid precautions. This group has turned several offensive lines into subway turnstiles and run games. Orlando Hernandez Orlando Hernandez 6'2" | 250 lbs | DL Omaha North | 2022 State NE is playing at an all-state level and has looked unstoppable all season. He currently sits second in the state in tackles for loss with 22.5 and 4.5 sacks, using his size and speed to tear up backfields. Tyson “Scary” Terry is the new kid on the block, but the freshman is skilled wayyy beyond his years. His wrestling background helps him win leverage battles and allows him to out-muscle his matchups. This is a player many coaches will be keeping tabs on in the future. If an attack by those two wasn’t enough, you also have to get past Ceontre’ Brown Ceontre’ Brown 5'11" | 215 lbs | DL Omaha North | 2022 State NE . Brown, in my opinion, is a super underrated talent on the defensive line. His motor is non-stop and is incredibly agile with the ability to track down backs and scrambling QBs. This is definitely a group you want to stay away from.
Tyson Terry (2025 – 6’3″ 255 lbs – Hudl)
Orlando Hernandez Orlando Hernandez 6'2" | 250 lbs | DL Omaha North | 2022 State NE (2022 – 6’2″ 250 lbs – Hudl )
Ceontre’ Brown Ceontre’ Brown 5'11" | 215 lbs | DL Omaha North | 2022 State NE (2022 -5’11″ 210 lbs – Hudl)
Joshua Shaw Joshua Shaw 6'3" | 270 lbs | OL Sandy Creek | 2022 State NE – Sandy Creek – 2022
6’3″ 270 lbs | Hudl
Josh has quietly turned into a top-tier OL prospect in Nebraska. Shaw, right tackle, whose physicality jumps off the screen. At 6 foot 3 and 270 pounds, he is a big dude with a terrible mean streak that can only be calmed with a healthy serving of pancakes. Shaw does a superb job sealing the edge and moving defenders up and off the field, creating huge lanes for his backs. He’s also very athletic for his size, and his versatility is very underrated, also playing some guard. He has also been a massive contributor on the Sandy Creek d-line. Wreaking havoc in backfields and shutting down run games. The talented two-way terror has drawn the attention of schools like Nebraska, Nebraska-Kearney, Northwest Missouri State, and others.
Will Hubert Will Hubert 6'4" | 235 lbs | DL Papillion-La Vista | 2022 State NE – Papillion-La Vista – 2022
6’5″ 240 lbs | Hudl
Another season means more backfields to pillage for Will Hubert Will Hubert 6'4" | 235 lbs | DL Papillion-La Vista | 2022 State NE . Hubert followed up a breakout junior year with a continued run of edge-rushing dominance. This year saw more double-teams and runs going the opposite way, which may have dipped his number, but certainly not his impact. Hubert’s play extends beyond the scorecard, as extra attention on him draws it away from the multitude of stud Monarch defenders. Regardless of the extra attention, Will finished the regular season as the state leader in TFLs with 25 and looks poised to retain his sack king crown. Teams simply don’t have an answer for Hubert and the way he continues evolving his game. Will Hubert Will Hubert 6'4" | 235 lbs | DL Papillion-La Vista | 2022 State NE has announced his commitment to Iowa, and given their recent run of top-tier pass rushers, expect him to be next in line.
Maverick Noonan Maverick Noonan 6'4" | 230 lbs | DL Elkhorn South | 2023 State NE – Elkhorn South – 2023
6’4″ 225 lbs | Hudl
When playing the Storm, the mascot name must feel especially fitting when lining up against Noonan. The junior edge rusher has a flurry of moves at his disposal to get to the quarterback. His get-off and bend coming off the edge are terrifying, as he can dip super low, not allowing tackles to get their hands on him. He comes in like a flash, and before you know it, another quarterback has fallen victim to Noonan. He’s not just a speed rusher as he possesses super strength and can move linemen against their will. He also plays on the offensive side, making him a well-rounded trench monster. His athleticism translates exceptionally well to the OL, and he can be seen leading the way for stud RB Cole Ballard. Maverick is a highly sought-after prospect with interest from many P5 schools like Iowa State, Nebraska, Iowa, and Kansas and other programs vying for his services.
Rocco Marcelino – Creighton Prep – 2023
6’5″ 245 lbs | Hudl
Rocco Marcelino is developing into a monster in the trenches, even more so after converting from tight end to right tackle. Marcelino’s versatility is an incredible asset for the Junior Jays as he plays offense and defense. Regardless of what side of the ball he’s on, he plays with the same intensity and continuous motor. On defense, he is turning into one of the elite ’23 pass rushers providing consistent pressure on the edge. Rocco’s solid frame and strong lower body make him hard to move off the line. Because of this, he can be patient in how he strikes. He’s very effective as a pass rusher and made huge strides in run support this year. On offense, he has been an integral piece to one of the meanest offensive lines in the state. They have been battering defenses all season while opening up bus lanes for Charmar and Stessman to run through. Marcelino is a player bound to heat up the recruiting trail.