Nebraska Prep Football's Top Class C-1 Quarterbacks and Receivers for 2015.

Posted Tuesday, August 18, 2015, at 10:36 AM

Ashland-Greewood monster talent, Ben Stille (#80). Husker recruit.

by Bobby Mills (1000 Yard Guy)

Class C-1:

*Mitch Carlson-Central City (#15) - 6-1, 165, (Sr.) - 175 of 321 - 2,485 Yards, 28 TDs (10 INT) - Part of the deadliest quarterback/wide receiver duo below Class A in 11-Man football. Both he and wide-out Brady Bamesberger were no doubter All-State C-1 selections a year ago after posting video game numbers in the Bison's 6-4 playoff season. Only powerful Columbus Scotus held Carlson under 200 aerial yards and the junior wizard still completed 15 of 31 and a TD in the loss.

When you toss the ball 321 times and still hit 54% of those throws, you're doing something. Central City returns 6 offensive and 8 defensive starters this fall, so things could get wilder yet for Carlson and his buddies. Mitch Carlson is just a defensive coaches nightmare with his scrambling, throw-it-on-the-run style. If there is an open receiver, Mitch will find him.

*Taggart Bailey-Pierce (#5) - 5-10, 155, (Sr.) - 94 of 146, 1,175, 11 TDs (n/a) - Bailey is part of a 3 skill player nucleus that will Pierce once again dangerous in 2015. Bailey, along with RB/LB Austin Freeman and WR/LB Brady Starkel, are three players any coach would love to have.

Taggart Bailey is a sharpshooter as a QB, completing 64% of his throws, about as good as it get for a high school, 11-Man quarterback. As a cornerback, the very quick Bailey had 35 stops and picked off 2 enemy passes. And the important thing to remember about this football program is that they have one of the premier coaches in the entire state, regardless of class in Mark Brahmer. Coach Brahmer and his Bluejays have 17 straight playoff appearances and a career mark of 160 wins and a meager 47 losses.

*Daniel Stohlmann-Louisville (#14) - 5-10, 170, (Sr) - 1,120 Yds. (2,184 Career) *Dual Threat QB*

Tougher than the dickens to find even a sliver of info on this guy. Good speed for a quarterback (4.6) plus Stohlmann has two dandy receivers coming back that will help the cause. I think the Lions had to experience a huge shock going from C-2 to C-1 last fall. believe me, there is a difference in football these classes unless you are an Aquinas, St. Cecilia, or Battle Creek. Stohlmann and his buds should have a better go at C-1 now that they have a year under their belts.

*Noah Vedral-Wahoo Neumann (#11) - 6-2, 175, (Jr.) - 61 of 140 - 1,033 Yards, 6 TDs (8 INT)

We talked about Vedral as a runner previously, and now the junior-to-be is such a dual threat player, he makes this list. Neumann should really be improved in 2015 and Noah Vedral's statistics should really explode this fall.

Vedral has terrific, terrific mechanics when he releases the ball on his throws. Really uses his entire body, especially the shoulder, arms, and wrist. Thing that impressed me is that all those great mechanics are still there when he rolls out and throws on the run. Noah's throwing motion is just outstanding. Let's face it, the kid has to pretty good to be invited to that prestigious Rivals Quarterback Challenge in Cincinnati and the Nike Elite 11 Opening Regional in Eugene, Oregon. You don't just pay the bread and show up to those babies.

On defense, Noah Vedral was in on a huge 81 tackles a year ago, and also pirated 3 passes. And lest you forget, Vedral rushed for 640 yards and 10 scores in 2015 and only fumbled the pigskin six times amongst all those times handling the ball for the Cavs.

One of the best all-around athletes in the state and only a junior. Oh, and by the way, Wahoo Neumann returns Nineteen starters in 2015.

*Dylan Johnson-Columbus Lakeview (#7) - 5-11, 180, (Sr) - 1,023 Passing, 612 Rushing. *Dual Threat QB* - Last season was a rare rebuilding season for Lakeview in 2014 and Johnson took some lumps, but he and his Vikings cohorts should be rarin' to go in 2015. Johnson is a bona fide team leader and fits the tag of "Dual Threat Quarterback" to a tee. Quick feet, so God forbid you let this guy take off out of the backfield if he sees his receivers covered. Very intelligent decision maker who takes little time to size up the "should I throw or should I run" situation.

Considering the brutal, cruel schedule Lakeview had a year ago, Johnson did a phenomenal job handling things, especially in that Kearney Catholic game. The Stars wanted no more of Johnson that night. Look for big things in 2015, especially with Super Coach Kurt Frenzen at the helm. After all, Coach Frenzen was named a Dove Men+Care Deodorant Caring Coach of The Year in 2014. One of only 3 coaches nationwide to receive this honor, Coach Frenzen surfaced from a pool of 800 nominees to garner this honor. Of course Frenzen is a Fullerton grad.

*Josh Abbott-Wahoo (#17) - 5-11, 165, (Jr.) - 56 of 111 - 1,008 Yards, 10 TDs (8 INT) - Not too far away from Vedral's school is another terrific junior-to-be, Josh Abbott from rival Wahoo High. Passing stats are eerily similar and both play quarterback and do the defensive back thing.

Abbott rushed 91 times for 393 yards for the Warriors but scored 9 times in the process. Also had 40 tackles from his strong safety slot and picked off a pass and recovered a fumble.

.......other Quarterbacks to watch:

*Tanner Harsin-Syracuse (#2) - 5-10, 160, (Sr.) - 44 of 83 - 831 Yds, 5 TDs, (4 INT) (8 games) - I like this guy. Athletic bloodlines (Track & Field) like mad with Mom (Regan) being an All-American at Doane. Aunt was Fran ten Bensel who was of course, a star distance star at Nebraska. Sister was an tremendous middle distance star in 2012 for the Rockets. Tanner, an 800 runner who is around the 2:00 mark, has that nice stride and can throw the ball well, plus has a dandy WR in junior Seth Bayless to target. Rockets have a chance to vie with Falls City for the District 2 crown this fall.

And, check out the yards per completion for Tanner Harsin. Nearly 19 yards a pop.

*Connor O'Toole-Wilber-Clatonia (#10) - 6-2, 200, (SR) - 37 of 71-790 Yds, 10 TDs, (2 INT) *Dual Threat QB* - Absolutely a fabulous looking quarterback and a year ago as a junior. Perfect size for a high school field general and so smart. Looked like a seasoned senior in 2014 and had the cast to go with his superior talents. This young man has all the, pardon the pun, "o'tools" to play college football. Very good drop back QB, and especially lethal when he rolls out because he may just take off downfield and the dude makes that decision in a hurry. Also a very good defensive player, is Mr. O'Toole.

Connor has a deadly arm if you see those stats above. Every 4th throw went for a touchdown. And the thing I just love about this kid is the fact he always, always knows where that 1st down marker is and where that goal line lies. That, my friends, is a true quarterback/ball carrier and complete football mind.

Not so good news for O'Toole is that the Wolverines have only 2 starters returning on both sides of the ball. Here's hoping the subs gained some valuable experience a year ago. Another plus for O'Toole and his buds is that Wilber-Clatonia just may have the coolest uniforms in the state of Nebraska. Does that count for anything?

*Jared Bubak-Lincoln Christian (#3) - 6-4, 235, (Sr) - Well, Bubak was a Husker football recruit for a while but now has given a verbal commitment to Arizona State. Probably play Tight End. Bubak is a tough player to bring down when he carries the ball and certainly tough to sack when he drops back to throw. Christian was a little weak in the line last season and face the same perils this fall. I'd like to see this young man get a 1000 yards rushing and passing in 2015. We'll see. Sure like his coach.

*Tyler Hostert-O'Neill (#15) - 6-2, 180 (Sr) - Mr. Hard Luck a year ago. Cruised through the first 2 games against Madison and Wayne, throwing for 332 yards and running for another 65 before going down against Pierce. Missed all the rest of 2014 football, and with such great potential. Been there, done that. Not fun. Here is what O'Neill has going this fall. One of the best coaches around in Brock Eichelberger, and eight starters on both sides of the ball. Keep everybody healthy with a talent like Tyson Hostert calling signals, and the Eagles will be tough. Hostert is going to have a huge 2015 season, you watch.

Class C-1's Top Receivers

*Brady Bamesberger-Central City (#8) - 5-11, 160, (Sr.) - 60 Rec, 1,114 Yds, 11 TDs - What can you say here? Bamesberger's 40 yard dash is listed at 4.7 but that has to be the most deceptive 4.7 I've seen in a while. When Brady blows by the single coverage it's over. When he catches a Mitch Carlson pass in traffic, Bamesberger has a second gear that makes that 40 look like 4.4.

First of all, this dude has the appearance of a 6-3 wide receiver instead of 5-11. That alone gives the false notion that Bamesberger may be too tall to be fast. Big misconception there. Check those stats out. Brady averaged 111 yards in receptions every single game, 18.6 yards a grab. Don't make the foolish mistake that it is Mitch Carlson alone that makes Brady Bamesberger look good. Bamesberger has tons of talent himself, but when coupled with Carlson, it's nearly unstoppable. Won't it be fun watching the Bison this fall?

*Jake Mohler-Louisville - 6-4, 200, (Sr.) - 758 Yds - Not much information of this kid except that he is listed at Tight End. Big dude for certain and 758 yards is a bushel basket full of yards. Mohler has a seasoned quarterback to get him the ball and the Lions have 13 returning starters and a year of C-1 experience under their belt after years in C-2. Syracuse and Falls City always present problems for anybody in that District (3).

*Kordell Hamer-Central City (#4) - 5-10, 160, (Sr.) - 30 Rec, 584 Yds, 8 TDs - Hamer seems faster than Bamesberger and is a smart player (in more ways than one) when he gets that pass from Carlson. Nearly every 4th catch went for a touchdown a year ago for Hamer and each reception averaged 19.5 yards. Once again, when Hamer draws single coverage and you play him up tight, it's not good. The thing that makes Hamer dangerous is the fact that Bamesberger is flanked wide on the other side and vice versa.

Kordell is also a nice defensive back. In 2014, Hamer picked off 3 enemy passes and recovered a fumble. One of those interceptions was a Pick 6 against O'Neill. Expect another similar season from Hamer in 2015.

*Bryce James-Kearney Catholic (#1) - 5-9, 180, (Sr.) - 35 Rec, 541 YDs, 7 TDs - Class C-1's Renaissance Man. I'll bet there are opposing coaches and players in both football and basketball that swear Bryce James has been playing for the Stars since God was a child, and that's a long time ago. James has either started or played major minutes in both FB and BB since his freshman year. Just faster than blazes and elusive as can be, Bryce James can kill you as a runner or receiver.

Last season alone, the fleet footed James rushed for 467 yards and 5 scores, caught those 35 passes for 541 yards and 7 more TDs. #1 also averaged 18 yards a kick-return on 14 of those babies and throw in the fact he was on crutches, missing 2 games in October, makes his stats more amazing.

Biggest thing about Bryce James is the fact he comes up big in BIG games and seems to never, ever get tired. In that playoff game against Scotus, the Stars turned to James to carry them through. Bryce came through to the tune of 200 yards on 31 carries, 3 receptions for 34 yards, and 7 huge tackles on defense. From now on this kid is to be known as "Big Time Bryce".

*Ben Stille-Ashland-Greenwood (#3) - 6-4, 230, (Sr.) - 16 Rec, 538 Yds (33 Yds/catch), 10 TDs -

How good is Ben Stille? He is one of the top lineman in the entire state. Nebraska thought so, offering him a full ride in football. I knew Stille was D-1 the 1st offensive possession I saw him play. You may want to sit down for these stats:

16 catches from his tight end slot, 33 yards a catch, 10 out of the 16 went for scores. From his defensive end slot, 63 tackles and every 3rd stop was a tackle for a loss. A staggering 19 tackles behind the scrimmage line. Toss in 4 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries, and 2 blocked punts and you have a State Championship game appearance and a Husker scholarship.

Only other suggestion I have is that you just may want to call him Mr. Stille. And don't shake his hand.....he crushes them like marshmallows.

Rodney Rosier-Boys Town (#11) - 5-7, 160, (Sr.) - 30 Rec, 444 Yds, 4 TDs - If Rosier returns for his senior season for the Cowboys, opposing coaches will once again hold their breath every single time he touches the ball. 4.6 forty and :10.9 hundred meter speed make this little guy a lethal weapon for the Cowboys. I nearly hyperventilated on the 67 yard touchdown reception he had against Kearney Catholic in that playoff game. Rosier took a step forward from his WR spot, came back 2 steps, caught the pass, seemed trapped, then slithered by the entire Stars defense for the score. Unbelievable.

On defense, Rodney registered 47 tackles and, wouldn't you know it, is a super dangerous kick-return man.

*Jacob Johnson-Fairbury (#22) - 5-10, 190, (SOPH) - 23 REc, 413 Yds, 13 TDs - Still shaking my head when I talk about this kid. First of all, Johnson played for a team that won 3 games a year ago. So, as a freshman, in Class C-1, Jacob Johnson rushed for 721 yards and 9 TDs, had 413 yards receiving and 4 more scores, made 75 tackles from his linebacker spot, 12 of which went for losses, and intercepted a pass for good measure. Can you believe this?

This is the kind of a lad you envision shaving in the 5th grade and his mother going to the grocery store when he was a baby and buying that Gerber baby food with the label that says "Nails" on it. Of course, neither of the aforementioned is true. Jacob Johnson is just a very good football player and the nice thing about it is the fact he has three more years of varsity eligibility to thrill us all with his talents!

*Brandon Raffaeli-Ogallala (#20) - 6-1, 180, (Sr.) - 17 catches for 412 Yds, 9 TDs - This is a guy that plays Running Back folks, and still has these off-the-charts receiving stats. I'll bet not many people this side of Lexington heard much about Raffaeli. Boy are they missing something.

I'd have to say Raffaeli is one of the most exciting players west of Kearney. 4.7 forty, 11 flat hundred speed, 30" vertical and the ability to line up at multiple slots on that Indian offense and just kill you. This kid has tremendous strength and one of the sweetest stop and go moves I've seen. Just makes defenders look silly. Pretty impressive when every other catch goes for a TD and each reception averages 24 yards.

Brandon Raffaeli rushed for 382 yards a season ago to go along with those receptions, and if Ogallala can find some lineman, Brandon and his senior buddies will have a great season. Probably are the favorites to win District 8 anyway. I like this kid..... a lot.

*Travis Kleeb-Broken Bow (#7) - 5-8, 145, (Sr.) - 10 Catches for 316 Yds, 3 TDs (31.6 per catch)

I really don't know how you beat 31 yards a catch in Class C-1, or any class for that matter. Kleeb is one of those sneaky weapons a successful coach like Mike Garner has in his arsenal. I saw Travis run a :51.7 four hundred and grab a 2nd place at the Central Nebraska Track Championships last April and I know the kid pole vaults 13'6" so you know he has speed and athleticism.

Broken Bow is another team that needs to find some lineman, having lost several all-district players, but Garner will find 'em and Kleeb will have another good year on offense as well as defense (DB).

.......next up, Class C-2's Top QB's and Receivers for 2015.