(@blitzthegame22)

Gretna’s Cayson Schlotfeld Cayson Schlotfeld 5'9" | 220 lbs | LB/RB Gretna | 2028 State NE followed up a breakout freshman season with another stellar campaign in year two. Schlotfeld played on both sides of the field and was productive in each role with 82 carries, 480 rushing yards, eight rushing touchdowns, 130 tackles, 3.5 TFLs, a sack, three fumble recoveries, and two forced fumbles. Cayson has upside to play either RB or LB, but has really stood out with his LB play, where he is one of the top defensive “heat-seekers” in the state. One of Cayson’s biggest strengths is his ability to read and diagnose plays, allowing him to explode through his gaps and quickly close on the ball when he keys in on the run. Once he gets to the ball, Cayson is a lock to secure the stop using proper tackling form and good drive to knock his opponent back. Great lateral mobility helps him flow along the LOS and when in coverage. Cayson’s powerful, compact frame allows him to blow up blockers when charging and can use his hands to disengage. Schlofeld’s communication also stands out as he’s quick to call things out during pre-snap. The tape matches the production for Cayson… get after this guy asap!!

This LB/RB led the Dragons with 13 tackles and contributed with 43 yards on the ground Friday.

With 2 years ahead of him, this LB/RB is worth watching in the years to come.

(@blitzthegame22)

Big statement season from Dragon’s frosh Cayson Schlotfeld Cayson Schlotfeld 5'9" | 220 lbs | LB/RB Gretna | 2028 State NE who led the defense in total stops last fall. Cayson ended his freshman campaign with 76 tackles, six TFLs, two fumble recoveries, and a forced fumble. Schlotfeld was brilliant at defending the run last season, whether he was at middle linebacker or defensive tackle, Cayson always found ways to successfully fit the opposing run game and penetrate the backfield to limit big runs. As only a freshman, Cayson was already flashing the instincts and IQ that you like to see from your linebackers, especially with his willingness to talk and communicate with his fellow defenders to call out the offense. He’s very patient as he analyzes the play and is very sharp when breaking on the ball. Schlotfeld’s wrestling background shines on the gridiron with an excellent understanding of leverage and hand usage to disengage from blocks. Good lateral mobility allows him to cover from sideline to sideline and beat RBs to the edge. Cayson isn’t the biggest linebacker on the field, but at 5’9″, 220 pounds, he can sure lay some mean hits when he gets to the ball carrier. Watch out for Schlotfeld on the offensive side of the ball, too, where he’s as punishing of a fullback as you’ll find in the state. Very impressive football mind and skill set at such a young age… going to be a stock riser!

Talk about a bad dude! Gretna freshman Cayson Schlotfeld Cayson Schlotfeld 5'9" | 220 lbs | LB/RB Gretna | 2028 State NE didn’t flinch as he stepped up to the plate as the Dragon’s starting linebacker, capping his frosh season with 76 tackles, six TFLs, two fumble recoveries, and a forced fumble. At 5’8″ and 220 pounds, Cayson definitely knows how to use his size to chop down ball-carriers. Schlotfeld reads his keys well with a quick trigger downhill. Cayson sniffs out screens very well and has the lateral quickness to shut those plays down. Watch out for him at fullback, too, as he is a punishing blocker who can explode through defenders as he paves the way for his RB.