2021 All-State Team Offense
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The 2021 season has concluded, and what an incredible ride it was. Now comes the hard part of condensing the entire roster of players in Nebraska into an All-State team. I included the traditional 11-man format plus an extra tight-end,…
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Continue ReadingThe 2021 season has concluded, and what an incredible ride it was. Now comes the hard part of condensing the entire roster of players in Nebraska into an All-State team. I included the traditional 11-man format plus an extra tight-end, kicker, kick returner, and offensive athlete. Another thing to note is that the offensive line is T, T, G, G, C to highlight the best one at each position to keep it a little more realistic.
Several positions were extremely difficult to award. Starting QB was a toss-up between Lincoln East QB Noah Walters Noah Walters 6'1" | 190 lbs | QB Lincoln East | 2022 State NE and Gretna QB Zane Flores Zane Flores 6'3" | 190 lbs | QB Gretna | 2023 State NE . Flores’ state championship win (and a playoff win over Walters) was hard to overlook. However, I had to give the nod to Walters for the numbers he posted, playing three fewer games, and the statistical significance of his season. Walters went on a tear for a huge part of the season and had the Spartans looking like the team no one defense wanted to play. Wide receiver was another tough position to settle on. Bennington’s Cayden Bluhm Cayden Bluhm 6'1" | 170 lbs | WR Bennington | 2022 State NE , Omaha Westside’s Grant Guyett Grant Guyett 6'0" | 190 lbs | WR Omaha Westside | 2022 State NE , and Pierce’s Benjamin Brahmer Benjamin Brahmer 6'6" | 210 lbs | TE Pierce | 2023 State NE all received serious consideration. Unfortunately, several great players were left off, but it has made me consider doing a second-team… stay tuned. Congratulations to all players named to this team; it has been a pleasure watching you play.
Ladies and Gentlemen here is your 2021 Nebraska All-State First team offense:
QB:
Noah Walters Noah Walters 6'1" | 190 lbs | QB Lincoln East | 2022 State NE (C/O 2022) | Lincoln East | 6’1″ 190 lbs
Noah had an all-time season in 2021 where he broke several school, class A, and state records, including the marks for passing yards per game, passing yards, touchdowns, and the list could go on. Walters threw for 3,402 yards while completing 66% of his passes and an eye-popping 44 touchdowns to only five interceptions on the year. East was not able to establish a running game, which emphasized Walters to have a good game. This was especially true in the Spartan’s matchup against Gretna, in which he not just needed to have a great game through the air ( 27/41, 431 yards, five passing touchdowns) but also had to rush for 72 yards and a touchdown before falling to the eventual champions. Walters showed remarkable resilience and grit all-season long and produced an unforgettable season.
RB:
Dylan Mostek Dylan Mostek 5'10" | 195 lbs | RB Bennington | 2022 State NE (C/O 2022) | Bennington | 5’10″ 195 lbs
Hudl | Twitter
Another record-shattering selection here, with Bennington RB Dylan Mostek Dylan Mostek 5'10" | 195 lbs | RB Bennington | 2022 State NE . Mostek ran roughshod through every team put in front of the Badgers. He saved his best performance for last with a 218 yard, four-touchdown monster of a game against a solid Aurora defense. His 3,090 rushing yards set the state record for rushing yards in a season, and his 44 rushing touchdowns set the Class B single-season rushing touchdown record. When you start running through the numbers, it just becomes even more ridiculous; 3-300+ yard & 5 touchdown games, 8- 200+ yard games, 4- 5 touchdown games, and his lowest marks on the season games were 130 yards (28-0 win over Blair) and 149 yards (3 touchdowns and won 41-0 over Waverly). The Badger’s perfect season was a culmination of everyone on the team elevating their game, and no one embodied that more than their feature back.
LJ Richardson LJ Richardson 6'1" | 215 lbs | RB Bellevue West | 2022 State NE (C/O 2022) | Bellevue West | 6’2″ 208 lbs
Committed: Wyoming
LJ train was firing on all cylinders in 2021 as he powered the run game for one of the most prolific offenses in the state. Before the season began, one of Richardson’s junior stats that struck me the most was his 177 yards per game average in only seven games. I was curious to see what that would look like throughout a complete schedule, and well… 2,180 rushing yards and 35 rushing touchdowns later, I have my answer. Richardson proved that he is an absolute workhorse and ready to take on the next level. He gashed defenses for 9.2 yards per carry, basically making him an automatic first down. His vision, size, speed, and power were too much for defenders to take on and resulted in big chunk plays that helped keep their offense open. Somewhere out there, there is a support group for people that have received one of Richardson’s devastating stiff arms.
WR:
Cooper Erikson Cooper Erikson 6'4" | 215 lbs | WR Lincoln East | 2022 State NE (C/O 2022) | Lincoln East | 6’4″ 215 lbs
Committed: Wofford (Baseball)
In the mix of Walter’s record-breaking season and the emergence of junior Malachi Coleman Malachi Coleman 6'5" | 195 lbs | WR Lincoln East | 2023 State NE , is the fantastic statement season from receiver Erikson. Senior Cooper came into the year with great rapport already built between him and Walters. That chemistry translated very well to the field, where the duo combined on 54 catches for 1,161 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns. His 1,161 yards and 116 yards per game lead all 11-man receivers. East was loaded with very talented receivers, yet Erikson stood out with his deep-threat playmaking ability and speed.
Keshaun Williams Keshaun Williams 6'1" | 180 lbs | ATH Omaha North | 2022 State NE (C/O 2022) | Omaha North | 6’1″ 180 lbs
Keshaun is a player that could’ve easily been a selection for all-team defense. Williams is an excellent two-way player at WR and DB. He hauled in 52 catches for 1,073 yards and scored 14 touchdowns on offense. Keshaun was electric as a receiver and was one of the most clutch pass-catchers of the season. He recorded 3- 150+ yard games and 5- 100+ yard games and scored in 9 out of 12 games. His biggest game came during one of the biggest shockers in Class-A playoff history. Williams and the Vikings were able to stun #1 undefeated Millard South 49-42. In this game, Keshaun snapped for 174 yards, three receiving touchdowns, and contributed 15 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and recovered a fumble. His performance and leadership helped propel an 0-5 team to the semifinal round.
TE:
Kaden Helms Kaden Helms 6'6" | 220 lbs | TE Bellevue West | 2022 State NE (C/O 2022) | Bellevue West | 6’6″ 220
Committed: Oklahoma
Kaden Helms Kaden Helms 6'6" | 220 lbs | TE Bellevue West | 2022 State NE really is the unicorn of this class. He is incredibly versatile and athletic and is one of the best overall talents. Helms is big and strong like a tight end but moves and runs like a receiver. When given a complete season to cook up, Helms’ production blew up; he finished with 944 yards on 51 receptions and scored 11 touchdowns. Kaden played a vital role for the Thunderbirds, not just as a receiver but as an extra blocker too. The high-flying tight end will be an excellent fit in his future home of Oklahoma.
Micah Riley-Ducker Micah Riley-Ducker 6'6" | 240 lbs | TE Bellevue West | 2022 State NE (C/O 2022) | Bellevue West | 6’6″ 240 lbs
Committed: Auburn
It will be a while before we see a TE duo like Micah and Kaden dominating again. Micah, an Auburn signee, was the thunder in this electrifying duo. Riley-Ducker was a complete mismatch for defenders regardless of whether it was corners, safeties, linebackers, Micah still produced. He recorded 36 receptions for 670 yards and six touchdowns, averaging a cool 18.6 yards per reception. He can throw a vicious block just as quickly as he can gash defense for a 40-50 yard gain. Also, don’t overlook his wheels; he did a LOT of damage on catch and run plays over the middle, where he turned the corner and outran everyone.
OL:
Tackles:
Deshawn Woods Deshawn Woods 6'5" | 290 lbs | OL Omaha Central | 2022 State NE (C/O 2022) | Omaha Central | 6’5″ 290 lbs
Committed: Mizzou
The Central Eagle’s 4-star lineman was one of the most dominant linemen in the state. He also missed out on his junior year as a part of the OPS cancellation and returned looking leaner, meaner, and faster. None of those are good things for opposing defensive ends, as Woods manhandled defenders while opening huge lanes for RB duo J’Dyn Bullion J’Dyn Bullion 6'0" | 245 lbs | LB Bellevue West | 2023 State NE and Jayden Page Jayden Page 5'10" | 210 lbs | RB Omaha Central | 2022 State NE . He is a consistent bookend tackle that plays the pass and run at a very high level. Deshawn announced his commitment in the summer and will become a Missouri Tiger now that his Eagle career is over.
Sam Sledge Sam Sledge 6'4" | 270 lbs | OL Creighton Prep | 2023 State NE (C/O 2023) | Creighton Prep | 6’4″ 270 lbs
The recurring theme for the All-state linemen is tough, physical, athletic linemen that helped produce huge rushing seasons at their schools. The trend continues with Creighton Prep’s Sam Sledge Sam Sledge 6'4" | 270 lbs | OL Creighton Prep | 2023 State NE who is looking like one of the best players in the 2023 class. Sam and the rest of the Jr. Jays OL paved the way for a huge season from CharMar Brown CharMar Brown 6'0" | 200 lbs | RB Creighton Prep | 2023 State NE and Jack Stessman Jack Stessman 5'10" | 185 lbs | RB Creighton Prep | 2022 State NE . Sledge is a powerful, quick, and mean lineman who can produce both sides of the trenches as an offensive tackle or defensive/nose tackle. With another year to stack up some pancakes, Sledge could very well end up the best OL prospect in his class.
Guards:
Jack James Jack James 6'2" | 250 lbs | OL Omaha Westside | 2022 State NE (C/O 2022) | Omaha Westside | 6’2″ 250 lbs
Committed: Morningside
Jack is a versatile lineman that could’ve fit in either the center or guard spot. He is an absolute bruiser on the offensive line and loves to bring the fight on run plays. Jack plays super tough and has led the way for Dominic Rezac Dominic Rezac 6'1" | 165 lbs | RB Omaha Westside | 2022 State NE to rush for two consecutive 1,000-yard seasons and kept stud QB Anthony Rezac Anthony Rezac 6'3" | 200 lbs | QB Omaha Westside | 2024 State NE upright. James was not just a great player for the Warriors but was one of the veteran leaders on a team that knows what they need to do to get back to the top. James will carry this championship mentality to the next level, playing for the powerhouse 2021 National Champion Morningside.
Henry Rickels Henry Rickels 6'4" | 275 lbs | OL Bellevue West | 2022 State NE (C/O 2022) | Bellevue West | 6’4″ 275 lbs
Committed: Air Force
Air-Force commit Henry Rickels Henry Rickels 6'4" | 275 lbs | OL Bellevue West | 2022 State NE solidified one of the top overall offensive lines in the state. In 2021 the Bellevue West offense was firing on all cylinders, and their offensive line play helped keep that train moving. Rickels played a huge role from the guard position and provided an alley for fellow All-state LJ Richardson LJ Richardson 6'1" | 215 lbs | RB Bellevue West | 2022 State NE to run through. Henry is a throwback lineman that loves to battle it out in the trenches. Whether run-block or pass-protection, Rickels brings the heat on every play and is always looking to score himself a nice pancake… or 3.
Center:
Cody Harris Cody Harris 6'5" | 240 lbs | OL Bennington | 2022 State NE (C/O 2022)| Bennington | 6’5″ 240 lbs
Committed: Morningside
When a team’s starting running back rushes for over 3,000 yards, it’s safe to say that the big guys up front are doing something right. Cody Harris Cody Harris 6'5" | 240 lbs | OL Bennington | 2022 State NE was an excellent anchor in the interior of arguably the best offensive line in Nebraska. He is very lengthy with long arms and vice-like solid hands; when he gets a hold on you, it’s practically lights out. Bennington’s flawless offensive line play is one of the critical factors in why they were able to claim their first state title since the ’80s, and Harris’ smart and physicality played a significant role. Harris and the entire line hold Mostek’s single-season rushing record like a badge of honor.
ATH:
Jarett Boggs
Jarett
Boggs
5'10" | 170 lbs | LB
Archibishop Bergan | 2022
State
NE
(C/O 2022)| Archbishop Bergan | 5’10″ 170 lbs
One of the unsung heroes on the C2 state champion Archbishop Bergan, is LB/ATH Jarett Boggs Jarett Boggs 5'10" | 170 lbs | LB Archibishop Bergan | 2022 State NE . Boggs went insane during his senior campaign in which he was a pivotal player on both offense and defense. He saw mostly running duties on offense, but he often caught balls out of the backfield or lined up as a receiver. Jarett rushed for 751 yards and scored 12 rushing touchdowns while recording 16 receptions for 203 yards and three touchdowns. His could be felt off of the stat sheet as well, with Boggs’ versatility and athleticism causing defenses to stay off balance. Boggs was selfless and didn’t mind throwing a block when QB Koa kept the ball. What helps round out Jarett’s senior resume is his leadership and defensive performance. He accumulated 100 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, three sacks, and three fumble recoveries from the LB position. There were several excellent players on this year’s Bergan team, but Boggs’ impact certainly played a huge factor in getting them over the hump.
K:
Tristan Alvano Tristan Alvano 6'2" | 185 lbs | K Omaha Westside | 2023 State NE (C/O 2023) | Omaha Westside
Tristan showed all season that he has ice in his veins and lead in his boot. Alvano was automatic on PAT’s hitting on 49 of 50 attempts. Tristan showed countless times how big of an asset he is to this team. During very windy conditions against Bellevue West, Alvano hit two clutch field goals (49, 50) to help send the Warriors to the state championship. Overall on the year Tristan Alvano Tristan Alvano 6'2" | 185 lbs | K Omaha Westside | 2023 State NE was Tristan’s range seems to be limitless, and he continues to push to the bar.
KR:
Brayden Chaney Brayden Chaney 6'1" | ATH Gretna | 2022 State NE (C/O 2022) | Gretna
Hudl | Twitter
Brayden was an all-around playmaker for the Gretna Dragons and played receiver, corner, and returned punts and kick. He was all over the field and was part of an outstanding group of seniors. Overall he had a terrific year with 315 yards receiving and seven touchdowns while racking 50 tackles, three interceptions, and a tackle for loss on defense. One thing people overlook about Chaney is how deadly he is on kick return. Many kickers and special teams coordinators opted to kick away from the super athletic senior. Nonetheless, Brayden was still able to take three kick returns to the house, all of which were longer than 90 yards, and two of them were from 99 yards out. Also worth noting is that he recorded those three touchdowns on only seven return attempts. Chaney is electric!