Freshman Friday: 2026 Players to Watch II

Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: OscarGalindo30 in the coupon code area.   It's Friday and that means one thing... FRESHMAN FRIDAY is HERE!! We continue with the second installment of the Freshman Friday series with another batch of 2026 prospects that could make noise in 2023.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide"/>   <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/IMG_7759-e1667250966804.jpg?w=732" alt="" class="wp-image-496930" style="width:387px;height:314px" width="387" height="314"/></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='487795' first='Avry' last='Harris'] | WR/ATH | Benson | 5'11" 165 lbs   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17650483/Avry-Harris" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/Avry1Harris" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>   Benson's [player_tooltip player_id='487795' first='Avry' last='Harris'] wasted no time making a name for himself in his freshman campaign. The talented young prospect did it all for the Bunnies, playing receiver, cornerback, and return man. Avry finished his freshman season with 32 receptions for 449 yards, eight receiving touchdowns, 253 kickoff return yards, two KO return touchdowns, 13 tackles, and seven pass break ups. Avry's elite speed and fluidity as a route runner help him create separation regardless of the coverage. Even when you can keep up, he has no problem getting physical for the contested catch. He is extremely reliable at the catch point and does a great job securing the ball. Now that he has a season of varsity experience under his belt, watch out for him to make a statement in his sophomore campaign.    <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/02/IMG_8616-e1676060665217.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-644905" style="width:367px;height:354px" width="367" height="354"/></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='476963' first='Jett' last='Thomalla'] | QB | Millard South | 6'3" 175 lbs   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17798506/Jett-Thomalla" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/JettThomalla" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>   The Patriots will have some competition for QB1 this offseason with the departure of Cam Kozeal. One name that could emerge from the QB group is freshman [player_tooltip player_id='476963' first='Jett' last='Thomalla'] who saw some varsity time this season. In total, Jett appeared in four games, but his performance against Gretna gave us several flashes of his potential. He completed 25 of 47 passes (53%) for 260 yards and two touchdowns with an interception. Despite the loss, it was a good showing against the Class A runner-up where Thomalla displayed great poise and pocket presence despite seeing pressure. He can make a lot of the tough throws and deliver the ball into tight windows and in between defenders. High upside player that is only starting to scratch the surface!    <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/02/IMG_5346-e1676060896751.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-644910" style="width:500px;height:498px" width="500" height="498"/></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='402157' first='Landen' last='Von Seggern'] | OL | Papillion - La Vista | 6'4" 260 lbs   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17714603/Landen-Vonseggern" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/landen_seggern" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>   The Monarchs have been a machine at pumping out big, tough, physical players in the trenches. Freshman [player_tooltip player_id='402157' first='Landen' last='Von Seggern'] looks like another beast developing in the Papio OL pipeline. I first caught eye of Landen at a Wayne State camp last summer, and as a fresh out of eight grade OL, he did not look the part. He dominated using his technique that looked past his years of experience. Von Seggern's strength is also a huge asset, as he can power his way to gain inside leverage and then easily flip defenders on their heads for a devastating pancake block. There is a lot of competition in the Monarch's OL and DL rotation, but I can see Landen as their bookend left tackle for years to come.    <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/02/IMG_6074-e1676061408938.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-644955" style="width:451px;height:416px" width="451" height="416"/></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='402147' first='Derek' last='Jones'] | RB | Papillion - La Vista South | 5'7" 165 lbs   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17723224/Derek-Jones" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/DerekJones_2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>   With older brother and starting RB [player_tooltip player_id='225758' first='Devyn' last='Jones'] off to Chadron State, younger brother [player_tooltip player_id='487574' first='Derek' last='Jones'] will have a shot at taking over RB1 duties in 2023. Derek is a player that impressed me a lot during camps and showcases last summer, and I'm excited to watch what he does with a bigger role. Jones rushed for 131 yards and two touchdowns on only 19 carries during varsity time. Even with this small sample size, it's clear to see that the talent and tools are there for Derek. He is quick with his first step and does a great job anticipating running lanes. He can accelerate very well once he hits the corner and has the speed to separate from defenders in the second and third levels. One thing people should also pay attention to is Derek's hands and his ability as a receiver. Could be a huge year in store for [player_tooltip player_id='487574' first='Derek' last='Jones']!    <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/02/IMG_5518-e1676061000980.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-644920" style="width:292px;height:272px" width="292" height="272"/></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='488227' first='Adrian' last='Wilson'] | DB | Bellevue West | 5'11" 150 lbs   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17975609/Adrian-Wilson" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/AdrianW54954512" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>   Bellevue West DB [player_tooltip player_id='488227' first='Adrian' last='Wilson'] was one of the many prospects I watched for the first time at the Warren Academy Showcase. At the showcase, Adrian displayed many great traits you want to see in a young DB. He was quick with his feet and has solid fluidity in his hips to mirror receivers. Wilson was very sticky in coverage and could latch on right to a receiver's hip throughout the route. My biggest takeaway from Adrian's game was that he uses his length very well, especially in 1v1s where he used his long arms and ball skills to break up several passes. Lots to like about Adrian's upside, and with the coaching at Bellevue West, don't be surprised if he is a big name by his senior year.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide"/>   Make sure to follow @PrepRedzoneNE on Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date with all your Nebraska prep recruiting news.

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