Grand Island’s Unsigned 2022 Players

When thinking of cities in Nebraska, Omaha and Lincoln tend to be the first ones to come to mind. However, in central Nebraska lies Grand Island, the 4th biggest city (Population-wise) in the state. Grand Island is home to three high school football teams; Grand Island Senior High Islanders (Class A), Grand Island Northwest Vikings (Class B), and Grand Island Central Catholic Crusaders (Class C2). Between these three teams are a lot of super-talented players looking for their shot to secure a college roster spot. <hr /> <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="167158" first="Kytan" last="Fyfe"] (QB/DB/P) | Grand Island | 6’2" 195</strong></em> <em><strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/10693040/Kytan-Fyfe" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/kyfyfe2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a></strong></em> Football PLAYER. Fyfe is one of the best, most versatile players in the state. [player_tooltip player_id="167158" first="Kytan" last="Fyfe"] played a crucial role in all three phases of the game for the Islanders as he played QB1, FS, and punter. Fyfe is a dangerous dual-threat QB that led Grand Island in passing and rushing yards, and as an added extra, he snagged two touchdown receptions. Fyfe passed for 1,589 yards, 19 touchdowns, rushed for 752, and 8 rushing touchdowns. His field vision and hustle are some of his most underrated traits as a player. Fyfe’s vision allows him to make his reads and run through his progressions before choosing to toss it up for one of his playmakers or take off on his legs. This translates well when on defense, as Kytan can break down plays in a snap and rush to the ball carrier to lay the wood. He’s very instinctive and firm in his decision-making, usually putting himself in a good spot to make a play. Overall, Fyfe is a tremendous athlete that could excel in any situation you throw at him. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/10693040/619807cdd2263c0750487558" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="147835" first="Sam" last="Hartman"] (QB/S) | Grand Island Northwest | 6’0" 185lbs</strong></em> <em><strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11153407/Sam-Hartman" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/SamHartman19" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a></strong></em> I got to watch a lot of great players this season, but few players had the toughness and grit that shined when watching [player_tooltip player_id="147835" first="Sam" last="Hartman"] from GINW. Sam is a very physical player that welcomes contact regardless of whether he is on offense or defense. Although Sam’s not the biggest QB, he is definitely one of the toughest to take down. Hartman will keep his legs pumping and his eyes downfield and make you work for your tackle. Under center, you will find a QB that can hang in the pocket before uncorking a deep ball, or he can tuck the ball and make gains on his legs. During his senior campaign, Hartman threw for 1,623 yards, 18 passing touchdowns, rushed for 849 yards, and added 15 scores on the ground. Overall, Hartman has amassed 3,667 passing yards, 2,101 rushing yards, 40 passing touchdowns, and 25 rushing touchdowns to cap off a very productive prep career. His QB instincts and football smarts help him on the defensive side when he lines up at safety. He is a hard-hitter and reacts quickly to offense. Hartman currently holds an offer from Chadron State but definitely deserves more looks. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11153407/61e30fb4da513d13fc445ecb" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="156072" first="Ben" last="Francl"] (LB) | Grand Island | 6’2" 200 lbs</strong></em> <em><strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11083199/Ben-Francl" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/BenFrancl" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a></strong></em> In Ben’s three years on varsity, he has become one of the most consistent and productive linebackers in the 22 class. He is a bright, athletic, instinctive LB that can drop into pass coverage and blitz the passer. Francl has a serious nose for the ball, and his 232 career tackles show that he can sniff out ball carriers and rush himself over to make a play. He has a solid frame for his position with room to continue adding to it. One of the aspects of Francl’s game that stands out is his discipline; whether in coverage or rushing, he sticks to his assignment and does his job at a high level. When he gets in his zone, Ben is a scary dude to see on the field. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11083199/619808ae3df596086023b2be" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="318233" first="Isaac" last="Herbek"] (WR/S) | Grand Island Central Catholic | 6’4" 170 lbs</strong></em> <em><strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/10839761/Isaac-Herbek" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/HerbekIsaac" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a></strong></em> One of two top-notch wideouts for GI Central Catholic, Herbek was phenomenal for the Crusaders. His length, athleticism, and ability to high point the ball made him a huge mismatch for small DBs. On top of having a long, rangy frame, Isaac is also physical after the catch and will fight to pick up additional yardage. You can often see him give an extra effort after the catch by keeping his legs moving or stretching out his long arms. Herbek hauled in 30 catches for 462 yards in seven games and scored 4 touchdowns. Isaac did a great job on the defensive side as well. On the year, he tallied 50 tackles and picked off two passes. The more you watch Herbek, the more you see the talent and potential that he possesses. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/10839761/617e0d0f1762860a20c8a847" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="163117" first="Aidan" last="Davies"] (LB) | Grand Island Northwest | 6’2" 220</strong></em> <em><strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11222771/Aidan-Davies" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/aidandavies16" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a></strong></em> Vikings LB [player_tooltip player_id="163117" first="Aidan" last="Davies"] was coming off a hot 2020 season before an unfortunate injury ended the senior’s season. Regardless of his injury, Davies is still one of the top available linebackers in the 2022 class. He is a very physical player that plays a fearless game. Davies is explosive when shooting his gap and a safe tackle with the ball-carrier in his sights. Standing at 6’2" and weighing 220 pounds, he has a strong, sturdy frame that can leave a mark on opposing players. His hustle and pursuit are non-stop for the entire 60 minutes and brought an extra level of grittiness to the Viking’s defense. Even with an injury sidelining him, there is no questioning the pure talent that Davies holds. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11222771/5fe927d7a023891b5ca7fb27" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="193788" first="Dylan" last="Sextro"] (WR) | Grand Island | 6’6" 185 lbs</strong></em> <em><strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11083192/Dylan-Sextro" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/DylanSextro" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter </a></strong></em> I believe Dylan is a player with a very high ceiling, just looking for the right opportunity. Just from the eye test, Dylan’s 6’6" frame and long arms scream matchup nightmare for DBs and LBs. His size helps him dominate on curl routes, fade routes, and red zone targets. Sextro is also smart with spatial and situational awareness, giving himself and his QB space and time to get the ball to him, especially on those sideline catches. Although he didn’t post absurd numbers, his 19 catches for 226 yards and 3 touchdowns should be a good sample for coaches interested in his services. Outside of pass-catching, he is also a willing blocker who isn’t afraid to throw down with defenders while opening up running lanes. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11083192/6186c2e64205bd07fc8f0f10" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="318234" first="Marcus" last="Lowry"] (WR/P) | Grand Island Central Catholic | 6’3" 170 lbs</strong></em> <em><strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/10840389/Marcus-Lowry" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/MarcusLowry11">Twitter</a></strong></em> Here’s the other half to the Crusader’s dynamic 1-2 punch at WR. Lowry, like Herbek, is very tall and athletic with solid hands. Marcus had a tremendous senior season that saw him haul in 27 receptions for 500 yards and scored 4 touchdowns. His 18.5 yards per catch showed that he is a big-play threat anytime you get him the ball. Lowry has excellent awareness and knows how to make himself available to the QB on broken plays by finding open spaces or creating his own. Lowry is an explosive athlete that is also a very skilled specialist. On 16 punts, Marcus averaged 47.1 yards per punt, one of the best in the state. The Crusader’s wideout would be a great pickup. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/10840389/61ad10c332dcfb0ae05cbd0d" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>