Nebraska Prep Football's Top Class B Quarterbacks and Receivers.

GI Northwest Division One QB prospect, Christian Ellsworth.

Nebraska Prep Football's Top Class B Quarterbacks and Receivers.

by Bobby Mills (1000 Yard Guy)

Let's meet Nebraska High School's top Class B quarterbacks and receivers that fire it up in less than weeks.

Class B Top Returning Quarterbacks:

*Ethan Cox-Blair (#2) - 5-10, 165, (Jr.) - 86 of 138 - 1,497 Yards, 20 TDs (4 INT) - Mother of Mercy is this lad poised. Coach Bryan Soukup made a genius move after an opening season loss to Elkhorn and moved Ian Mertlik from QB to running back and inserted sophomore Ethan Cox into the quarterback slot. Cox just simply improved every game and nearly led the Bears to the state semifinals, losing a 13-7 heartbreaker to powerful McCook in the quarters.

Not only did the "look like a veteran" QB Cox connect on an amazing 62% of his passes and 20 TDs, the 10th grade whiz ran for another 224 yards and three more scores and, of all things, returned 9 kick-offs for an average of 34 yards/return and another TD. Hold on. Ethan Cox also started at free safety and made 65 tackles, intercepted 3 passes, batted away another and recovered a fumble in the Skutt game. Good Lord, this is a sophomore in Class B!

If Elkhorn South's Moses Bryant is Class B's top underclassman, Mr. Ethan Cox is number two!

*Dillon Ruelas-Waverly - 6-3, 165, (Jr.) - 85 of 153 for 1,387 Yds, 7 TDs (10 INT) - This young lad set the single season passing record for Wavery a season ago as a sophomore. Looks really skinny because of his 6-3, 165 pound frame, but can really throw the football with very little body motion. I'll bet if a good quarterbacks coach worked with Ruelas, the kid could throw the ball 70 yards in the air. Unreal how strong his right arm is for such a young guy. And....Dillon will have not one, not two, but three outstanding receivers to fire those passes at this fall. Jason Bricker (6-0, 175) who caught 25 passes for 379 yards returns, along with Ben Werner (23 catches for 408), and Austin Lowell, another senior who caught 24 of Ruelas' tosses for 350 yards are all back and in a group of 8 returning offensive starters for Waverly. Think this team won't be tough? And Dillon Ruelas is only a Junior.

*Vinny Schmidt-Hastings (#) - 5-7, 140, (Jr.) - 122 of 197 - 1,365 Yards, 15 TDs (8 INT) - Little dude with terrific scrambling ability, a rocket for an arm, and an ability to absorb some brutal hits. Deadly accurate with his missiles, completing 62% of them. Rarely has time to drop back and throw and is usually stuck back in that pocket and unable to run because of the fierce onslaught of defenders.

Vinny played in only 7 games in 2014 and did not even hit the field in the Tigers last 2 regular season contests against McCook and Lex. To show how capable Schmidt can be, Vinny hit 25 of 33 for 427 yards and 3 Tds against Scottsbluff and connected on 34 of 46 tosses for 281 two weeks later against Aurora. Both were losses, but you're talking about teams with a combined record of 15-7 record. And he's just a junior and a confident one at that.

*Jared Samuelson-Gretna (#10) - 6-3, 175, (Sr.) - 90 of 166 - 1,309 Yards, 10 TDs (6 INT) - Big, tough dude that is talented enough to be an all-state candidate this fall. How good is Jared Samuelson as an all-around athlete? He was First Team All-State Class B Basketball as a junior in a crowded field that was a nightmare to choose as far as a 1st team goes.

This fall, Samuelson, along with RB Emmitt Knight, should make the Dragon's backfield one of the best in "B". Nice drop back QB, but can run if he has to (322 yards/3 TDs rushing).

*Christian Ellsworth-GI Northwest (#15) - 6-4, 210, (Sr.) - 102 of 153 - 1,226, 14 TDs (3 INT) - Only reason Christian is down this far on the list is the simple fact these QBs are listed by passing yards gained. Ellsworth is a Division One prospect that has all the tools to land a full ride scholarship somewhere in that prestigious, elite college football classification. Doesn't run a ton but is strong, powerful and very difficult to bring down. Outstanding pump fake and incredibly accurate to the tune of 67%.

Christian has impressed at every camp he's attended in the spring/summer circuit and quite a few D-1 schools have shown some interest. Is Colorado State close to offering this lad? Extremely bright and just an outstanding young man inside and out. Very strong team leader with a talented head coach in Kevin Stein at Northwest. He and Brook Brown should put up some video game numbers as a QB/Receiver combination this fall.

*Ethan Anderson-Lincoln Pius X (#12) - 6-0, 165, (Sr.) - 100 of 179 - 1,204 Yards, 5 TDs, (10 INT)

Boy, does Ethan Anderson have a slick fake handoff or what? Tell you what, Anderson just may have the best play fake in Class B. Pure Master of Trickery on an option play, especially when he keeps the ball himself. Faked the defensive man that was supposed to be covering him right out of his speedos several times last year and turned it into big gains.

I realize the touchdowns to interception ratio is way out of balance, but Anderson still had quite a few passing yards and I consider this young man one of the better signal callers in this class. Besides, he'll have big Taylor Angele and Alex Kerr blocking up front.

*Caleb Sheets-McCook (#5) - 6-2, 190, (Sr.) - 70 of 138 - 1,102 Yards, 7 TDs - (7 INT) - Big dude, this Sheets kid. Directs the Bison attack very well. In fact, Sheets ran the Jeff Gross veer offensive machine well enough to get McCook within one game of the state finals. If you recall last season, Colton Sis was to be the starting QB at McCook, but was injured early and Sheets, who was an outstanding free safety his sophomore year, took the reins and the rest is history.

Caleb Sheets is a great dual threat QB that fits that Bison attack perfectly and should have a very good senior season with some key players coming back. And, by the way MaxPreps, Sheets did not have 8 interceptions against Hastings. Good grief.

*Kyle Janvrin-Elkhorn (#12) - 6-1, 175, (Sr.) - 53-112, 1,030 Yds, 8 TDs. - This young man has really slick play fakes to his running backs before he takes off running himself. Strange thing about these fakes is that it seems to take extra time to execute them and Janvrin still manages to pick up good yardage. Biggest thing, and most importantly, is that Janvrin is an outstanding, dependable team leader. Tough as nails too. Typical Mark Wortman quarterback. By the way, Coach Wortman's 36 year won/loss record at Elkhorn.......322-69! That, friends, is just difficult to fathom. None like him anywhere.

*Noah Oswald-Omaha Roncalli (#4) - 6-1, 180, (Sr.) - 57 of 130 - 1,018 Yards, 7 TDs (10 INT) - Looks to me Oswald and his Crimson Pride buds should have a better go at it in 2015 with 8 starters back on offense and 7 on the defensive side. It's always wide open in that B-1 District with Omaha Gross, Benson and Ralston. Oswald rarely runs, so look for an improvement in the passing game.

*Noah Kasbohm-Nebraska City - 6-3, 200, (Sr.) - 68-170, 1,045 Yds, 5 TDs, (12 INT) +Dual Threat+

Have to remember Nebraska City won their 1st and last games but lost 7 in between, so Kasbohm didn't have much help. Rushed for 535 yards and 8 TDs to pad to make him a slick dual threat QB.

*Alec Cromer-Beatrice (#17) - 6-5, 223, (Sr.) - 73 of 106 - 1,015 Yards, 12 TDs (3 INT) - How ironic is it to have Cromer listed at the bottom of this list and is being recruited by several Division 1 schools. I list 'em by passing yards, so no big deal.....we all know who is who.

Alec Cromer is a 3 step, stand-in-the-pocket (usually), quarterback who has one of the strongest arms in this state and deadly accurate bullseye precision when he sees a receiver. Cromer is no dummy though, and can roll out when flushed from the pocket and is just as accurate throwing on the run. Only thing he doesn't do is run the football much.......in the past. That may change this fall with the loss of 2 year thousand yard man, Jessup Workman, who could carry the ball 40 time a game if he had to.

It has been rumored Cromer doesn't like contact, but this guy "ain't" buying it. Cromer runs a 4.7 forty, so if he gets that 6-5, 223 pound frame rolling, he will be a load to tackle. Cromer is also a very good punter, averaging 39 yards a boot.

........this group did not hit 1,000 yards, but still are very, very good:

*Breckon Reed-Adams Central - 5-10, 180, (Sr.) - 79-173, 947 Yds, 7 TDs. - Pretty nice numbers for a junior a year ago, good enough to be named All-District. With a year under his belt, Reed will make the Patriots a much better football team in 2015.

*Damon Kaliff-York - 5-11, 205, (Jr.) - 991 Yards passing, 6 TDs, 330 Yards Rushing +Dual Threat QB+ - Suffered a horrible, heartbreaking knee injury on his 1st carry of the Elkhorn playoff game last season as a sophomore. How good is this kid? He started for 8-Man McCool Junction as a freshman, then transferred to York and never missed a beat. Outstanding dual threat QB who could easily be a 1000 yard runner/passer his junior year.

*Baden Shelmadine-Alliance - 5-11, 165, (Sr.) - 871 Yards passing and 9 TDs. - Good bloodlines here for certain. Shelmadine will have three great receivers to throw to this fall in senior Klayton Nordeen (14 catches/270 yards), and two very fine juniors in Brody Brennan (31 catches/403 yards), and Cole Randall (9 catches/211 yards). 'Dogs will be better in 2014 and a dangerous aerial team.

Class B Top Receivers:

*Todd Honas-Aurora (#2) - 6-0, 190, (Sr.) - 71 catches, 1,173 Yds, 10 TDs - Honest to pete, when I saw Honas play basketball as a freshman (and he was a good one), I thought "no way does this little guy even go out for football." How smart was that statement? Don't answer that!

Two years later the elusive wide receiver with the sticky hands is catching 71 passes for over 1,100 yards and getting Division 1 attention by colleges like Nebraska, Oregon, Arizona, and Colorado St. And you know what? I don't think you've seen his best season yet. If Chad Fox can throw the ball with some zip, Honas will either have another season like 2014 or even better. Great Hands!

*Morgan Karloff-Hastings (#81) - 6-1, 190, (Sr.) - 40 Rec, 871 Yds, 9 TDs - Well, I can tell you I'm praying Karloff can play football come August 28th. He tore that ACL during basketball season and the game of football in this state would miss his talents very much. Tremendous talent that knows what to do when Vinny throws the ball to him. Big dude who has great foot speed and packs a punch when he encounters a defender(s). I heard today he is practicing. Hope it's true.

*JJ Schulz-York (#11) - 6-0, 185, (Sr.) - 56 catches for 742 Yds, 4 TDs - Simply.....one of the finest all-around athletes in Class B. One of the top defensive players in this class too. Has the best hands I've seen in Class B and has ever since he stepped on the field a couple years ago. Cinch for All-State on either side of the ball in 2015. He also has one the the best coaches in the state in Glenn Snodgrass. That man is a football genius and a great human being as well.

*Tyler Wintholz-Sidney (#24) - 6-4, 215, (Sr.) - 29 Rec, 589, 9 TDs - College type receiver type height/weight with terrific hands. 2nd team Class B All-State basketball player last March shows what kind of skills this kid has. Wintholz could easily play small college football and have a successful career. Yeah, he's that good.

*Brandon Gannon-GI Northwest (#13) - 6-1, 175, (Sr.) - 44 Rec, 476 Yds, 9 TDs - This lad is underrated I think. Good hands and is a sitting duck when he does those routes that go 8 yards out and come to a dead stop before he catches a Christian Ellsworth's pass. The dude takes some vicious hits and fumbled only once and got up for more the next time around. I'll bet Coach Stein would take a dozen like Brandon Gannon. Great family too.

*Sam Reimer-Hastings - 5-11, 170, (Sr.) - 35 Rec, 458 Yds, 8 TDs - Really fine 2 way player for the Tigers. Had 30 solo tackles from his CB slot, plus 2 picks, a broken up pass and a caused fumble. Knows what to do after he catches a Vinny Schmidt aerial too.

*Brody Brennan-Alliance - 6-4, 185, (Jr.) - 31 Receptions, 403 Yds, 1 TD. - If you haven't heard or seen Brennan, you're missing something. Perfect build for a wide receiver, plus runs a :50.3 four hundred and a :22.6 two hundred meters. Qualified for State as a freshman in the Class B 400 and was 6th last May in that quarter mile. Really slick, subtle moves after he catches the ball. Very underrated in the eastern part of the state. Brennan is a good one folks and only a junior. I'll bet Chadron State has it's eyes on this kid.

Let's meet Nebraska High School's top Class B quarterbacks and receivers that fire it up in less than weeks.

Class B Top Returning Quarterbacks:

*Ethan Cox-Blair (#2) - 5-10, 165, (Jr.) - 86 of 138 - 1,497 Yards, 20 TDs (4 INT) - Mother of Mercy is this lad poised. Coach Bryan Soukup made a genius move after an opening season loss to Elkhorn and moved Ian Mertlik from QB to running back and inserted sophomore Ethan Cox into the quarterback slot. Cox just simply improved every game and nearly led the Bears to the state semifinals, losing a 13-7 heartbreaker to powerful McCook in the quarters.

Not only did the "look like a veteran" QB Cox connect on an amazing 62% of his passes and 20 TDs, the 10th grade whiz ran for another 224 yards and three more scores and, of all things, returned 9 kick-offs for an average of 34 yards/return and another TD. Hold on. Ethan Cox also started at free safety and made 65 tackles, intercepted 3 passes, batted away another and recovered a fumble in the Skutt game. Good Lord, this is a sophomore in Class B!

If Elkhorn South's Moses Bryant is Class B's top underclassman, Mr. Ethan Cox is number two!

*Dillon Ruelas-Waverly - 6-3, 165, (Jr.) - 85 of 153 for 1,387 Yds, 7 TDs (10 INT) - This young lad set the single season passing record for Wavery a season ago as a sophomore. Looks really skinny because of his 6-3, 165 pound frame, but can really throw the football with very little body motion. I'll bet if a good quarterbacks coach worked with Ruelas, the kid could throw the ball 70 yards in the air. Unreal how strong his right arm is for such a young guy. And....Dillon will have not one, not two, but three outstanding receivers to fire those passes at this fall. Jason Bricker (6-0, 175) who caught 25 passes for 379 yards returns, along with Ben Werner (23 catches for 408), and Austin Lowell, another senior who caught 24 of Ruelas' tosses for 350 yards are all back and in a group of 8 returning offensive starters for Waverly. Think this team won't be tough? And Dillon Ruelas is only a Junior.

*Vinny Schmidt-Hastings (#) - 5-7, 140, (Jr.) - 122 of 197 - 1,365 Yards, 15 TDs (8 INT) - Little dude with terrific scrambling ability, a rocket for an arm, and an ability to absorb some brutal hits. Deadly accurate with his missiles, completing 62% of them. Rarely has time to drop back and throw and is usually stuck back in that pocket and unable to run because of the fierce onslaught of defenders.

Vinny played in only 7 games in 2014 and did not even hit the field in the Tigers last 2 regular season contests against McCook and Lex. To show how capable Schmidt can be, Vinny hit 25 of 33 for 427 yards and 3 Tds against Scottsbluff and connected on 34 of 46 tosses for 281 two weeks later against Aurora. Both were losses, but you're talking about teams with a combined record of 15-7 record. And he's just a junior and a confident one at that.

*Jared Samuelson-Gretna (#10) - 6-3, 175, (Sr.) - 90 of 166 - 1,309 Yards, 10 TDs (6 INT) - Big, tough dude that is talented enough to be an all-state candidate this fall. How good is Jared Samuelson as an all-around athlete? He was First Team All-State Class B Basketball as a junior in a crowded field that was a nightmare to choose as far as a 1st team goes.

This fall, Samuelson, along with RB Emmitt Knight, should make the Dragon's backfield one of the best in "B". Nice drop back QB, but can run if he has to (322 yards/3 TDs rushing).

*Christian Ellsworth-GI Northwest (#15) - 6-4, 210, (Sr.) - 102 of 153 - 1,226, 14 TDs (3 INT) - Only reason Christian is down this far on the list is the simple fact these QBs are listed by passing yards gained. Ellsworth is a Division One prospect that has all the tools to land a full ride scholarship somewhere in that prestigious, elite college football classification. Doesn't run a ton but is strong, powerful and very difficult to bring down. Outstanding pump fake and incredibly accurate to the tune of 67%.

Christian has impressed at every camp he's attended in the spring/summer circuit and quite a few D-1 schools have shown some interest. Is Colorado State close to offering this lad? Extremely bright and just an outstanding young man inside and out. Very strong team leader with a talented head coach in Kevin Stein at Northwest. He and Brook Brown should put up some video game numbers as a QB/Receiver combination this fall.

*Ethan Anderson-Lincoln Pius X (#12) - 6-0, 165, (Sr.) - 100 of 179 - 1,204 Yards, 5 TDs, (10 INT)

Boy, does Ethan Anderson have a slick fake handoff or what? Tell you what, Anderson just may have the best play fake in Class B. Pure Master of Trickery on an option play, especially when he keeps the ball himself. Faked the defensive man that was supposed to be covering him right out of his speedos several times last year and turned it into big gains.

I realize the touchdowns to interception ratio is way out of balance, but Anderson still had quite a few passing yards and I consider this young man one of the better signal callers in this class. Besides, he'll have big Taylor Angele and Alex Kerr blocking up front.

*Caleb Sheets-McCook (#5) - 6-2, 190, (Sr.) - 70 of 138 - 1,102 Yards, 7 TDs - (7 INT) - Big dude, this Sheets kid. Directs the Bison attack very well. In fact, Sheets ran the Jeff Gross veer offensive machine well enough to get McCook within one game of the state finals. If you recall last season, Colton Sis was to be the starting QB at McCook, but was injured early and Sheets, who was an outstanding free safety his sophomore year, took the reins and the rest is history.

Caleb Sheets is a great dual threat QB that fits that Bison attack perfectly and should have a very good senior season with some key players coming back. And, by the way MaxPreps, Sheets did not have 8 interceptions against Hastings. Good grief.

*Kyle Janvrin-Elkhorn (#12) - 6-1, 175, (Sr.) - 53-112, 1,030 Yds, 8 TDs. - This young man has really slick play fakes to his running backs before he takes off running himself. Strange thing about these fakes is that it seems to take extra time to execute them and Janvrin still manages to pick up good yardage. Biggest thing, and most importantly, is that Janvrin is an outstanding, dependable team leader. Tough as nails too. Typical Mark Wortman quarterback. By the way, Coach Wortman's 36 year won/loss record at Elkhorn.......322-69! That, friends, is just difficult to fathom. None like him anywhere.

*Noah Oswald-Omaha Roncalli (#4) - 6-1, 180, (Sr.) - 57 of 130 - 1,018 Yards, 7 TDs (10 INT) - Looks to me Oswald and his Crimson Pride buds should have a better go at it in 2015 with 8 starters back on offense and 7 on the defensive side. It's always wide open in that B-1 District with Omaha Gross, Benson and Ralston. Oswald rarely runs, so look for an improvement in the passing game.

*Alec Cromer-Beatrice (#17) - 6-5, 223, (Sr.) - 73 of 106 - 1,015 Yards, 12 TDs (3 INT) - How ironic is it to have Cromer listed at the bottom of this list and is being recruited by several Division 1 schools. I list 'em by passing yards, so no big deal.....we all know who is who.

Alec Cromer is a 3 step, stand-in-the-pocket (usually), quarterback who has one of the strongest arms in this state and deadly accurate bullseye precision when he sees a receiver. Cromer is no dummy though, and can roll out when flushed from the pocket and is just as accurate throwing on the run. Only thing he doesn't do is run the football much.......in the past. That may change this fall with the loss of 2 year thousand yard man, Jessup Workman, who could carry the ball 40 time a game if he had to.

It has been rumored Cromer doesn't like contact, but this guy "ain't" buying it. Cromer runs a 4.7 forty, so if he gets that 6-5, 223 pound frame rolling, he will be a load to tackle. Cromer is also a very good punter, averaging 39 yards a boot.

........this group did not hit 1,000 yards, but still are very, very good:

*Noah Kasbohm-Nebraska City - 6-3, 200, (Sr.) - 68-170, 987 Yds, 5 TDs, (12 INT) +Dual Threat+

Have to remember Nebraska City won their 1st and last games but lost 7 in between, so Kasbohm didn't have much help. Rushed for 535 yards and 8 TDs to pad to make him a slick dual threat QB.

*Breckon Reed-Adams Central - 5-10, 180, (Sr.) - 79-173, 947 Yds, 7 TDs. - Pretty nice numbers for a junior a year ago, good enough to be named All-District. With a year under his belt, Reed will make the Patriots a much better football team in 2015.

*Damon Kaliff-York - 5-11, 205, (Jr.) - 991 Yards passing, 6 TDs, 330 Yards Rushing +Dual Threat QB+ - Suffered a horrible, heartbreaking knee injury on his 1st carry of the Elkhorn playoff game last season as a sophomore. How good is this kid? He started for 8-Man McCool Junction as a freshman, then transferred to York and never missed a beat. Outstanding dual threat QB who could easily be a 1000 yard runner/passer his junior year.

*Baden Shelmadine-Alliance - 5-11, 165, (Sr.) - 871 Yards passing and 9 TDs. - Good bloodlines here for certain. Shelmadine will have three great receivers to throw to this fall in senior Klayton Nordeen (14 catches/270 yards), and two very fine juniors in Brody Brennan (31 catches/403 yards), and Cole Randall (9 catches/211 yards). 'Dogs will be better in 2014 and a dangerous aerial team.

Class B Top Receivers:

*Todd Honas-Aurora (#2) - 6-0, 190, (Sr.) - 71 catches, 1,173 Yds, 10 TDs - Honest to pete, when I saw Honas play basketball as a freshman (and he was a good one), I thought "no way does this little guy even go out for football." How smart was that statement? Don't answer that!

Two years later the elusive wide receiver with the sticky hands is catching 71 passes for over 1,100 yards and getting Division 1 attention by colleges like Nebraska, Oregon, Arizona, and Colorado St. And you know what? I don't think you've seen his best season yet. If Chad Fox can throw the ball with some zip, Honas will either have another season like 2014 or even better. Great Hands!

*Morgan Karloff-Hastings (#81) - 6-1, 190, (Sr.) - 40 Rec, 871 Yds, 9 TDs - Well, I can tell you I'm praying Karloff can play football come August 28th. He tore that ACL during basketball season and the game of football in this state would miss his talents very much. Tremendous talent that knows what to do when Vinny throws the ball to him. Big dude who has great foot speed and packs a punch when he encounters a defender(s). I heard today he is practicing. Hope it's true.

*JJ Schulz-York (#11) - 6-0, 185, (Sr.) - 56 catches for 742 Yds, 4 TDs - Simply.....one of the finest all-around athletes in Class B. One of the top defensive players in this class too. Has the best hands I've seen in Class B and has ever since he stepped on the field a couple years ago. Cinch for All-State on either side of the ball in 2015. He also has one the the best coaches in the state in Glenn Snodgrass. That man is a football genius and a great human being as well.

*Tyler Wintholz-Sidney (#24) - 6-4, 215, (Sr.) - 29 Rec, 589, 9 TDs - College type receiver type height/weight with terrific hands. 2nd team Class B All-State basketball player last March shows what kind of skills this kid has. Wintholz could easily play small college football and have a successful career. Yeah, he's that good.

*Brandon Gannon-GI Northwest (#13) - 6-1, 175, (Sr.) - 44 Rec, 476 Yds, 9 TDs - This lad is underrated I think. Good hands and is a sitting duck when he does those routes that go 8 yards out and come to a dead stop before he catches a Christian Ellsworth's pass. The dude takes some vicious hits and fumbled only once and got up for more the next time around. I'll bet Coach Stein would take a dozen like Brandon Gannon. Great family too.

*Sam Reimer-Hastings - 5-11, 170, (Sr.) - 35 Rec, 458 Yds, 8 TDs - Really fine 2 way player for the Tigers. Had 30 solo tackles from his CB slot, plus 2 picks, a broken up pass and a caused fumble. Knows what to do after he catches a Vinny Schmidt aerial too.

*Brody Brennan-Alliance - 6-4, 185, (Jr.) - 31 Receptions, 403 Yds, 1 TD. - If you haven't heard or seen Brennan, you're missing something. Perfect build for a wide receiver, plus runs a :50.3 four hundred and a :22.6 two hundred meters. Qualified for State as a freshman in the Class B 400 and was 6th last May in that quarter mile. Really slick, subtle moves after he catches the ball. Very underrated in the eastern part of the state. Brennan is a good one folks and only a junior. I'll bet Chadron State has it's eyes on this kid.