Out The Mud Monday: Uncommitted Players Spotlight
In this article:
I wanted to start this feature to highlight players that have proven to have tremendous talent, but for some reason, coaches and offers just haven’t been coming their way. This includes players with no offers, few offers, players from small…
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Continue ReadingI wanted to start this feature to highlight players that have proven to have tremendous talent, but for some reason, coaches and offers just haven’t been coming their way. This includes players with no offers, few offers, players from small schools, players stuck on loaded teams, players from teams with little exposure, etc. This feature aims to provide coaches with a look at some of the most underrated players in the state. Not only giving player evaluation and tape and a more personal look at the player underneath the pads. This article includes honest answers from the players regarding what football means to them, what drives them, and how they handle adversity. You will also see a personal picture of the players through a non-football lens, hopefully, so that coaches can get a small sense of what the player is like when the helmet comes off.
I choose to use “Out the Mud” because all players face different forms of adversity when trying to make it to the next level. For some, those obstacles are farther and fewer in between, while for others, they can find themselves jumping hurdles at every turn. Lack of interest from schools can leave players feeling stagnant and stuck in the process. However, from the mud rises some of the most hardened players. These players are ready to face that adversity head-on. These players are willing to fight tooth and nail for their spot on a roster. Whereas other men have buckled, these players have shown the grit and determination to overcome any obstacle. There’s no other way to say it, but… they got it out the mud!
Lucas Pruss Lucas Pruss 6'2" | 180 lbs | LB Archbishop Bergan | 2022 State NE (WR/LB/ATH) | Archbishop Bergan | 6’2″ 180 lbs
Offers: Doane
Schools Interested: South Dakota Mines, Morningside, Midland, Hastings, Cornell College, Nebraska Wesleyan, and Dakota Wesleyan
About #15:
One of three state champions on this week’s Out The Mud Monday. Archbishop Bergan’s Lucas Pruss Lucas Pruss 6'2" | 180 lbs | LB Archbishop Bergan | 2022 State NE was a very underrated but fundamental part of their perfect championship season. As a junior, Pruss saw himself mainly as a contributor on defense with 67 tackles and 10 tackles. However, after a crushing loss in the C2 state championship game, Lucas tremendously stepped up on both sides of the ball. On offense, he erupted for 733 yards on 31 receptions. Of those 31 catches, 8 of them went for touchdowns, and none bigger than the two he caught at state. When the lights shined the brightest, Pruss put together a career game connecting with QB Koa McIntyre Koa McIntyre 6'0" | 190 lbs | ATH Archibishop Bergan (Fremont) | 2022 State NE for 3 catches, 164 yards, and 2 receiving touchdowns (I think there’s a Randy Moss picture with a similar stat line floating around), including an 80-yard dagger. When you watch Lucas’ film, you notice that he can: 1. beat you with his straight-line speed, or 2. he can make a quick catch over the middle and crank on the jets. He is very good at exploiting the holes in the defense and gaining a big chunk play, as shown by his 23 yards per catch average. Pruss also became a very versatile player on defense, able to line up in various spots and do a number of jobs. His physical traits help him fit the LB/Nickel Back hybrid that allows him to drop into coverage or dig his heels in to stop the run. I watched Bergan play once, and Lucas seemed to carry calm confidence on the field, not flashy in style just when he’s blowing past you to the endzone.
About Lucas Pruss Lucas Pruss 6'2" | 180 lbs | LB Archbishop Bergan | 2022 State NE :
What drives you to be the best version of yourself off the field? On the field?
My strong work ethic and moral values drive me to be successful in everything I do. Once my mind is set, I will do whatever it takes to achieve that goal. However, these skills were developed by my family, and succeeding/ making them proud drives me to be the best version of myself off the field. My genuine desire to win and love of the game motivate me to be the best version of myself on the field.
How do you handle adversity?
I deal with adversity by embracing it as a source of motivation to perform to my full potential. I enjoy motivating my team in times of struggle, and I strive to empower others with my energy. Adversity only brings a bigger reward.
To your future coach, what kind of person/player are they getting from you?
The type of person/player you’ll get from me is someone who is quiet off the field but loves to let it all come out on the field. A player who despises losing and loves winning. Lastly, a person who wants to succeed as a team rather than as an individual.
What does football mean to you?
Football has always meant a lot to me since I was a kid. It’s a fantastic opportunity to form long-lasting friendships while having a great time playing a fulfilling game. Football has allowed me to grow into the person I am today. Football lets me express some of my emotions while also showing me discipline and mental toughness as an athlete, student, and friend. Football is truly that to me.
Mick Huber Mick Huber 6'0" | 190 lbs | LB Gretna | 2022 State NE (LB/RB) | Gretna | 6’0″ 195 lbs
Hudl | Twitter
Offers: Wayne state football and baseball, Northwestern College football and baseball, Morningside football, Fort Hayes State will offer this weekend for football
Schools w/ Interest: Wayne state football & baseball, Northwestern football and baseball, Fort Hayes State, Augustana, Northwest Missouri State, Iowa Western baseball, Morningside football and baseball, and Dordt.
About #22:
When talking about grit and determination, Mick Huber Mick Huber 6'0" | 190 lbs | LB Gretna | 2022 State NE from Gretna is one of the first names to come to mind. Huber didn’t just step into the starting RB role but a leadership role as well. Mick laid it all out for the Dragons and contributed in any way that he could. The determined senior rumbled his way to 1,034 rushing yards, caught 37 passes for 354 yards, and scored 14 offensive touchdowns (Rush 11 – Rec. 3). He is a powerful downhill runner that doesn’t’ go down on first contact and chips away at the defense’s will with every grueling carry. Huber’s balance and field vision also make him a deadly runner. He can cut, shift, and change direction any which way without compromising his speed. One of my favorite plays of his starts at the 6:00 minute mark on his offensive tape below. It wasn’t the length of the gain, but the effort Huber put into making the gain is what stands out. He cuts to the outside and fights off a slew of tacklers to keep going, before finally going out of bounds… what a guy! If you’re thinking about loading the box on him, you better think twice because he created a great connection with stud QB Zane Flores Zane Flores 6'3" | 190 lbs | QB Gretna | 2023 State NE . This chemistry made him a menace coming out of the backfield and added an extra notch on his belt of tricks. Defensively, he was at the center of the defense playing MLB. He was all over the field and led his team in tackles with an eye-popping 101 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, a sack, an interception, and recovered three fumbles for the Dragon defense. He plays LB with every bit of aggression and toughness that he plays RB with. Huber is a smart, reactive, two-way player who could play either position at the next level. Mick is coming off a 1,000 rushing yard & 100 tackle season, oh and a ring as the cherry on top.
About Mick Huber Mick Huber 6'0" | 190 lbs | LB Gretna | 2022 State NE :
What drives you to be the best version of yourself off the field? On the field?
I would say the thing that drives me to be the person I am off the field is the fact that great athletes that people look up to are also great people off the field. There’s always going to be someone watching you whether you know it or not. It’s also important for the younger kids in Gretna who look up to the high school football players so they can have somebody to be a role model for them. Patrick Arnold was my role model when I was younger and I loved watching him play. That kind of stuff goes hand in hand with on-the-field stuff too. I know there’s always people counting on me, so I’ve got to give it my all every single time I step onto the field. I would be letting not only my teammates down, but also my coaches, family, and fans of Gretna if I didn’t give it my all every time I put on my helmet.
How do you handle adversity?
Adversity is a part of everything you do in life and how you handle it defines you not only as an athlete but also as a person. Staying calm in the eye of the storm is one thing that has helped me a lot. I’ve learned the term “the calm before the storm” from my coaches and I think that defines me pretty well. I’m pretty calm going into football games, but ready to pack a punch as soon as the whistle blows. And when things go south, I’ve still got my head up and I encourage our offense and defense that we’ve got this.
To your future coach, what kind of person/player are they getting from you?
As a person, my future coaches will be getting someone who is naturally a pretty good leader. I’m definitely more of a lead-by-example guy than a give-a-speech guy. They will get someone who cares about the people around them and the team culture a lot. I love having fun and joking around with my teammates, but also know when to get serious.
What does football mean to you?
Football has meant a lot to me growing up. I grew up on some pretty good football in Gretna and ended my high school career on a pretty good football team. Friday nights were something that I looked forward to every week. There’s nothing quite like the camaraderie and rush of football. I’m glad that I get the opportunity to further my football career at the next level.
Keyshon Buckman Keyshon Buckman 6'4" | 195 lbs | ATH Lincoln High | 2022 State NE (WR/FS) | Lincoln High | 6’4″ 200 lbs
Offers: N/A
Schools w/ Interest: Chadron State, North Dakota State Bison, UCM, and Midland
About #10:
At first glance, Keyshon has the size and look of a football player. He has a tall, lengthy, and solid frame with some wheels to go with it. Buckman is a versatile two-way player that can play WR or FS at the next level. As a receiver, he has long arms and big, strong mitts to pluck the ball out of the air easily. Buckman’s height and range help him high-point the ball. This gives his QB a great jump ball option, where then Keyshon can outmuscle his guy to make sure that he’s the only one that comes down with it. He is a rangy safety on the defensive side that can cover a lot of ground quickly. He is a solid tackler that can tattoo his opponent with one of his hard hits. He does a good job reacting to pass and run plays and ensuring that he is in a good position. Overall, Keyshon is a player with a very high ceiling and tons of potential waiting to be unlocked by his next coach.
About Keyshon Buckman Keyshon Buckman 6'4" | 195 lbs | ATH Lincoln High | 2022 State NE :
What drives you to be the best version of yourself off the field? On the field?
What drives me to be the best is making it out for my family and myself. Also, I want to be one of the best WR one day. I just think about my dream and give it my all.
How do you handle adversity?
How I handle adversity is just to keep pushing through because I know if I work really hard on and off the field it will be worth it in the end.
To your future coach, what kind of person/player are they getting from you?
To my future coach, they will be getting a hard-working student-athlete. I wanna have good grades academically and be a helpful and supportive teammate I just wanna do my best for my future coach and team.
What does football mean to you?
Football means everything to me. I have been playing since I was 7 years old and ever since I touched the ball I’ve had a love for the game. Football is my world.
Tyson Denkert Tyson Denkert 5'10" | 180 lbs | QB Kenesaw | 2022 State NE (QB/RB/ATH) | Kenesaw | 5’10″ 185 lbs
Offers: Midland, Concordia, hastings, Doane, and Chadron state
Schools w/ Interest: Morningside
About #10:
Kenesaw had not seen a state championship game since they were runner-ups in 1990. Tyson and the Blue Devils set a mission not just to make it to the big dance but to win it all. En route to the Class D2 state game, Tyson played like his hair was on fire. QB/RB Denkert took advantage of the position-fluidity that comes with playing 8-man football and absolutely dominated from the get-go. He threw for 827 yards and 13 touchdown passes while rushing for an insane 2,550 rushing yards and 55 rushing touchdowns. Denkert rushed for multiple touchdowns in every game this season, 9 games of 4+ rushing touchdowns, 3 games of 6+ touchdowns, 6 games of 200+ rushing yards, and 3 games of 300+ rushing yards… incredible numbers. Tyson saved his finest hour for the state championship game in which he rushed for 305 yards and 6 touchdowns and added 17 tackles and a forced fumble/recovery. As I watched this game unfold, it was clear that Denkert was the best athlete on the field and was not going to be denied his ring. He used his vision and powerful running to wear away at a stingy Sandhills/Thedford defense. On defense, he was everywhere the ball was on nearly every play. Delivering stiff shots to their backs and helping clog up run lanes. Denkert and the Blue Devils held off a furious comeback attempt by ST, but held firm in the end. Despite only making 65 attempts on the year, I would feel confident with Denkert running an offense as a dual-threat QB. He can deliver the ball on the run and he can push the ball downfield when needed and would only improve with more reps. Tyson was also tremendous on the defensive side where he was able to snag 6 interceptions and made 101 tackles while playing safety. A talent like Tyson is hard to confine to one position as he really is a special player and could make plays no matter where you put him.
About Tyson Denkert Tyson Denkert 5'10" | 180 lbs | QB Kenesaw | 2022 State NE :
What drives you to be the best version of yourself off the field? On the field?
My teammates drive me to be the best I can be on and off the field.
How do you handle adversity?
I handle adversity on the field by trusting my teammates to do their job and also me to get the win
To your future coach, what kind of person/player are they getting from you?
To my future coach, I believe they are getting and driven hardworking kid that willing to do anything for his team.
What does football mean to you?
Football means a brotherhood to me and also knowing that your teammates have your back no matter what on and off the field.
Ceontre’ Brown Ceontre’ Brown 5'11" | 215 lbs | DL Omaha North | 2022 State NE (DL/FB) | Omaha North | 5’11″ 270 lbs
Hudl | Twitter
Offers: Ottawa Kansas
Schools w/ Interest: Midland, Ottawa Kansas, Iowa Western, Dakota University, Peru State, Benedictine.
About #35:
Ceontre’ and the Vikings were one of the season’s big stories. After an 0-5 start to the Viking’s season, they reeled off 5 straight wins to sneak into the playoffs as the 16th seed. With many people writing them off, they did the unthinkable and upset #1 Millard South. This upset and their eventual run to the Class A semis was fueled by a can’t die, won’t back down attitude adopted by Ceontre’ and crew. Brown was an absolute monster on a ferocious defensive line. Playing several positions along the defensive line, Ceontre’ was selfless in his play and handled a lot of the dirty work. He can eat up double teams, clog up inside running lanes, play inside, outside, rush the passer, contain, he was doing it all. One thing people don’t realize about Brown is how sneaky athletic he is. He is explosive off the snap and plays with tons of power and aggression. Brown was a constant presence in the backfield and terrorized runningbacks. If not him, Brown was opening up chances for Hernandez and Terry to eat up the QB. I got the opportunity to watch the Vikings play a few times, and blocking Ceontre’ looked like a pretty miserable assignment. Brown totaled 65 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks on the season. Not bad at all for having to miss his junior year due to the decision to shut down OPS schools for the 2020 fall season as part of COVID protocols. Nonetheless, Ceontre’ has persevered and kept his nose to the grind, paying off with a great season. There is still a ton of raw potential that any defensive line coach would be
About Ceontre’:
What drives you to be the best version of yourself off the field? On the field?
What drives me to be the best off the field is my mom because she shows me what it means to put in the work, never give up, and keep going. And another thing is that there are people that are getting better every day, so why shouldn’t I. On the field, I try to make the person in front of me remember my name and my jersey number, so at the end of the game, when we shake hands, they make sure they say “35 heck of a game” or “Ceontre you’re a beast.” If I don’t hear that, I failed at being the best. I want the coaches for the next game to watch film on me so I can get a double team and I can open up for my teammates.
How do you handle adversity?
I handle adversity well like with my team I’m the one to keep everyone with a level head if anyone is getting crazy and talking it’s me!!
To your future coach, what kind of person/player are they getting from you?
To my future coach, I would like to say you got someone that’s going to put the work in and that’s gone make plays!!!
What does football mean to you?
And to keep it plain and simple, FOOTBALL MEANS EVERYTHING TO ME!!
Elliot Jurgens (WR/DB) | Beatrice | 6’0 170 lbs
Offers: Dakota Wesleyan
Schools w/ Interest: Morningside and Doane
About #5:
Elliot has quietly had a very, very productive prep career. Since his sophomore year, Jurgens has been a fantastic offensive weapon for the Beatrice Orangemen. He finished the season with 680 receiving yards on 33 receptions, 496 rushing yards, 293 kick return yards, and scored 17 total touchdowns (8 Rec., 6 rush, and 3 on kick return). Elliot is a big-play threat any time he touches the ball. He averages 20 yards per catch and can do so by beating his corner deep or catching a short ball and racking up the YAC yards. Elliot is a player that you can NOT give an inch of opening to because he will make you pay dearly. If you need evidence of this, any of the three kickoff returns should be enough to see how well Elliot can see the entire field, make sharp cuts, and turn on the burners when he hits the open field. Jurgens is just as much an asset on offense as he is on defense, where he has been contributing since being a bright-eyed freshman. Since then, QBs have learned not to make many throws in the area of the rangy FS, who had 8 interceptions before this season started. As a result, he was not able to snag an INT, but he still found his way to the ball with 5 passes defended and 27 tackles. As I mentioned, Jurgens has been a very productive player who ended his prep career with 70 receptions, 1,434 receiving yards, 16 receiving touchdowns, 1,054 rushing yards, 11 rushing touchdowns, 92 tackles, 8 interceptions, and 18 passes defended. Teams should be jumping to sign this shifty, speedy, tough player!
About Elliot Jurgens:
What drives you to be the best version of yourself off the field? On the field?
What drives me is my dad.
How do you handle adversity?
I just take a deep breath and think of the next play.
To your future coach, what kind of person/player are they getting from you?
My future coach will be getting a hard worker.
What does football mean to you?
Football means family to me.