2015 Nebraska Prep Running Backs to Watch - Class D-2 - 8-Man

Anselmo-Merna QB Troy Gilligan (#22) executes a perfect option play. Gilligan returns for his 3rd season to direct the Coyotes.

2015 Nebraska Prep Running Backs to Watch - Class D-2 - 8-Man

by Bobby Mills (1000 Yard Guy)

Seven backs return in a classification that really took a hit with graduated 1000 yard rushers, but return a ton of talent in 2015. Bertrand's tough Tyrell Younger is included on this list even though he had 884 yards a year ago. The fact Younger ran for 1,090 as a sophomore qualifies him to be listed in this 1st group.

Here are your returning thousand yard men for 2015 in 8-Man's smaller class:

*Cody Stratman-Wynot - 5-7, 165, (Sr.) - 1,984-190, 35 TDs

To see Cody Stratman put up gaudy rushing numbers a year ago was a shock to anyone who followed 8-Man football the past decade. Wynot has been a playoff qualifier the past 7 seasons, but have thrived on the passing game. Other than 2010 when Tyler Pinkleman ran for 1,512 yards, it has been the Blue Devil Aerial Circus act paralyzing opponents with fear. Last year, Coach Steve Heimes changed things up to apparently use the talents of Stratman, and thus the 1,984 yard school record rushing total.

Two years ago Cody Stratman racked up 751 yards as a secondary receiver, running under all-state Jackson Sudbeck's pinpoint passes. That's nearly 17 yards a catch. Stratman only carried the football 8 times for 71 yards that season.

Here is how good this lad has become. Cody Stratman went from 9 carries to 190 carries and his rushing total swelled from 71 yards to 1,984 in a span of one year......Yeah! This splendid athlete was good talented enough to win the Class D Long Jump at the State Track Meet a few months back, so you know he is fast.

A dangerous kick-off and punt return man and needless to say, pass receiver, Stratman is certainly one of the top players in 8-Man 2. With 6-2, 245 pound All-District center, Austin Lange leading the way up front, the prospects for another huge season is certainly a good bet for Mr. Stratman.

*Trent Gilligan-Anselmo-Merna (#22) (QB) - 5-10, 135, (Sr.) - 1,504-253, 32 TDs

Pound for pound, this may be the toughest, smartest player in all of 8-Man football. Under Gilligan's direction the past 2 seasons, Anselmo-Merna has gone 19-4 and played in a State Championship Game in Lincoln. Trey Gilligan was thrown into the fire almost immediately as a sophomore quarterback. Things were looking pretty rosy for Coach Matt McGinn 2 years ago when Troy Gilligan was a sophomore for the simple reason the Coyotes had a 1,656 yard rusher coming back in Trent Geiser. But an unfortunate twist of fate occurred just minutes into the 2nd game of the season.

Geiser went down on his 5th carry of the game and was lost for his entire junior season. Nearly the entire offensive load fell into the hands of the sophomore Gilligan after only one game under his belt. Not only did Troy Gilligan catch on, but the lightweight, but tough 10th grade whiz led the Coyotes to a first round playoff win, rushing for 1,329 yards and 22 TDs and throwing for another 1,281 and 13 more scores in 2014. Nothing short of unbelievable.

Last season with Geiser back and raring to go, Troy Gilligan directed Anselmo-Merna all the way to the promised land in Lincoln, just falling short to Exeter-Milligan 40-26 in the frigid D-2 State Championship game. Gilligan was no brainer for an All-State selection and could have been selected in one of three slots......Quarterback, Running Back or Defensive Back. That's right.

Troy Gilligan ran for 1,504 yards and 29 touchdowns a year ago, completed 68 of 143 passes for 1,416 yards with 22 TDs with only 2 interceptions. From his single defensive back position, Gilligan made a staggering 169 tackles (76 solos, 93 assists) and pirated 7 passes, returning three of those for touchdowns. His team averaged nearly 61 points a game in their 13 outings a year ago.

And remember......the dude weighs 135 pounds.

Anselmo-Merna returns 5 starters on each side of the ball this fall and the signal calling duties on both sides of the ball are in the capable hands of Troy Gilligan. Ya think super coach Matt McGinn isn't smiling. I know I am.

*Preston Schnitzler-Kenesaw (#8) - 5-9, 180, (Sr.) - 1,810-211, 37 TDs

If Gilligan is the toughest kid in 8-Man football pound by pound, Preston Schnitzler just may the toughest, period. Two Schnitzler siblings have preceded Preston and both were equally as tough and All-State as well as he. This young man was a starter as a freshman, missing a 1000 yard year by only 35 yards, but missed his entire sophomore season with a torn ACL.

Last season, Preston had to pick up the slack when older brother Austin missed some time with a concussion. All the younger Schnitzler did was rush for 1,810 yards and 30 touchdowns, complete 16-29 passes for 6 TDs and destroy opponent ball carriers to the tune of 127 tackles (13 for losses). He also picked off 4 passes on defense, knocked another 8 away, and recovered 2 fumbles. Preston Schnitzler led Kenesaw all the way to the D-2 quarterfinals where they lost a high scoring 62-46 heartbreaker to defending D-2 champ, Falls City Sacred Heart.

Coach Craig Schnitzler, Preston's pop, will welcome back 6 starters on offense and 5 on defense, so Kenesaw so be in good shape in what just could be a 2,000 yard rushing season for the hard nosed Preston. I kid you not, this kid has no respect for his own frame and would take on a grizzly bear if it stood between him and the end zone. Preston also has tremendous strength, speed, and agility. This dude qualified for State in both the 100 and 200 (:11.0, :23.0), benches 285 and has vertical of 33". Pure football player with a big, big heart that just flat out enjoys playing the game.

*Gideon Monette-Mullen (#42) - 6-1, 185, (Sr.) - 1,400-226, 16 TDs

The man with the neatly trimmed beard played awfully well for a team that went 3-6 a year ago. That kind of record for the Mullen Broncos comes once every century, but Monette made the most of it in 2014. No longer just a power back and State Wrestling Meet 3 time qualifier, Gideon worked diligently and molded himself into a finesse back as well as a "mow 'em" over steam roller running machine.

There will be no 3-6 for Coach Mitch Pfeiffer and the boys this fall with 5 starters back on both sides of the ball for the Broncos. Monette will have more yards at RB, more tackles from his cornerback slot (69, with 54 solos a year ago) and will absolutely thrive as a senior leader for his football team. Gideon Monette comes from that rock hard, tough-as-nails Mullen football tradition and will be able to add to those rushing totals in 2015.

*Brenden Pelster-Chambers/Wheeler Central (QB) - 5-11, 185, (Sr.) - 1,312-203, 28 TDs

Seriously, I don't know how you could expect anymore out of a player than what Pelster puts out on Friday nights. The Renaissance Man of Class D-2 football and a 4 year starter at QB for CWC, #12 just never comes off 120' x 240' square they call an 8-Man football field. Better be sitting down for these 3 year figures.

Pelster has completed 132 of 238 passes for 2,198 yards and 33 TDs. He has rushed for 2,597 yards and 40 touchdowns. On defense, Brenden has made 109 tackles, and picked off 4 passes. Last season, Pelster was the man who kicked off and booted the ball 11 times with 7 of them going into the end zone. In his career, he has returned 40 kick-offs for an average of 20 yards per return, bringing one back for a score. Pelster has also returned 39 punts for an 11.4 average per.

Oh yeah......Brenden Pelster is the Renegades punter too, booting the ball 16 times in 2014 for an average of 40.8/punt. Now wait, not finished yet...........He also kicks points after, nailing 15 of 20 last season, and is batting a thousand in the field goal department, connecting on a 33 yarder in a 52-16 win over St. Marys. And like my good friend Bob Jensen states "I wonder what he does with his spare time!"

Last 2 years, Pelster has led CWC to back to back 6-4 marks and playoff berths both seasons. No reason to believe Mr. Everything can't repeat that in 2015, then take a 30 year vacation.

*Matt McCarthy-Garden County (#23) - 5-9, 160, (Sr) - 1,205-160, 26 Rushing TDs (37 TDs total)

Part of a lethal 1-2 running punch for Garden County (The I-Back High of 8-Man football) a year ago when the purple clad Eagles flew all the way to the quarterfinals before losing to powerful Maxwell, 32-28. Garden was unbeaten until that point and part of the reason was the speedy McCarthy.

Not only did McCarthy run for 1,205 yards and 26 touchdowns, the shifty junior was also on the receiving end of 19 passes, good for 481 yards and Nine TDs, a fat 25 yards a catch. On defense, Matt recorded 86 tackles from his linebacker slot. On specials teams, McCarthy returned 9 kick-offs for an average of 36 yards per (Yeah!) and averaged 14/per on 19 punt returns.

This young man is a special player and could very well push for All-State honors in that D-2 backfield.

*Luke Erickson-Osceola (QB) - 6-3, 215, (Sr.) - 1,102-195, 20 TDs

Folks, I swear Luke Erickson has been the starting quarterback for Osceola the last 10 years. I also cannot remember the kid not being 6-3 and 215 pounds. Actually, big Luke has been the starting QB for the Bulldogs since day one of his freshman season and was listed around 6-2, 200 pounds then.

Not much has changed, and the fact Luke Erickson is steady as a rock and strong as a bull, eases the mind of Coach TJ Nielsen, who by the way, is one heck of a high school football coach. I feel bad for Osceola in way for the simple fact they are cursed with what I call a "roller coaster-feast or famine" schedules. The Bulldogs either play teams they spank the dickens out of, or face the likes of Humphrey St. Francis, Stuart, Fullerton, Bancroft-Rosalie, or Meridian. Those kinds of ups and downs can wear on a team, but through thick and thin, Big Luke and company have been terrific.

Two years ago, Erickson ran for 931 yards and threw for 878 more. Last year, the Bulldogs were a more ground game oriented, and saw Luke rush for 1,102 yards and throw for 491. As a sophomore, with better receivers, Erickson completed 61% of his tosses. Last year, it "slipped" to 49% but I'm going to tell you something about this young guy and to be honest, I haven't had time to read whether colleges are recruiting him or not.

If a smart passing technique coach worked with Luke Erickson, this kid could play Division One football. No doubts from this guy. Right now, Luke is so strong, when he takes a three step back to throw, he hardly uses anything but his right arm and right shoulder. His ability to lead receivers is uncanny and the youngster is very strong and fast enough to compete at that top level of college football. At least I think so.

*Tyrell Younger-Bertrand - 5-11, 180, (Sr.) - 884-90, 24 TDs

Here's a football player for you. Last season, Younger was well on his way to a 1,300+ rushing season before being injured. He had been averaging 130 yards a game, 9.3 yards/carry, while scoring 19 TDs......all after only 6 games. Tyrell had to suffer an injury in that 73-30 loss to powerful Kenesaw in game 7, because the star RB only had 103 yards on 17 carries the next three games and missed the Maxwell 2nd round playoff game altogether.

In just 3 seasons, Tyrell Younger has compiled 2,185 yards rushing and scored a staggering Fifty touchdowns. This guy is just a pure standout athlete with superb bloodlines (remember older brother, Chance Younger?). Tyrell won the Class D Pole Vault back in May with a 14' 8" effort. He also grabbed an 8th in the 110 Highs, a 7th in the 300 Intermediate hurdles, and ran anchor on Bertrand's 5th place 1,600 Meter Relay. Younger has qualified for an event(s) at State Track Meet in each of his three high school seasons.

This dude just has multitudes of talent on the gridiron. Tyrell possesses long 400 meter type strides, breakaway speed, very smooth, but quick cuts, and lightning quick reflexes. On defense, Younger made 112 tackles from his linebacker slot ( 9 for losses) and had a punt return and kick return for a score a year ago.

This fall Bertrand is is pretty good shape, especially with veteran Head Coach Steve Colfack, who is back for his 2nd season after a hiatus from the coaching ranks. This gentleman is one of the best there is as far as coaching football goes. Younger and his buddies will have to knock heads with Kenesaw again in District 7, but should be a strong playoff contender this fall. Tyrell Younger will run for lots of yards, maybe twice what he rushed for a year ago. He's that good.

* * *

.........and the best of the rest:

*Elliot Epp-Garden County (#2) - 5-10, 180, (Sr.) - 985-151, 12 TDs - Bigger half of the 8-Man I-Back High duo of Matt McCarthy and Epp. On defense Epp is one mean motor scooter, recording an unheard of 179 tackles a year ago. Elliot had 99 stops his sophomore season and 77 as a freshman. Think he can play LB? On offense, an absolute tackle breaking machine with speed and the balance of one of those old tackling dummies that had 50 pounds of sand in the bottom. Nearly impossible to tackle. Watch the 1st run on his highlight reel.......Epp broke SEVEN tackles. This is 8-Man football, friends.

*Drew Loberg-Randolph - 5-10, 150, (Jr.) - 775-105, 18 TDs - Will step into his All-State brother Dylan's shoes full time this season. Should see a couple of 1,200 plus rushing seasons for this kid.

*Garrett Scheledewitz-Maxwell (#30) - 5-9, 205, (Jr) - 756-115, 10 TDs - Helped open the holes last year for 2,823 yard rusher, Jaylon Sturdivant. Kid makes his stats count. Caught 7 passes, 2 going for touchdowns with per catch average of 18.6. Made 32 solo tackles, 11 going for losses and caused 2 fumbles, recovering them both. And only a junior.

*Garrett Fries-Southwest (#21) - 5-11, 165, (Sr.) - 708-108, 11 TDs - Jiminy Crickets, this guy is something else. Bright spot on a 3-5 team that made the playoffs only to face Anselmo-Merna. Fries has it all, sprinter speed, vision, balance, and football smarts. Broke TWO long runs in that 76-20 loss to Merna, easily outrunning the defense. Just a smooth as silk glider that skips out of tackles. On defense, Fries may be the best one on one tacklers in 8-Man 2 football. You just don't get by the lad. Back to offense, if Garrett Fries gets a half step on the defense, he's long gone. Not sure if anyone in D-2 could run him down. I like this kid!

*Jesse Rasmussen-Hampton (#24) - 5-11, 190, (Sr.) - 699-206, 8 TDs - Rock solid tough for a team with LOW numbers. Carried 62% of all the rushes for the Hawks a year ago and took a frightful beating but just kept ticking. Hampton just got pounded every game, but returns 7 starters on each side of the ball this fall. Now it will be Jesse Rasmussen's turn to shine with some help. His rushing yards should increase, his 51 tackles will swell, and Hampton's wins should double or triple.....at least. You paid your dues, dudes.

*Matt Neiman-Brady (#6) - 5-11, 179, (Jr.) - 669-86, 17 TDs (556-30 catches 5 tds rec.) - The speedy Neiman had nearly 1,600 total yards if you include kick and punt returns. One of the finest dual threat backs in D-2. Slippery as all get-out, Neiman and his Brady Bunch nearly beat Anselmo-Merna in the 2nd round of the playoffs before falling 44-40. The Eagles lost some key people to graduation, so Neiman may be called on more times this fall to cover those losses. Nice player, one of so many in Class D-2.

*Caleb Krohn-Osmond (#23) - 6-1, 170, (Sr.) - 643-120, 10 TDs - Earned every yard he gained in a brutal district with Randolph, Stuart, and CWC the past 2 years. Krohn must have been banged up after the 3rd game a year ago, because the 1st three contests, (one against power Bancroft-Rosalie), he had rushing games of 173, 146, and 126 respectively with 8 TDs. Caleb only had 198 yards and 1 more TD the remainder of the way. With 7 starters returning on both sides of the ball, Krohn and his Tiger buds should have a better season this fall.

*Noah Rutjens-Elkhorn Valley - 5-9, 160, (Sr.) - 638, (8 TDs) - Nice runner, good pass receiver, and dangerous kick return man. Very solid linebacker, logging 74 stops for the 4-4 Falcons.

*Taylor Alcorn-Crawford (#84) - 6-2, 230, (Sr.) - 618-129, 15 TDs (231-31 rec 1 Td) - Good Lord! This kid looks like Godzilla playing against a bunch of grade school lads. All kidding aside, Taylor Alcorn just has to be one of the better players in 8-Man football. Runner-up in the 220 pound division at State Wrestling earlier this year, Alcorn has to be a daunting sight when he gets the football on a handoff, or God forbid, a screen pass. I'm sorry, but it's just funny to watch #84 jackhammer defenders into the ground. On defense, Taylor Alcorn either drills backs into the ground, or shoves them back 20 yards.

Looks like Crawford plays on a 100 yard, 11-Man football field and in one film clip the officials wore WHITE pants! Those fellas must have saved those babies from back in the early 2000's. See.....if you hold on to that stuff long enough, it will creep back into style.

At any rate, Taylor Alcorn could start for any Class B team in the state.

*Kelsey Rozelle-Potter-Dix (#7) - 5-11, 155, (Sr.) - 584 Yds (9 TDs) (263 rec 4 Tds) - Renaissance Man II of D-2 football. Faster than blazes, and a great defender on the defensive side of the ball. Rozelle had 5 rushing TDs, 4 receiving scores, and returned a kick for another. On defense, he broke up 9 passes, intercepted 3, caused a fumble and recovered 2 others. As a punter, he averaged over 36 yards a boot, but on kick-offs.....are you ready for this? Rozelle put 25 of his 57 kick-offs out of the end zone, averaging 44 yards a kick.

Pretty dangerous anywhere on the field. You just want to know where #7 is on offense if you're playing the Coyotes.

* * *

.........also better keep an eye on these guys:

*Ryan McKeeman-Maxwell - 5-7, 150, (Sr.) - 479-49, 9 TDs (9.8 yds/carry)

*Rowan Ford-South Platte - 5-4, 135, (Sr.) - 406-42, 7 TDs (stats compiled in only 3 games!)