Nebraska Madness: Defensive Line

In the spirit of March Madness and the stage set between the Final Four teams, I decided to make a final four made up of 4 different Nebraska area teams. We divided the state into Team Omaha, Team Lincoln, Team 402, and Team 308. The goal is to expand on past “All-Nebraska” teams and bring exposure to players from all corners of the state. The winner of the final four will be determined through a Twitter poll vote. Stay tuned to see which squad becomes the “Kings of the Corn.” <div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1ektp" data-offset-key="b0uhq-0-0"> <div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="b0uhq-0-0"><span data-offset-key="b0uhq-0-0">A little clarification of how the teams were formed:</span></div> <div data-offset-key="b0uhq-0-0"></div> <ul> <li class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="b0uhq-0-0"><span data-offset-key="b0uhq-0-0">Team Omaha – Omaha schools, Gretna, Elkhorn, Bennington, Bellevue, etc.</span></li> <li class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="b0uhq-0-0">Team Lincoln – Lincoln basically.</li> <li class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="b0uhq-0-0">Team 308 – All 308 schools (inc. Grand Island)</li> <li class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="b0uhq-0-0">Team 402 – All 402 schools minus Omaha and Lincoln schools. Includes Waverly, A-G, Fremont, Plattsmouth, etc.</li> </ul> In this edition, we introduce the defensive linemen. Like the offensive line, instead of choosing two ends and a tackle, I decided just to put the best combination of three linemen. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2022/03/nebraska-madness-qb-rb-breakdowns/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">QB/RB</a> | <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2022/03/nebraska-madness-wr-te-breakdowns/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">WR/TE</a> | <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2022/03/nebraska-madness-offensive-line/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">OL</a> | LB | <hr /> </div> <div> <div class="css-1dbjc4n r-xoduu5"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong style="font-size: 1rem;">Team Omaha: </strong></span></div> </div> <div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="1ektp" data-offset-key="b0uhq-0-0"> <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="217060" first="Maverick" last="Noonan"] (2023) | Elkhorn South | 6'4" 235 lbs</strong></em> <em><strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12930515/Maverick-Noonan" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/MaverickNoonan" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a></strong></em> <em><strong>Season Stats:</strong></em> 30 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 7 sacks Maverick could move to outside linebacker role in the future, but for now, we'll have him in the trenches with his hand in the dirt. Noonan is arguably the most talented edge-rusher in the state, with several schools from all over the country taking notice. Maverick's bend is incredible, and when combined with his hand use, it is no wonder he is such a problem for opposing offensive lines. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/12930515/6189c80719a6a704c4bfa8cd" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="245879" first="Tyson" last="Terry"] (2025) | Omaha North | 6'3" 265 lbs</strong></em> <em><strong><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></strong></em> <em><strong>Season Stats: </strong></em>85 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 4 batted passes. The freshman sensation makes the Team Omaha squad, and with good reason. With the fast linebackers I have selected and [player_tooltip player_id="217060" first="Maverick" last="Noonan"], team Omaha will have no problem getting to the QB. So, I wanted to add some big guys to shore up the run game. That's where Terry comes in with 12 tackles for loss. He showed that he could make a running back's life miserable... and he can also get to the QB. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14469869/618d650d8cd5b6088c27cb79" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <em><strong>Aidan Betz (2023) | Elkhorn | 6'3" 280 lbs</strong></em> <em><strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13172310/Aidan-Betz" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/Aidan57923016" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a></strong></em> <em><strong>Season Stats: </strong></em>35 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 4 sacks. To continue with the idea of adding size and strength, Betz has been a space-eater for the Antler's defense since he was a sophomore. Plugging Betz in at nose/DT will help fortify the interior defensive line and make running inside the tackles a tough task to do. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Team Lincoln:</strong></span> <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="227076" first="Grant" last="Berry"] (2023) | Lincoln Southwest | 6'4" 230 lbs</strong></em> <em><strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13361088/Grant-Berry" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | Twitter</strong></em> <em><strong>Season Stats:</strong></em> 52 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, a forced fumble, recovered fumble, and a batted pass. Grant is a very impressive athlete with great length and a non-stop motor. Berry will benefit from the departure of the senior class and should see an uptick in production. Grant fits perfectly in this team because he provides speed off the snap and can disengage from his blockers. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13361088/61730caaff0d0d08a443e9f8" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="239988" first="Jackson" last="Masek"] (2023) | Lincoln Lutheran | 6'1" 220 lbs</strong></em> <em><strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/9810846/Jackson-Masek" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | Twitter</strong></em> <em><strong>Season Stats: </strong></em>73 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, fumble recovery. Jackson is flying a little under the radar at the moment, but that doesn't mean he didn't ball out in his junior season. Masek is another high-motor player that fights until the end of the play and can be seen flying downfield trying to make a move. He does a good job getting to the inside shoulder of his blocker and forcing them off-balance in their stance. Jackson should be the leader of the Warrior's defensive line in 2022 and will be a great contributor to team Lincoln's success. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/9810846/621907dd4ba7c702401545ef" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="227559" first="Sam" last="Cappos"] (2023) | Lincoln East | 6'1" 240 lbs</strong></em> <em><strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13101812/Sam-Cappos" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | Twitter</strong></em> <em><strong>Season Stats: </strong></em>68 tackles, 1.5 sacks, forced fumble, fumble recovery. Who should we have for the team Lincoln tackle? None other than [player_tooltip player_id="227559" first="Sam" last="Cappos"] who ranked second in tackles among defensive tackles in 2021. Cappos is an excellent athlete (not just on the gridiron, either), and he knows how to get after the ball carrier. He uses his hands and leverage very well to get off his blocks. Cappos also doesn't get pushed back and often brings the fight to the lineman instead of the other way around. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13101812/6189a3a8b01a6805a082b178" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Team 308:</strong></span> <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="245573" first="Victor" last="Isele"] (2023) | Grand Island Northwest | 6'2" 220 lbs</strong></em> <em><strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12784410/Victor-Isele" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | Twitter</strong></em> <em><strong>Season Stats: </strong></em>64 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 7 sacks Beast. I guess I can elaborate a little more. Isele is a monster of a defensive lineman. His get-off and explosiveness are up there for best among defensive linemen. He mixes his speed with his strength very well and can change his pass-rush approach. Victor has evolved into one of the masters of getting into the backfield. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/12784410/6184baa3041dbb0c2c1995d4" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="227074" first="Caleb" last="Kinkaid"] (2023) | North Platte | 6'3" 205 lbs</strong></em> <em><strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13263051/Caleb-Kinkaid" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | Twitter</strong></em> <em><strong>Season Stats:</strong></em> 79 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 10 sacks. The returning leader in sacks, [player_tooltip player_id="227074" first="Caleb" last="Kinkaid"], is a beast at getting after the quarterback. Pairing him up with Victor on the edge seems lethal. Kinkaid is a versatile edge-rusher that can rush out of a 3-point stance or as a stand-up LB hybrid. He is quick off the snap and is very good at attacking the tackle wide and closing in quickly. Kinkaid had a great junior year, but something tells me he only scratched the surface of what he can do. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13263051/6191dcd39680f603f8b8ddd4" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="227093" first="Quade" last="Peterson"] (2023) | 6'3" 260 lbs</strong></em> <em><strong>Hudl | Twitter</strong></em> <em><strong>Season Stats: </strong></em>53 tackles, 10 tackles, 2 sacks Yea, this team 308 defensive line is dirty!! We have [player_tooltip player_id="227093" first="Quade" last="Peterson"] lined up as our defensive tackle and a complementary piece to our speedy ends. Quade is a stone wall in the interior defense and can easily shut down inside runs. His strength gives him a great push at the snap and allows him to break into the backfield and rack up some tackles for loss. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14990448/61a32a55d46905007c2c920d" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Team 402:</strong></span> <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="239780" first="Dawson" last="Raabe"] (2023) | Pierce | 6'0" 285 lbs</strong></em> <em><strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/10108652/Dawson-Raabe" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | Twitter</strong></em> <em><strong>Season Stats: </strong></em>51 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 2 sacks Dawson is a player that coaches need to get on their boards ASAP! Raabe is an up-and-coming defensive tackle that plays very physically. He has a strong and swift jab at the snap of the ball. Raabe is only a junior, but he's already been to two state championships and won one. I like Dawson's hustle, athleticism, and ability to quickly get off the snap. He will be a great interior DL in this hypothetical situation. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/10108652/61882b2b4205bd07fc9002e9" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="239150" first="Luke" last="Lambert"] (2023) | Ashland-Greenwood | 6'3" 235 lbs</strong></em> <em><strong>Hudl | <a href="https://twitter.com/LukeLambert52" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a></strong></em> <em><strong>Season Stats: </strong></em>70 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 5 sacks Luke is a prospect that should be on more radars, especially after a great season like he had in 2021. Lambert is in Go mode from snap to whistle and has good speed for his size. He is efficient against the run and knows how to get to the QB. When he's not making it home for the sack, he still manages to disrupt the passing game with his 14 QB hurries. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13140993/619059201600b6033051b056" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="227095" first="Kade" last="Pieper"] (2023) | Norfolk Catholic | 6'3" 240 lbs </strong></em> <em><strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12914100/Kade-Pieper" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/PieperKade" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a></strong></em> <em><strong>Season Stats:</strong></em> 118 tackles, 7 sacks During his junior year, Pieper was a huge breakout player and will be a significant key to Norfolk Catholic's defensive success in 2021. Kade uses his length and quickness off the snap to create mismatches against blockers. He moves very well and even had several chase-down tackles that were 15-20 yards downfield. Pieper is already picking up D1 offers (South Dakota) and should continue to do so throughout the spring/summer. This is a very underrated but dynamic defensive line! <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/12914100/61ae6393664b5f026c782cce" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <hr /> Make sure to follow @PrepRedzoneNE on Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date with all your Nebraska prep recruiting news. </div>