2021 All-State Team Defense

After much deliberation and several Hudl clips, I have the Nebraska All-State team defense for you. Similar to the offense, I wanted to keep this close to a real defense using defensive ends/tackles, inside/outside linebackers, corners & safeties for defensive backs, and an ATH. Also included is the punter and punt returner position. This was another very hard one to narrow down, especially with how fluid and versatile defenders can be nowadays. Millard South’s [player_tooltip player_id="148260" first="Gage" last="Stenger"] made a case as a linebacker as well as safety. Orlando and Tyson were both very versatile along the defensive line. The defensive back position was a very tough one to decide on with players like [player_tooltip player_id="250053" first="Caleb" last="Benning"], [player_tooltip player_id="211104" first="Isaiah" last="Daniell"], and others also having tremendous seasons. Second-team defense is coming soon. Congratulations to all players listed on this All-State team; it has been a great time watching you all play. Ladies and Gentlemen, here is your 2021 Nebraska All-State First team defense: <hr /> Defensive Line: Ends: [player_tooltip player_id="147534" first="Will" last="Hubert"] (C/O 2022) | Papillion-La Vista | 6’4" 240 lbs <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11090988/Will-Hubert" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/willhubert_" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a> Committed: Iowa As a senior, Hubert continued his reign of edge-rush dominance with another excellent year. Will produced a total of 74 tackles, 29 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, and a forced fumble in 2021; in his junior and senior year span, he accumulated 71 tackles for loss and 31.5 sacks. Hubert is a handful coming off the edge and can use his speed or power to blow past offensive linemen. Will constantly saw double-teams and ball-carriers opt to run the opposite way, no matter as Hubert still found ways to make a play. He has one of the best motors in this class, and it shows on every play. Hubert will join the Iowa Hawkeyes and excel in a program known for pumping out good defensive linemen. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11090988/6158b6bd2aa689039c1f058e" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> [player_tooltip player_id="211333" first="Orlando" last="Hernandez"] (C/O 2022) | Omaha North | 6’2" 250 lbs <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11665646/Orlando-Hernandez" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/Orlando92446591" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a> The Omaha North Vikings fielded one of the most devastating defensive lines in the entire state during the 2021 season. At the helm of that was star senior [player_tooltip player_id="211333" first="Orlando" last="Hernandez"], who had himself a statement season after missing out on his junior season. Hernandez racked up 94 tackles, 26 tackles for loss, and seven sacks, all among the top at his position. Orlando was a run-stuffing monster that can sniff out runningbacks and has the athleticism to chase them down all over the field. His violent hands and explosiveness off the snap were a handful for an offensive line also having to block Terry and senior [player_tooltip player_id="191112" first="Ceontre’" last="Brown"]. Hernandez is a D1 talent with tons of raw potential and proved that this year. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11665646/618cb8d8578db20568fbaef5" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Tackles: [player_tooltip player_id="147851" first="Trevor" last="Brown"] (C/O 2022) | Waverly | 6’2" 265 lbs <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11499224/Trevor-Brown" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/TrevorB90546042" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a> Committed: North Dakota State Trevor has been a big-time contributor for the Vikings since his sophomore season. Brown has been terrorizing and hounding opponents as an offensive and defensive lineman, but here he gets the selection as an interior defensive lineman. Brown is absolutely relentless when pursuing the ball and plays violently when he is engaged at the line of scrimmage. He can use his strength to toss linemen in order to get to his end goal of the QB. Like the other DL on this All-state team, Brown uses his skills as a wrestler to dominate the line of scrimmage. He can out-leverage and out-muscle his way into the backfield. Trevor will be stud for the NDSU Bison. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11499224/616d5bf3bed6c30ab0512049" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> [player_tooltip player_id="245879" first="Tyson" last="Terry"] (C/O 2025) | Omaha North | 6’3" 255 lbs <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14469869/Tyson-Terry" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/tyson_terryyy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a> The only underclassmen named to the All-State first team, Omaha North’s [player_tooltip player_id="245879" first="Tyson" last="Terry"] erupted onto the scene in 2021. The North interior lineman was a very effective run-stuffer and disruptor for the interior Vikings defensive line. Terry racked up an outstanding 85 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and five sacks, all of which are impressive considering North's competition, and he is a freshman. His natural understanding of leverage and being able to outmaneuver offensive linemen led him to succeed this season. With an offseason of training ahead of him, it is scary how good Terry will be by the time he is a senior. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14469869/618d650d8cd5b6088c27cb79" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Linebackers: Outside: [player_tooltip player_id="147503" first="Devon" last="Jackson"] C/O 2022) | Omaha Burke | 6’2" 200 lbs <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12792813/Devon-Jackson" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/DevontheJet402" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a> Committed: Oregon One of the players I was most excited to see back on the field was Burke’s [player_tooltip player_id="147503" first="Devon" last="Jackson"], who is arguably the fastest player in the state. Jackson, who is a 4-star rated LB, showed everyone why. He used his speed and athleticism to be everywhere at once. Jackson had 52 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks during his senior year. He did it all for the Bulldogs, whether in coverage or pass-rush situations, and even came up with some very clutch turnovers. Overall he had two interceptions and forced two fumbles while recovering three showing that he has a nose for the football and knows how to take it away. It’s fitting that the state’s fastest player is headed to a program like Oregon known for its all-class speed. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/12792813/6186ecd99a9c0e0f9cb53247" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> [player_tooltip player_id="156071" first="Jake" last="Gassaway"] (C/O 2022) | Millard South | 6’2" 200 lbs <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11458287/Jake-Gassaway" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/jake_gassaway" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a> Committed: Northern Illinois Northern Illinois is getting themselves a good one! Jake was an all-around playmaker for the Patriots. He was a force to be reckoned with, whether on offense or defense. On the offensive side of the ball, Gassaway hauled in 31 receptions for 679 yards and 11 receiving touchdowns and showed his deep threat ability with several 50+ yard receptions. Defensively he was no different in his playmaking ways with 72 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, and sacked the QB 3 times. Jake is the type of player you can unleash, and expect him to make a great play. He does a fantastic job setting the edge, shutting down runs, and pressuring the QB. We can’t forget that Gassaway is also an excellent coverage linebacker and recorded three interceptions while doing so. His stellar play was a huge factor in why the Patriots were on such a hot streak, especially defensively. As mentioned before, Gassaway has signed with Northern Illinois and will be a great addition to an outstanding program. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11458287/6189ade819a6a704c4bf9686" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Inside: [player_tooltip player_id="228766" first="Mick" last="Huber"] (C/O 2022) | Gretna | 6’0" 190 lbs <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11583486/Mick-Huber" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/HuberMick" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a> Many players stepped up during Gretna’s dream championship season. Several players elevated their play to obtain that goal, and few embodied that better than LB/RB [player_tooltip player_id="228766" first="Mick" last="Huber"]. Huber is a rugged, tough player with a motor that does not stop until the clock hits zero. He racked up 1,388 yards of offense (1,034 rushing yards & 354 receiving yards) and 14 touchdowns (11 rushing & 3 receiving). With Huber holding down the run game and Zane controlling the aerial assault, the Gretna offense was very well-balanced. The fiery senior was the heart and soul of the defense and led by example, totaling 101 tackles, four tackles for loss, and a sack on the year. Huber could play in coverage or help load up the box. Whatever you needed from him, he could do at a high level. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11583486/61b4f764e97aa404d0a199c8" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> [player_tooltip player_id="158870" first="Alec" last="Cook"] (C/O 2022)| Omaha Burke | 6’3" 230 lbs <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/7955650/Alec-Cook" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/24Cook" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a> The Burke linebackers were not playing around this year when they returned to the field; this includes inside LB [player_tooltip player_id="158870" first="Alec" last="Cook"] who was a beast for the Bulldogs. At 6’3" and 230 pounds, he was a punishing enforcer in the center of the defense. Cook tallied 83 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks in 11 games this season. He was a constant presence in many opposing backfields and did great sniffing out ball carriers. In the games I attended, he seemed to be around the ball on nearly every play. Cook was not just the Burke tackling leader but a locker room leader too and helped fire up the defense with a big hit or huge play. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/7955650/6140012942102d0aac7cb513" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Defensive Backs: Corners: [player_tooltip player_id="240003" first="TJ" last="Fitzpatrick"] (C/O 2023) | Plattsmouth | 6’0" 165 lbs <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13148951/Tj-Fitzpatrick" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/TJFitzpatrick3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a> TJ emerged as a ball-hawking corner for the Plattsmouth Blue Devils. Fitzpatrick is an extremely athletic cornerback with great instincts and excellent ball skills. He has a very high football IQ and can manipulate QBs into bad throws by taking advantage of the schemes put in place by coordinators or flat out beat his receiver in man coverage. Fitzpatrick’s game speed and his ability to close on his opponents are incredibly underrated and help make him such a threat to make a play on the ball. He did a great job tackling, adding 27 tackles and two tackles for loss, and had very good technique. TJ is only a junior, but it shouldn’t be long before the offers start rolling in. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13148951/618c2403d45ecc0da011ab3f" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> [player_tooltip player_id="157623" first="Mitchell" last="Andersen"] (C/O 2022) | Bennington | 5’10" 170 lbs <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11380483/Mitchell-Andersen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/_mitchandersen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a> Committed: Wayne State There were tons of Bennington players that lived up to their Badger mascot name. None, quite like Mitchell, who was badger-like in his approach to his craft; very physical, gritty, rangy, and instinctive. While holding down one of the corner spots, Andersen had 55 total tackles and two tackles for loss while playing great coverage. His most impressive stat is his five interceptions, including an important pick in the state championship game. Andersen’s speed and athleticism make him one of the best DBs in the state and match him well against other stiff Class B competitions. Andersen recently committed to Wayne State, where he will be joining Bennington teammates Jake Steir and James Krayneski. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11380483/61959401b3c9970594b0a988" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Safeties: [player_tooltip player_id="148260" first="Gage" last="Stenger"] (C/O 2022) | Millard South | 6’2" 200 lbs <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11458269/Gage-Stenger" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/StengerGage" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a> Committed: Nebraska Was there any player more exciting to watch this season than Millard South’s [player_tooltip player_id="148260" first="Gage" last="Stenger"]? Stenger was given the offense's keys, and he drove it like he stole it. He led one of the highest-flying offenses in the state and helped the Patriots steamroll their way to a 7-0 record before being sidelined with an injury. Gage threw for 1,385 yards, 65% completion rate, 19 touchdowns, and ZERO interceptions; he also added 581 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground. He wasn’t just the leader of the offense, but the defense while playing a safety/linebacker role. He is a brilliant player and did an excellent job getting the defense lined up and calling out what the offense would run. Gage did a great job minimizing the risk of deep balls and other big plays by eliminating his assigned zone or player from the field. Stenger’s outstanding senior year, athleticism, and leadership earned him several offers before signing with the home team Nebraska Huskers. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11458269/618c4cdad45ecc0da011c37b" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> [player_tooltip player_id="147831" first="Koa" last="McIntyre"] (C/O 2022) | Archbishop Bergan | 6’0" 190 lbs <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11425149/Koa-McIntyre" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/KoaMcintyre" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a> Committed: Wyoming McIntyre, like Stenger, played a crucial versatile role on defense while also leading one of the most efficient and prolific offenses in the state. Koa was absolutely dominant for the Knights as a safety and as QB1; on offense, he passed for 2,131 yards, 34 touchdowns, 1,261 rushing yards, 16 rushing touchdowns, and a 30-yard receiving touchdown to boot. His dual-threat ability made the Bergan offense a juggernaut that steamrolled its way to the Class C2 state championship. McIntyre showed why the Wyoming Cowboys worked hard to secure his commitment; he was a field general in the secondary and made very smart plays, and provided an excellent lid to their defense. He made QBs pay with five interceptions and returned three of those interceptions for touchdowns showing his big-time playmaking ability. Overall, Koa had an exceptional season where he set several records and capped it off with a ring. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11425149/61ae7a13ab920a0830975479" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> ATH: [player_tooltip player_id="163118" first="Vince" last="Genatone"] (C/O 2022)| North Platte | 6’0" 210 lbs <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14877431/Vince-Genatone" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/genatone_v" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a> During Vince’s two seasons at North Platte, he was a straight-up stud for the Bulldogs. He was a key contributor as a running back and linebacker and was one of the best two-way players in the state. Genatone can fly from sideline to sideline and does a great job covering large chunks. He is a very aggressive and physical player that can pound away at a defense with his power running and bone-crushing tackles. During his senior season, Vince racked up 136 total tackles with 14.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks which helped lead the Bulldogs to a 7-4 record and a playoff spot. Few linebackers have been able to match Genatone’s production and impact on their team’s defense. To add to his impressive season, he also ran for 911 yards and 13 touchdowns, averaging 9.1 yards per carry while splitting touches with RB [player_tooltip player_id="227546" first="Brock" last="Roblee"]. Genatone is one of the players that surprises me that he is still available with serious D1 talent on either side of the ball. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14877431/612ad2f74deb9e057c955b98" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> P: [player_tooltip player_id="157664" first="Luke" last="Fenton"] (C/O 2022) | Creighton Prep | 6’0" 175 lbs <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11525452/Luke-Fenton" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/LukeFenton18" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a> During his senior year, Luke from Creighton Prep did an exceptional job as a punter and kicker. He did a good job showing off the power behind his kicks, doing kickoffs (32 touchbacks on 59 kickoffs), and flipping the field with one of his booming punts. Fenton excels specifically as a punter, currently a 5-stars, played a great complementary role to the defense. His 40 yard per punt average was perfect for pinning opposing offenses and giving their smothering defense an additional advantage. Luke finished the year with 1,021 punt yards on 26 attempts and had a long of 63 yards. Fenton is an excellent special teams addition still available on the market. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11525452/615a1ff1bed7540bfccfa812" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> PR: [player_tooltip player_id="148261" first="Antrell" last="Taylor"] (C/O 2022) | Millard South | 5’9 165 lbs <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11458185/Antrell-Taylor" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/TaylorAntrell" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a> Committed: Nebraska (Wrestling) Millard South’s roster was stockpiled with versatile, athletic players that can contribute in several ways. [player_tooltip player_id="148261" first="Antrell" last="Taylor"] fit this description perfectly, as he was a factor in the run game, receiving, defensive, and kick/punt return coverage. Taylor was a yardage monster and produced a total of 926 all-purpose yards (Offense: 324 receiving yards, 230 rush yards, a 7-yard passing touchdown, five rushing touchdowns, four receiving touchdowns) and racked up 34 tackles on defense. Taylor did damage as a returner with 209 punt return yards (10 att.) and 163 kick return yards (7 att.). He had a great punt returned for a touchdown against Lincoln Pius X where he used his excellent field vision and cutting ability to take the punt to the house. After running all over the competition, Taylor hung up his cleats for his wrestling shoes as he looks to cap off his star prep wrestling career before joining the Husker’s wrestling team. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11458185/617416ffbed6e408542798c3" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>