Archive for June, 2008
ESPN’s football recruiting service evaluates Nebraska high school players: Creighton’s Lechner on ESPN Watch List
By Will Cummings
Hit News @ Hit Highlights.com
Scouts Inc., the recruiting service that provides ESPN with in depth analysis of high school, college and professional players in various sports, has released evaluations of several class of 2009 Nebraska high school football players.
On their web site, ‘ESPN High School Football,’ Scouts Inc. states the following about how they evaluate their players:
It will evaluate talent in games on the football field rather than relying solely on combine numbers. The student athletes will be evaluated in person and on video and not by word of mouth. Every top recruit will be compared to players across the entire United States rather than only players within his region. This will allow Scouts, Inc. to judge college recruits and recruiting classes more thoroughly.”
Accordingly, due to the fact that they place so much emphasis on film evaluation, thus far, only a few Nebraska players have been evaluated.
Scouts Inc.’s Grading System
Scouts Inc.’s grading system is based on the following 100 point scale:
90-100 Rare —Dominating player w/rare abilities….
80-89 Outstanding —…Ability to create mismatches could contribute as freshman.
70-80 Good —Player does not dominate every game… could be a good D-I starter.
60-69 Solid —Overmatched against better players… ability to contribute at D-I level.
50-59 Prospect—Redeeming qualities but not expected to contribute at D-I level.
45 Pending Prospect—Redeeming qualities. Have film but not evaluation.
40 Pending Prospect—Redeeming qualities. Waiting on film.
ESPN Watch List: Player graded between 78-100 that may make ESPN’s top 150 list of the top players in the country.
How Nebraskans Graded
So far, Creighton Prep’s big Jon Lechner is the only Nebraska player to make the ESPN Watch List. For some reason Scout’s Inc. does not release the actual grade of players that make the “Watch List,” but we do know that his score is somewhere between 78-100.
ESPN’s Scouts Inc. evaluations scores that have been released on Nebraska high school players are as follows:
List Updated 7/8/08
Corey Serrano, RB, North Platte—76
Eric Cummings, DT, Omaha Burke—74
Tyrone Sellers, DE, McCook—73
Vondrea Tostenson, WR, Millard South—71
Brent Webb, SF, Bellevue West—70
Eric Koehlmoos, SF, Pierce—69
Kyle Bertelsen, LB, Douglas County West—69
Tyler Seals, QB, Bellevue West—68
Scott Criss, DT, Creighton Prep—67
Scout Inc. does not just release evaluation scores. They also provide and in depth analysis of players attributes and weaknesses. You can check out what they have to say about the above recruits by clicking here.
Remember, Scouts, Inc. states that they evaluate these players against players from across the country. If this be the case: It looks like the Nebraska high school football class of 2009 is shaping up to be a pretty solid bunch. And that’s what Hit News loves to see.!
Keep up the good work all of you coaches and players. But don’t sit back to enjoy the moment—there is much improvement to be made! And your competition will be eager to pass you by.
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Eric Leider: Las Vegas hoopster is no one trick pony—he has game on and off the court
By Will Cummings
Hit News @ Hit Highlights.com
Las Vegas HS starting point guard and Class Valedictorian, Eric Leider, heads to the East Coast in pursuit of his dreams.
Eric Leider, a 5′ 10″ 165lb point guard out of Las Vegas, Nevada Cheyenne High school, is the kind of young man that is the epitome of student athletic achievement that we wish all students would dare to emulate.
“I am the only white kid on the team.”
I had the immense pleasure of conversing with this young man as a result of his request for Hit Highlights to produce his highlight DVD. During our initial phone conversation, the modest young man mentioned,
Do you think you will have any trouble identifying me on film? I’m the only white kid on the team.”
And that was about the extent of any further information that Eric provided in regards to his accomplishments. However, in the process of verifying Eric Leider’s information, we found out that not only was Eric “the only white kid on the team,” he was also a very good basketball player and the starting point guard for the Desert Shields basketball team—a team that was the 2008 Nevada Class 4A State basketball runner-up.
Class Valedictorian
Our enthusiasm was just getting peaked, before, upon further discovery, we stumbled upon Eric’s most impressive accomplishment: Eric Leider was Cheyenne High School’s Class Valedictorian. For folks that do not know what that means: Eric had the highest grade point average among his graduating class of 428 students. Eric had a high school career 4.0-unweighted- grade point average while taking 19 honors classes. Eric was honored for his scholastic and athletic achievements by receiving the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Associations Top Ten Student-Athletes of the Year award.
Secrets to Eric’s Success
After learning this information about Eric’s academic excellence, the first thing that I asked Eric was:
What motivated you to achieve such high marks in school?”
The answer to my question was found through the following information that Eric provided during our subsequent conversations:
Eric is from a modest home where his father, Ira (originally from New York City), works as a dealer for one of the local casinos and his mother, Lidia, works in retail. Eric sees both his father and his mother as his heroes, “They are the ones who supported me in sports and encouraged me in my school work.” Moreover, Eric’s older brother, Jeffery, played a hand in helping Eric to excel in the classroom and on the court.
“He [Jeffery] would always get me up and made sure I was studying. And he’d get me up to go work out or to go play basketball with him,” Eric said. Eric went on to explain how Jeffery always kept telling him how important it was to get grades in order to attend the top colleges. Jeffery Leider, two years older than Eric, was a also a hoopster at Cheyenne high school and is currently attending Baruch College (located in New York City), while he attempts to make a an American Basketball Association (ABA) team.
Choosing the Right Friends
All the great family support and good intentions in the world can be easily destroyed through the wrong types of peer influences. Fortunately, Eric had this base covered too. Outside the home, Eric mentioned his friend and teammate, Christian Lightbourne, as being a very positive influence in his pursuit of academic excellence and staying on the straight and narrow path. Eric exhorted, “We have known and played ball together since we were freshmen. We would always challenge each other in school to get the top grades.” Eric was not only fortunate enough to be blessed with such a family, he also was wise enough to befriend the right kind of peers.
Pursuing His Dreams
Eric will continue to pursue his scholastic and athletic interest by attending The Gunnery, which is a prestigious private college preparatory school located in Washington, Connecticut. The Gunnery will provide the opportunity for Eric to enhance his resume and to improve his SAT and admission scores so that he will be able to attend any prestigious institution of his choosing.
Undaunted By Disappointment
Unfortunately, Eric, who plans to pursue a major in business, learned the hard way that despite achieving only straight A’s all throughout his high school career and being his schools valedictorian, and a three year letterman in both cross country and in basketball that his resume was not impressive enough nor were his test scores and admission scores high enough for him to gain admission into some of the most prestigious schools in the country.
Eric faced dissapointments while attempting to gain admissions to Harvard University and to Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Both schools are located in Cambridge, Massachusetts and they rank amongst the top most highly regarded educational institutions in the world. Accordingly, gaining admittance to either one of these schools is exceedingly difficult to say the least.
Both Harvard and MIT are interested in Eric as a non-scholarship basketball player; however, he did not score high enough to gain admission to the prestigious universities. Undaunted, Eric pursued his current course.
The Gunnery first came to Eric’s attention last summer, while he attended a summer basketball camp. One of the camp’s coaches informed Eric about The Gunnery’s post graduate program, and they also told him that they would be interested in having him on their basketball team.
The Overachiever
Eric is the supreme example of the classic overachiever who will pursuit a goal with unmitigated passion and a relentless drive in order to complete the mission—regardless of any shortcomings or any of the naysayers around him. Eric has already proven as much:
A child rising from a modest but loving and supportive family background, Eric achieved his high school’s graduating class’ highest career grade point average to become class valedictorian. Standing barely 5′ 10″ and not blessed with overwhelming raw athleticism and or size, “the only white kid on the team” worked his way to becoming the team’s starting point guard. As a floor general , he helped to lead his team to a state championship game—a game they lost by four points, while playing without one of their star players, due to an injury the star received during the previous semi-final game.”
Eric the Basketball Player
On the basketball court, Eric makes up for any of his shortcomings through his outstanding court generalship—Eric has a complete feel for the game. And it is obvious from watching Eric and his teammates play that their head coach, Teral Fair, has done an excellent job in instructing his pupils on how to play his aggressive style of ball.
Eric is an admirer of Steve Nash and Jason Williams and you can tell from his game that he incorporates a little of each into his style of play. He is an adept and often flashy passer, and on a pull-up or a catch-and-shoot he can drain the three. Eric will finish a drive to the hoop with a dynamic twisting layup or by timely dishing off a laser-like pass to one of his teammates. On defense, he is tenacious and always focused to pick his opponents pockets.
While Eric is on the floor, it seems as though he is always in the mix of making something happen: a steal, a pass, a block, a shot; or whipping a pinpoint three quarter length-of-the-court pass in perfect stride to a player on a fast break—clearly the kid loves the game! Moreover, he is surely no one trick pony—If he does not get you on the court he will most definitely beat you in the classroom.
So Eric, what’s it like being; “…the only white kid on the team?”
Since Eric brought it up, I could not resist but to ask Eric the question. Eric replied by explaining that his father’s friend had an all black team that he sent Eric to play on during his middle school years. Therefore, he said that it was “no big deal” to him. He said that his high school, which is located in North Las Vegas, has an ethnically diverse student body (approximately 2500 students). Eric estimates that the ethnic makeup is about 30% White; 30% Black; and 30% Latino.
“Besides, they knew I could play so no one messed with me,” Eric said,
Eric, It has been a pleasure!
Your academic accomplishments are outstanding and your play and passion for the game of basketball are inspirational. We wish you luck and we look forward to following your future academic, athletic and professional career successes.
We also thank your family and friends and anyone else you may have failed to mention for helping you towards achieving your accomplishments.
Any college that gives you an opportunity to play basketball for them is guarnteed to get a player that will always give 100% effort and who will always keep fighting to win.”
Below: Watch Eric Leider’s highlights:
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTmg_c-YG3Y
Vote on the Huskers’ Football Future
By Will Cummings
Hit News @ Hit Highlights.com
Return To Glory vs Reality of the Present
The Big XII and college football in general have changed a great deal since Tom Osborne last led the Huskers to a national title. So are Husker fans asking or should I say hoping too much that Pelini will return the Husker to at least a semblance of their former glory days?
Let’s be for real folks. Osborne competed in the Big XII for two seasons, and by that time Nebraska was considered among the top two or three programs in the country, having already having won two consecutive national titles. Therefore, it was easier—but still difficult—for them to recruit some of the top talent in the country. Up until those last two seasons, Osborne’s teams only had Oklahoma and Oklahoma and an occasional Colorado to worry about during Big 8 play.
Oh my! Have things have changed since Tom left! Now joining Oklahoma as worrisome league opponents: Texas, Kansas, Texas A&M, Missouri, Texas Tech, Oklahoma State, Colorado, Kansas State and in the future don’t discount Iowa State.
The game is now played on the edges—QBs, WRs, RBs, DBs and LBs are at a premium. Consequently, with the proliferation of the hard to defend spread offenses, any team with just a few highly talented players at the right positions can be very competitive:
Every year only a finite number of these top high school skill players are available. And no longer— as was the case in the Osborne era—are there just ten or so teams from around the country to which these top recruits gravitate. More disheartning is the fact that practically every Big XII Conference team mentioned above can look a young man square in the face and say, ‘We can be a BCS team.’ During recruiting efforts and game days—Osborne never had to face an onslaught of this magnitude from the competition in his own conference.
Oh! You say the game is won in the trenches! Yes. Indeed it is. But you can find linemen within your geographical region and develop them. But you cannot teach speed or athleticism and there is a very limited number of these players within Nebraska’s immediate geographic area. Consequently, with more schools being able to attract top talent there is less of it concentrated in individual programs, which is why the parity in college football has become so apparent over the past several years.
So where does this leave Nebraska in the mix? Well, much of this high school talent resides in warm weather states and it has always been hard for Nebraska coaches to entice these young men to come and play in Husker-land. And now that there are even more programs in the Big XII and from around the country that can tell these kids:
Hey look we can compete. We can get to a BCS bowl and we can win a national title,” it makes it even more complicated for Pelini and staff to fulfill the hopes and aspirations of Husker fans.
A cold weather state, down in the dumps Nebraska competing for the same talent against up and coming schools in their own conference and from around the country is the reality of the matter. The good news is that Bo Pelini is the perfect fit—if there ever was one—to bring the Husker program back to prominence.
Pelini is a player’s coach with a history of success and the type of charisma that can attract top talent. Additionally, Pelini, based on accounts from current team members and present recruits, has put together the type of staff that is capable of redeeming the program. A staff and head coach that seemingly bring the ability to—coach—football players. Going forward, the teams that are able to attract just enough talent and can properly instruct their players to play at the highest level within their systems will be the teams that are going to be successful.
However, it won’t be an easy task and based on the realities of the situation no one should blame Pelini if he were to fall a little short of the high expectations of many Husker fans.
I said—a little short. Because no head coach that walks the Husker sidelines can ever escape the history of the program and all the expectations that it implies.
For a Nebraska head football coach: “failure is not an option.”
Vote Below On Whether You Think Nebraska Can Win A Big XII Football Title Within the Next Three Years
[poll id=”3″]
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Omaha North’s James Davis gets camp praise from peer and foe
Burke’s Eric Cummings shares first camp experience
By Will Cummings
Hit News @ Hit Highlights.com
James Davis, Omaha North’s 6’ 3″ 300 lb O-line recruit gets, nods of approval from one of his combatants as being the toughest pass blocker to beat during the Huskers’ Thursday, June 12th, camp session.
Omaha Burke’s 6’ 2” 265lb, DT, Eric Cummings, who describes his first college camp outing as “a learning experience,” got a chance to face up against all of the top O-line campers at the session. Cummings stated that during the one-on-one pass drills that the Omaha North Viking clearly established himself as the “toughest“ O-lineman to beat.
“I went up against Jon Lechner [from Creighton Prep] and that big 6’ 7″ giant kid [Brent Qvale from Williston, ND] but neither one of them came close to giving me as much trouble as Davis.” Cummings added that Davis not only gave him trouble, but he also gave trouble to everyone else who attempted to beat him to “get to the spot.”
Intrigued, I asked Eric Cummings what separated Davis from the others during the pass drill:
His technique—He just had a good base and could move his feet and he was good with his hands,” said Cummings.”
O-lineman recruit, Jon Lecher, who holds numerous D-I offers also, praised Davis’ camp performance. During his post camp Huskers Illustrated.com interview, the web site attributes Lechner as having quoted the following:
I thought James Davis of North did pretty well today”
Yet despite his performance and praises from peer and foe, Davis left the Huskers’ camp without an offer. Having attended Missouri’s camp last week, this makes the second time that Davis has broke camp without those sought after words.
Davis, like many of the other O-linemen who already hold offers, has areas of his game that he needs to improve. But what separates Davis the most from the O-linemen that already have offers is something that he has no control over—his height. Many D-I schools favor O-Linemen in the 6’ 5” or above range. And if you are shorter—you better have a complete game. But very few high school linemen—regardless of height—have compete games. It’s unfortunate, but Davis will be scrutinized a lot more closely for flaws in his game due to his lack of ideal height.
Davis is a load and he has performed well enough during his past two years of high school football that he has drawn the attention of numerous D-I schools. And now that he is attending camps and performing well, while getting praise from his peers and foes, some college is bound to be the first to pull the trigger on Davis.
As for Cumming: He explained that his experience taught him a lot. Cummings said,
Carl Pelini thought I had some fast hands and that he liked the way I came off the ball. He also said I had a good bull rush, but that I needed to develop some more moves. Because when top guys get in football shape they will be able to beat it because they’ll know what’s coming.”
Question: Was the bull rush the only move you used?
Cummings: ”Yea, basically.”
Question: “Why?”
Cummings: “It was working!” Cummings exclaimed.
Question: Was there any other linemen recruits that looked good?
Cummings: “Young [Kevin, DE from Olathe, KS North] showed a
lot of speed and quickness. He should be good”
He said that he realizes now that college coaches at these camps want to see the entire arsenal and not just one weapon He also mentioned that Carl Pelini spent good quality time with the players explaining Nebraska’s D-line techniques and philosophy. He believes that what he learned will help him perform better at future camps and through next season.
I asked Cummings where he thought he stood with Nebraska:
I think Pelini [Carl] liked me, but he said that I needed to work on getting quicker to the spot and not just relying on my bull rush. He [Carl Pelini} said that they [Nebraska staff] don’t know yet who they well offer or who they will ask to be walk-ons and/or how many DTs they will offer. Basically, they want to see how I developed over the next few weeks during other camp visits and maybe even through the first few games of next season before deciding anything on me.”
Cummings’ next stops will be next week at Iowa and Iowa State.
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Hit News’ early 2010 Nebraska HS Football Top Prospects Watch List
By Will Cummings
Hit News @ Hit Highlights.com
An Early Look At Some Top Nebraska Football Prospects
In the Class Of 2010
In today’s fast paced, highly competitive media intensive, recruiting environment, its never too early to begin identifying high school players that have the potential to play at the next level. And in accordance with our mission, Hit News introduces an early listing of some of the top Nebraska high school players in the class of 2010:
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Hit News’ Early 2010
Nebraska HS Football Top Prospects Watch ListRon Coleman, LB
(5-10, 220)
Omaha NorthA two time state wrestling champ and holder of national wrestling titles, he is also a very aggressive hard hitting football player with a lot of upside. Antaries Daniels, RB
(5-10, 185)
Omaha NorthwestHe rushed for nearly 1000 yards during his sophomore season and may end up being one of the top RB prospects to ever come out of the state. Lincoln Hansen, OL
(6-5, 250)
Millard NorthHas the height and frame to develop into a top flight lineman. Dion Jones, DB
(5-11, 165)
Millard NorthThis strong, fast athletic athlete may see early D-1 offers with a good JR year performance. Chris Lucido, ATH
(6-0, 180)
Omaha BurkeHe is a gifted athlete that can do it all. He also had a very productive sophomore campaign and has the size, speed and athleticism to be one of the top instate prospects for 2010. Bronson Marsh, QB
(6-0, 175)
Millard SouthAn outstanding sophomore season saw this young man display the poise and toughness of a seasoned senior QB. He is on track to be the top instate QB for 2010. Andrew Rodriguez, OL
(6-6, 300)
AuroraMy! This young man already has many national recruiting analyst drooling over his potential. Considered to be the front runner for the top instate prospect in 2010 and one of the top linemen in the country. Chandler Thomas, TE
(6-3, 240)
Papillion-La Vista S.HE has good hands and enough speed and blocking ability to develop into a strong D-1 candidate. Jeff Uher, DT
(6-2, 260)
Creighton PrepA tough kid with the frame and ability to be a solid D-1 prospect. Stephon Washington, ATH
(5-8, 165)
Omaha BurkeIf this two time state 300 meter hurdle champ with good speed can demonstrate his athleticism on the field, he will be among the state’s top prospects.
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Recruiting Tips and Suggestions
-
Ideally, coaches and athletes and their families should begin preparing for the recruiting process no latter than the end of the an athlete’s sophomore year—many of your competitors will be!
- Make sure that your grades and credits are in line.
- Try to attend at least one college camp during the summer after the end of your sophomore year. This experience will help you to pick up some good pointers and, more importantly, it will give you exposure to college coaches.
- Have highlight film and game film readily available no latter than the end of your junior year football season. Preferably, start producing and submitting these films to recruiting services and colleges by mid-season of your junior year—your film is your resume, and film plays a critical role in the recruiting process.
- Attend camp(s )during the summer of the end of your junior year.
- Make sure that your grades and graduating credits and ACT/SAT scores are in line.
- Prepare mentally and physically to have a great senior season-the majority of D-1A thru D-2 scholarships will be awarded based on the athletes’ senior season performances.
- Send out your senior season game films. (preferably after the first three games of your senior season.)
Anyone wishing to submit names of 2010 prospects that should be included in our list, please send name , school, and position of the athlete to admin@hithighlights.com. for consideration.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( 2 so far )Antaries Daniels: Northwest running back begins to turn Heads
By Will Cummings
Hit News @ Hit Highlights.com
Omaha Northwest’s Antaries Daniels (#31) prepares to make
another spectacular move.
The 5’10 185lb Antaries Daniels, a junior to be running back out of Omaha Northwest High School, is slowly starting to get the recognition that he deserves as a quality D-I prospect.
My first observation of Daniels came last season while watching the fast, elusive, hard running , and often difficult to bring down running back amass a total of 245 all-pupose yards against Omaha Burke.
After watching his performance, I spoke about Daniels to Burke assistant coach Damon Benning—a former great Northwest running back himself, who went on to become a heralded Nebraska Cornhusker back. “Is this kid for real, and where did he come from?” I asked. Benning replied by acknowledging that Daniels was indeed for real and that he was a good back. The future may see Benning’s response as bit of an understatement.
Daniels ended the 2007 campaign by gaining just short of 1,000 yards (922) on the ground and scoring 8 touchdowns.
The areas that impress the most about Daniels’ 2007 stats are that he was only a sophomore and that he accomplished the feats despite not having the best of offensive lines to light his way through.”
Perhaps the shortcomings in the Northwest offensive line has helped to hone Daniels’ elusive style. His ability to see the feild combined with his quick, explosive, and slippery moves and his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield makes him a dangerous foe for opposing teams. Add to this mix Daniel’s current height, weight, and speed and you will begin to see many college coaches turning their heads to keep tabs on this young man.
Daniels is smartly not resting on his laurels, as he busily begins to show his wares to college coaches at their summer camps, with his first stop being at Nebraska University. You can keep an out for Daniels’ camp performances by visiting one of “Our Favorite Sites” links that specializes in bringing you this kind of coverage.
Our projections for Daniels: With two full seasons of high school football remaining—and with his current gifts and abilities, he may—work—his way into becoming one of the better running back prospects to ever come out of the state of Nebraska.
Below: Watch Daniels’ last season highlights vs Omaha Burke.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vx2ZoEqD838
Hit News’ 2008 Nebraska Class A Football Preseason Top Ten Teams
Creighton Prep tops the chart in our 2008 preseason rankings of the
Top Ten Class A Football Teams.
The 2008 Jr Jays will field what are arguably the top offensive and defensive lines in the state, led by OT Jon Lechner (6-5, 310) and Junior DT Jeff Uher (6-2, 260) respectively. Add to this mix senior signal caller Alex Hook (6-2, 170), a savy leader and outstanding all-around athlete that is adept at both running and throwing the football, and it’s very difficult not to have this team sitting on top of any preseason list.
Though Creighton Prep may currently reside on top of our chart—it wasn’t a clear cut decision—as each one of the top five teams listed in our poll have strong arguments for being ranked number one. But as for now, Millard South, Bellevue West, Millard North, and Millard West will have to prove their merit on the gridiron, while Creighton Prep bares the pressure of having to perform up to its billing.
Look out for the rest of the teams rounding out our Top Ten to make their cases as the season progresses. And do not be surprised to see a team or two not in the “Ten” make a move up the charts. There are several pretty talented teams outside the rankings that are capable of making deep runs into the playoffs.
It should be a good year to watch some great Nebraska Class A Football.
-
Hit News’
2008 Nebraska Class A Football
Preseason Top Ten Teams
- Creighton Junior Jays
1. Creighton Prep
2. Millard South
3. Bellevue West
4. Millard North
5. Millard West
6. Omaha Westside
7. Omaha Central
8. Omaha North
9. Lincoln East
10. Kearney
5 Teams Knocking At the Door
Omaha Burke
Papillion-La Vista South
North Platte
Lincoln Southwest
Grand Island
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Hit News’ 2008 All Metro Watch List
| Hit News presents: The 2008 Preseason |
|
| Hit News selected players based on: (1) past performance (2) coach’s comments (3) observations (4) film evaluations and (5) potential. We do not pretend that this is an all inclusive list of all players that should be considered. However, we do feel that the vast majority of players that will be selected to the All-Metro team will be representative of the names presented on this list. Of Course—as always—there will be several players that we have not listed, who will seemingly emerge out of nowhere to have outstanding seasons and thereby receive All-Metro honors. Perhaps, if nothing more, this list will help serve to motivate. |
|
| Below are listed names of Omaha area players that are tops on the list to garner All-Metro honors in 2008 (kickers/ punters not included): OFFENSE |
|
| Receivers | |
| Ty Kildow, SR (5-8, 175) Millard South |
2007 1st team All-State receiver w/speed. |
| Greg Hardin, SR (5-11, 165) Bellevue West |
Proven quality receiver w/nice hands |
| Vondrae Tostenson, SR (6-5, 215) Millard South |
Definite D-1 size /ability returns from injury. |
| Brian Donohoe, SR, (5-10, 160) Papillion-La Vista South |
Needs a QB to emerge to showcase his talent. |
|
Quarterbacks |
|
| Bronson Marsh, JR (6-0, 190) Millard South |
Played like a polished vet as a sophomore. |
| Tyler Seals, SR (6-2, 195) Bellevue West |
A throwing machine w/D-1 potential. |
| Alex Hook, SR (6-2, 165) Creighton Prep |
Comes off knee injury, but can run and pass. |
| Ron Kellogg, SR (6-2, 200) Westside |
With year under his belt he may be dangerous. |
| Daryle Hawkins, SR (6-4, 190) Central |
Talented athlete that may be sleeper of the bunch. |
| Offensive Linemen | |
| Jon Lechner, SR (6-5, 310) Creighton Prep |
Already holds numerous D-1 offers. |
| James Davis, SR (6-3, 315) Omaha North |
Solid force w/strong D-1 potential |
| Josh Kage, SR (6-4, 260) Papillion |
Late bloomer. Versatile athlete with D-1 size and frame. |
| Alex Stopak, SR (6-4, 275) Millard South |
Lots of size w/experience. |
| Lincoln Hansen, JR (6-5, 250) Millard North |
Young player to watch. |
| Craig Herman, SR 6-2, 250) Millard West |
Good blocker w/experience. |
| Chandler Thomas, JR (6-3, 240) Papillion-La vista South |
TE with blocking skills and hands. |
| Zac Christo, SR (6-1, 280) Millard South |
Plays w/leverage and power. |
| Running Backs | |
| Michael Burrus, SR (5-7,175) Papillion-La Vista South |
Returning 1000 yard rusher w/ speed and hands. |
| Nick Failla, SR (5-10-175) Millard North |
The top impact player in the state. Returns from knee injury (can make list at QB w/enough passes.) |
| Bryant Giles, SR (5-10-180) Omaha North |
Lots of potential w/speed and cut back ability. |
| Willie Metoyer, SR (5-9, 195) Westside |
Emerges from Okafor’s shadow to showcase his talents. |
| Kelvin Johnson, SR (6-0 , 190) Burke |
Big back w/ speed. Looking for breakout year. |
| Antarius Daniels, JR ( 5-11, 195) Northwest |
Could be top back in the state w/a decent O-line. |
| Stephon Washington, JR (5-8, 165) Central |
Talented but unproven. |
| DEFENSE | |
| Defensive Linemen | |
| Marcus Hall-Oliver, SR (6-1 205) Central |
Effective and efficient DE w/speed and quickness. |
| Eric Cummings, SR (6-2 ,255) Burke |
Strong and explosive w/D-1 ability. |
| Scott Criss, SR (6-5, 260) Creighton Prep |
Well schooled w/D-1 size and ability. |
| Jeff Uher, JR (6-2, 260) Creighton Prep |
Tough. Experienced, well-schooled. |
| Zach Christo SR (6-2, 275) Millard South |
Potential to play at next level. |
| Bud Kauzlarich, SR (6-0, 275) Papillion-La Vista South |
Stout and explosive anchor on the Line. |
| Collin Lundgren, SR (6-0, 250) Millard North. |
An ’08 lineman to watch. |
| Andy Peacock, SR (6-1, 220) Millard South |
Experienced and tough. |
| Defensive Backs | |
| Jordan Hale, SR (6-0,175) Millard North |
’07 1st team all state player w/D-1 ability. |
| Brent Webb, SR (6-2, 195) Bellevue West |
Size, speed and ability to play at next level. |
| Blake Brisson, SR (5-6 165) Millard North |
Small but legit player. |
| Kendall Anderson, JR (5-7 165) Omaha North |
Ability to develop into top playmaker. |
| Dion Jones, JR (5-11, 165) Millard North |
Has size, speed strength for D-1 class 2010. |
| Brad Heldt, SR (6-0, 175) Creighton prep |
Proven ability. Should play at next level. |
| Jake Marousek, SR (6-2,190) Burke. |
New position but has D-1 speed, size and athleticism to deliver. May also be top RB. |
|
Linebackers |
|
| Jack Saxton, SR (6-0, 195) Burke |
4 year starter and perennial top tackler, comes off injury. |
| Ron Coleman, JR (5-11, 215) Omaha North |
Perhaps a legend in the making. |
| Dakota McCormack, SR (6-3, 220) Westside |
Legit D-1 caliber size and ability. |
| Drew Neville, SR (6-0, 210) Millard South |
Experienced player. |
| Ryan Bundy, SR (5-11, 195) Papillion-La Vista South |
Will need big year to overtake anyone in this bunch. |
Eric Cummings raises his stock at MG fooball Camp
By Will Cummings
Hit News from hithighlights.com
Eric Cummings File Photo
Omaha Burke’s 6′ 2″ 265lb Eric Cummings demonstrated at the recently concluded MG Camp why he is considered one of the top lineman in the state.
Last season, as a 230lb defensive end, Cummings recorded 78 tackles (eight for loss) on his way to garnering First Team All-District and Honorable Mention All-State honors. Cummings’ junior year performance combined with his size, power and speed and potential has drawn the attention of a number of D-I schools. Nebraska, Kansas, Kansas State, Iowa, Iowa State, Colorado and Ohio University have all expressed interest in pursuing Cummings as a defensive end or defensive tackle. However, Cummings’ recently exhibited offensive prowess and his ever increasing mass and power may throw a wrinkle into some of those projections.
At Thursday’s MG Camp scrimmage, Cummings caped his impressive four day camp exploits by playing offensive guard with the passion, intensity and effort not found in many high school offensive lineman. The result of his efforts saw many of his opponents being driven well off the line of scrimmage and often times ending up on the ground, while he continued to pursue more victims in the defensive backfield.
Cummings seemingly has not lost a step and exhibits the same explosiveness, quick feet and quick hands that he had when playing at 230lbs. The only difference now is that the added weight and power gives him the ability to more easily manhandle his opposition. Sparingly used as an offensive line backup player last year, Burke’s Head Coach, Paul Limongi, has slated Cummings to start both ways in 2008. He will start at offensive guard and he will play at a variety of spots along the defensive line.
During the next few weeks, Cummings, who is still looking for his first offer, will be attending camps at Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa and Iowa State. If Cummings continues to perform at the level that he demonstrated at the MG Camp—his stock is sure to rise. Consequently, the dilemma going forward will be determining what side of the ball he will play.
Cummings has the ability and the potential to be a succcessul offensive guard, center or defensive tackle at the next level. He has the frame and athleticism to easily carry 300 pounds or more. Moreover, on the field and during camp drills, Cummings certainly exhibits a passion for the game and a desire to be the best at what he does. These attributes along with his strong work ethic should serve to carry him to the next level.
See offensive highlights of Cummings at MG Camp bellow:
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QnLJh20MdW4
Burke vs Omaha North MG Camp scrimmage Video
By Will Cummings
Hit News from hithighlights.com
Burke (left) prepares defensive stand against Omaha North at MG Football Camp.
In response to Huskerland Prep.com (a Rivals.com affiliate) message board comments concerning Omaha Burke and Omaha North players and their team’s performances at the recently concluded MG Camp, Hit News is posting an unedited video of their scrimmage.
Remember folks: this is a scrimmage! More importantly, outside of the three days of drills that took place at the camp, these players have not played for six months and not all of the eligible players participated due to injuries and other commitments. Furthermore, both teams probably used less than ten percent of their playbooks.
Both teams looked good considering the limited preparation. The first units each scored a touchdown. Burke’s second unit added the only other touchdown of the scrimmage.
That being said, over the past several years, North has developed a strong program under Head Coach Larry Martin. I have closely watched Martin since before he even first took over the program at North. After his first year there, I told my oldest son that he (Martin) is going to turn this program around and they are going to be a playoff team. Consequently, I sent my eldest son to North for this very reason. He was their staring freshman quarterback. At the end of his freshman year, we moved to Florida for a couple of years. When we returned from Florida, my youngest son, Eric, was to enroll at North before deciding on Burke, which was right across the street from where we lived.
So that’s a little background on my familiarity in regards to Larry Martin and the outstanding job he and his staff have done in bringing back North’s football program. I have the highest respect for that program and their School Principal, Gene Haynes, and the many other fine coaches and athletes that attend or have attended that school.
The same feeling I had about Martin’s ability to right the ship at North is the same feeling I have about Coach Paul Limongi at Burke. Limongi is going into his third year at Burke and for the first time he has a staff in place that he feels comfortable with. In addition, he also has several talented players and an off season training and conditioning program that is producing results. z
I am not going to predict that this will be the year that Burke begins to make it’s move. But I will say that the building blocks are definitely in place to build a solid football tradition at Burke. And if all the pieces fall into place this season, this fall could be a very productive one for the Bulldogs’ football program.
I am a Burke fan because my son attends Burke. However, I am also a fan of all coaches and players that commit themselves to excellence regardless of their school affiliation. Nonetheless, I have a special fondness for successful coaches of inner city programs.
It’s my belief that strong inner city sport programs contribute to school pride and help to at least mitigate poor grades and drop out rates by allowing young men and young women the opportunity to participate in activities they enjoy as long as they continue to meet minimum grade standards. If you think poor grades and drop out rates are horrible now, imagine what they would be if there were no sports allowed in schools.
It’s my hope that all of these schools continue to improve their sport programs, because in the end we all benefit.
Well, that’s my rant. Now enjoy the scrimmage.
Watch MG Camp scrimmage video bellow:
Highlight arrows feature Burke’s O-Guard and D-End #60 Eric Cummings.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjK7Lc3pghQ
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