These Kids Can Play

Earlier this week I said I'd blog about some of the high school football players who have really impressed me thus far in 2010.

These are all based on guys I’ve watched in person this season, which means there are some talented kids left out. I could comment on the guys I’ve seen on video, but that wouldn’t be fair on my part because you don’t get the feel for how important they are without understanding a particular moment in the game. Additionally, I have to base this on guys I’ve seen make plays over and over again. One play doesn’t make a great player.

Kelby Tague, RB, O’Gorman – He’s the perfect guy for O’Gorman’s grind-it-out offense. In what is typically a slow, methodical march down the field, the Knights open it up with Tague’s ability to burst down the field. He’s made some spectacular plays this season and is capable of doing it on each carry.

Tim Weber, RB, West Central – He benefits from being in a system that is running back friendly, in terms of opportunities. That said, he’s made the most of his opportunities and has proven to be very a tough runner with the ability to create separation in the open. One game I was at, he scored five or six times.

Brandon Mohr, FB/LB, Washington – This probably doesn’t need much explaining, but he’s fun to watch. In a spread offense, its tough to garner much recognition as a FB, but it’s a very integral piece of the puzzle. As teams focus on the outside, Mohr can go full-throttle between the tackles. Defensively, he’s committed to the cause and is clearly gives his all on nearly every play. SDSU will enjoy his presence.

Chris Cook, LB, Roosevelt – This kid can bring the wood. If you can’t make the play, make someone pay. Fortunately for Roosevelt, he’s does both. Good linebacker with the right instincts for the job.

Matt Hermanson, DB, Washington – Like Cook at Roosevelt, he has the instincts needed to play defense the way it’s meant to be played; 100 mph all the time, but remaining tactful in the process. Matt does a nice job of finding the ball against both the run and the pass.

Dylan Kreutzfeldt, RB/KR/PR, Chester Area – Dylan carries a lot of the load in the Chester attack, whether it’s rushing the ball, catching it or returning punts and kicks. He seems to always find the holes (and that Flyer OL creates them nicely). What impresses me the most is his ability to hit the next level with authority. He’s another one of those guys that creates separation in the open. Every time he’s back to return a kick or punt, I think he’s going to score.

Drew Kreutzfeldt, QB, Chester Area – Dylan’s twin brother Drew, the QB, can often rely on Dylan. But if Drew had to carry the team as a duel-threat quarterback, he could. He spreads the ball around and if things aren’t open, he has more than enough talent to tuck the ball and score. If either of these two were taller, area colleges might not have a shot at them.

Alex Schultz, QB, Lincoln – Good arm, good football IQ. Having a guy like Trey Naasz to throw to helps, but Schultz can make some impressive throws that very few high school quarterbacks can.

Trust me, as a former offensive lineman, I know I'm missing some of the big boys. It takes a lot more to evaluate lineman than skill players...I wish I had the time to watch the OL/DL battles more often!

Jim Nelson
KSFY Sports