Omaha Westside cornerback Avante Dickerson — the state's No. 1 prospect in the 2021 class — is taking his time to make a final decision.
Adam chats with Omaha Westside product and future Nebraska football players Koby Bretz.
Avante Dickerson “keeps his own corner,” his coach likes to say.
The Omaha Westside cornerback — the state’s No. 1 prospect in the 2021 class — is not easily fooled on a football field nor easily influenced off of it, Warrior coach Brett Froendt said. He stays relatively quiet about his recruiting process, which since mid-December has been a mystery.
Dickerson, a consensus four-star prospect and the nation’s No. 47 player according to ESPN, didn’t sign with Minnesota despite being committed to the Gophers since mid-April. He crafted a short statement about his choice to postpone his signing until later.
That’s still where things stand, Froendt said.
“He’s just not sure yet,” Froendt said. “The bottom line is, he wants to try and visit a campus.”
Because the NCAA shut down all visits due to the pandemic, Dickerson has not seen Minnesota yet. He hasn’t seen other schools he was interested in, either — including Oregon and Boston College — because of the NCAA’s moratorium that extends through at least April 15. Coaches have conducted most of their work on Zoom or Facetime as a result.
It’s possible Dickerson may be able to at least see Minnesota in January with a general campus tour through the university. Those are unrelated to the athletic department staff.
“Some kids just aren’t ready (in December),” Froendt said. “Obviously, a lot either are or feel pressure to be, because there’s no question there’s pressure to sign early. Everyone wants the kids to be done, out of school and move right onto campus (in January).
“But he just wasn’t sure. He wanted to go see — he’s only seen Nebraska. He wanted a chance to go see Minnesota. If he has to go up there on a weekend and maybe walk around the buildings, that’s maybe what they’re going to try to do. He wants to do that and maybe one other place. That’s still where he is.”
Meanwhile, rumors abound.
Nebraska fan message boards seem to lean on Dickerson joining NU, where his close friend and Westside teammate Koby Bretz is going. Froendt indicated he’s even heard college coaches tell him what they’re hearing about it.
When one of the nation’s top remaining prospects still hasn’t signed, that’s what can happen. But Dickerson, Froendt said, is still sorting through his options.
“He’s just not ready,” Froendt said. “There’s nothing more diabolical than that. Everybody wants to put a narrative on it. He just wasn’t ready, because he hadn’t seen everything yet, and that scared him a little bit.”
Greetings from the 2020 All-Nebraska football first team
Greetings from the 2020 All-Nebraska football first team
Keagan Johnson
Bellevue West WR, 6-1, 185, Sr.
Iowa signee, in a seven-game season, averaged 133 yards a game receiving and accounted for 17 touchdowns.
Reflecting on 2020: I would describe last season as a roller coaster of emotions. We went through a lot of ups and downs, and it wasn’t like anything I ever experienced before. Not knowing if you were going to play each week was tough, but I’m ultimately grateful that we got the opportunity to play. In the end I learned that you can’t take the game for granted, and that’s something I will always remember.
Coach Mike Huffman: Keagan is one of, if not the most, electric skill players we have had the privilege of working with at Bellevue West. Compile that ability with his enjoyment of the physical aspects of football and we have the makings of a special player. He has the ability to run right past a defender with his speed, make him miss with his quickness, or if necessary run them over. Keagan factored into every aspect of our offense in 2020. He was our No. 1 threat as a receiver, was used frequently as a runner in short yardage and goal-line, and even was throwing passes as the season evolved. I will never forget his leadership in the waning moments of the quarterfinal loss to Kearney. His words to the group and his desire to put his team on his back were something you just don’t see every year in high school. We came up just short but Keagan did everything humanly possible to put us in position to make a comeback and push the game to overtime.
Drew Christo
Elkhorn High WR, 6-4, 230, Sr.
Became the Antlers’ single-season leader in receiving yards with 715 on 36 catches. Also was a dominant linebacker.
Reflecting on 2020: Football has impacted my life tremendously ever since I was a little kid. Being able to play our season, even amongst all the madness this year, was something I'll forever be grateful for. I'll never forget my teammates, coaches, the community of Elkhorn, and all of the incredible memories I've made playing this truly amazing game.
Coach Mark Wortman: Drew Christo is a presence on and off the field; his 4.2 GPA makes him No. 1 in the senior class. Like all great athletes Drew would rise to the occasion when it was needed. In the semifinals against Hastings he caught nine passes for 152 yards. Drew's greatest asset is his leadership and the ability to remain calm in stressful times. These skills will serve him well while pitching for NU.
James Carnie
Norris TE, 6-5, 225, Sr.
Husker signee made 38 catches for 594 yards and 11 touchdowns while dominant on defense.
Reflecting on 2020: I really needed and wanted this season. Every play, every game felt more important when it could’ve been my last. I guess maybe I should always play like it’s my last chance to play the sport I love. Thankful for the chance to compete with my boys one more year and leave all of my hard work on the field.
Coach Ty Twarling: James has grown over the past two years to allow him to reach his goals of playing, not only at the highest level but the school he has watched and dreamt about since he was a youngster. This has only been made possible by his commitment to becoming more physical in how he blocks, gets off blocks, and playing at a high level on defense. James’ talents and gifts of height, speed, and pure athleticism he has always been able to use to his advantage, however, that did not stop him from finding ways to make himself a better athlete, football player, and most importantly knowing how much of a role model he was for his teammates and future players at Norris. James played an important part in this program's success and we are thankful that he committed and sacrificed so much for it and his teammates.
Teddy Prochazka
Elkhorn South OL, 6-9, 300, Sr.
Husker signee was a three-year on offense and two-year starter on defense.
Reflecting on 2020: Playing during the pandemic really gave me a new appreciation for the game. Throughout the whole season we didn’t know what to expect, games could have been canceled at any moment. So our mindset was to treat every game and practice like it could be your last and I think that’s what kept us going and helped it motivate us to get the state championship.
Coach Guy Rosenberg: Teddy is a rare combination of size, athleticism, aggressiveness, power, and technical precision. He’s been an amazing player for us the last three seasons on both sides of the ball. He plays with swagger and finishes every play.
Isaac Zatechka
Elkhorn South OL, 6-4, 270, Sr.
Like Prochazka, he was a dominating offensive-line starter for three years with the Storm.
Reflecting on 2020: It meant everything to me and my team to be able to play football this year. Obviously it was a very different season with COVID restrictions, but everyone was so focused on keeping us stay healthy so we could keep playing. I am so thankful we were able to play a full season and achieve our team goal of making it to the Class A state championship game.
Coach Guy Rosenberg: Isaac has been a cornerstone on our offensive line for the last three seasons. He’s precise with his snaps and his high football IQ got us great fits every time in the run game and pass pro. He’s strong at the point of attack and can pull and redirect.
Cade Haberman
Omaha Westside OL, 6-3, 280, Sr.
Northern Illinois signee started 47 games on the Warriors’ line.
Reflecting on 2020: Playing in 2020 has been difficult. There has never been a season like it, and not likely to happen again. We did everything right and had no COVID scares and we sacrificed to play. Couldn't be more proud of my teammates. I love this team and this school. 2020 State Champs!
Coach Brett Froendt: Cade's a throwback. Tough, high grit, high motor, and a great leader. He started and finished every varsity game we had in four years (47). A three-sport, 12-letter guy, Cade will go down as one of Westside's best interior lineman ever. He was the heart and soul of this Westside program.
Trevor Brown
Waverly OL, 6-2, 265, Jr.
Now a two-time All-Nebraska pick, he’s destined to be a FBS recruit.
Reflecting on 2020: We were all so grateful to be able to have a season this year. We didn't know when we were going to be told our season was cut short so we played each game like it would be our last game and gave it everything we had. This will be a football season that I won't forget and am grateful to everyone that made it happen.
Coach Reed Manstedt: Trevor anchored both our offensive and defensive line. Offenses consistently ran away from Trevor as a defensive tackle and when we needed a yard offensively we ran behind Trevor. Trevor has the rare ability to just take over a game on either side of the ball from his offensive/defensive line position.
Cole Payton
Omaha Westside QB, 6-3, 215, Sr.
Leader of the state champions broke school records with 7,382 yards and 102 touchdowns rushing and passing.
Reflecting on 2020: I’m very thankful to even have gotten an opportunity to play football this year. I will never forget all the special memories I made as a Westside Football player and I’m so glad we went out on top.
Coach Brett Froendt: Cole's talents are only surpassed by his work ethic and humility. He would give the Dalai Lama a run for his money in a popularity contest. 31-5 as a 3 yr. starter and became a force defensively his senior year. His leadership, character, and elite mindset will allow him to thrive at the next level.
Les Richardson
Bellevue West RB, 6-1, 215, Jr.
First-year starter topped Class A rushers by averaging 177 yards a game with 16 total touchdowns.
Reflecting on 2020: The 2020 football season was very challenging due to the spread of the COVID-19 virus and not knowing if we were going to have a football season or not. I worked very hard in the off season to get better and was hoping I would have the opportunity to share my talents. I missed having a full season, the roar and support of a full crowd and student section. Nevertheless it was good to be able to still play even with the shortened season, playing my favorite sport with my football family.
Coach Mike Huffman: Our coaching staff had high expectations for Les coming into the 2020 season. Les not only met those expectations he exceeded them putting together an amazing Corona shortened season. It is not very often you get a young man with Les’ size that can move as fast and efficiently as he can. He has the ability to get to the corner and outrun defenders to the end zone which is unusual for a back of his size. In between the tackles he combines his size and excellent vision to set up blocks, make subtle moves, and run heavy. There were numerous occasions where a defense would win the point of attack battle and Les was still able to give a slight move and a heavy forward lean to get positive yards. As the season progressed, he became a great weapon as a receiver releasing from the backfield to create further horizontal stretch on defenses. As he continues to hit the weight room and develop his speed the sky's the limit for his collegiate football future.
T.J. Urban
Millard South, 6-1, 190, Sr.
Air Force signee was a three-year starter. His senior-year total offense: 2,132 yards, 24 touchdowns.
Reflecting on 2020: This year playing football was definitely a season to remember. COVID really affected how we went about our business. The part that made us so good was that fact that we all bought in. We wore masks, we social distanced and, most of all, we only hung out with other players on the football team to help stop the spread of COVID. But, what I loved most about this team was that we always bought in and no matter how intense practice became, we were still brothers.
Coach Andy Means: TJ is one of the best all-round football players I have ever coached. He has great athletic ability but also understands the game to maximize his ability. He is extremely coachable, showed great leadership ability and was someone who was not afraid to have the ball in his hands with the game on the line.
Trent Brehm
Papillion-La Vista South K, 5-8, 175, Sr.
Topped Class A with nine field goals, including a 52-yarder and three more longer than 40.
Reflecting on 2020: My senior football season was nothing like I would have ever imagined it to be. Not knowing if you are going to get the opportunity to play each week is hard. This year, I never knew what to expect. In my first three years of high school, I anticipated senior season to live up to all of the hype. Playing in front of thousands of people and just being the best possible year of football. Even though the year didn't live up to my expectations, I was still grateful to get the opportunity to play the sport I love and to be able to go out and compete. I tried to make the most out of everything and control what I could control. That's all you can do.
Coach Tim Clemenger: One of our kids that is semi-overlooked is our MVP. Trent was a three-year starter for us, team captain, and carries a 3.93 GPA. He is also a three-sport varsity athlete. He starts at second base on our baseball team and contributes as a point guard on our varsity basketball team. He sincerely maximizes every cell in his body day in and day out.
Trent was also a very consistent rugby-style punter for us. He averaged 35 yards a punt and nine of those punts were downed inside the opponent's 20-yard line (second most in Class A).
I would be remiss if I didn't also mention that he was the quarterback of our defense as our free safety. He made all of the calls and got us in the best position possible. Because of his intelligence, experience, and instincts, Trent was a coach on the field. He recorded 63 tackles, seven tackles for loss, five pass breakups and a fumble recovery. He is a great, humble, hard-working kid who we will miss dearly after graduation.
Will Hubert
Papillion-La Vista DL, 6-3, 230, Jr.
Class A leader with 42 tackles for loss, including 20 sacks. Also started at tight end.
Reflecting on 2020: Playing during this pandemic was a real challenge that I had to overcome. It was difficult to follow all the protocols and keep myself healthy so my team and I could have a season this year. I'm thankful to have had the opportunity to play this year because I know some teams had that privilege taken away from them. Despite the challenges with following all pandemic rules, playing football this year was my escape from all political and COVID talk for a couple hours a day. That made the game that much more enjoyable to me.
Coach Tim Williams: Will is one of the hardest working young men that I have ever coached. He has a drive to be the best at his positions and by doing so, he pushes all of those around him. Will is a great teammate as well. He treats all of his teammates with great respect and he gets that same respect back from them. I also believe that he is a great person. His care of others is evident in and out of the school. After games, win or lose, he is talking to his teammates. He is last to leave the locker room making sure that it is completely clean. Coaching Will has been a true blessing and anyone that he comes in contact with has become a better person because of it.
Daylon Keolavone
Grand Island DL, 6-2, 215, Sr.
Was a two-year, two-way starter for the Islanders who led them in rushing as a fullback.
Reflecting on 2020: This season was challenging with COVID but I felt we overcame the obstacles well. We utilized Zoom to keep the team connected while we were all at home and shared modified work out plans so everyone could use what they had at home to stay in shape. When allowed, we worked hard in the weight room to make gains and build team continuity. The season started out slow with the initial team quarantine, where many could’ve let the frustration get them down, but we banded together as brothers and made the best of it. Getting on the field was the top priority so we kept that in mind and connected daily during the quarantine to stay on course. We lost a lot of good talent and leadership from the previous season, so myself and other senior leaders worked hard to demonstrate the Islander standard and take younger players under our wings and show them the way. While everyone wants to win every game, sometimes you have to find the small wins even in the game losses. This season we found some of that each game, whether it be by an individual improvement or a better team effort as a whole. The returning players can use this experience to build on for next year and work to be even more successful on the field. I am proud of our season and our team this year. The brotherhood that has been created will surely lead to lifelong friendships for many. We have grown as athletes, but more importantly as young men, which is one of the best parts of the Islander football program. It was hard to end the season knowing you’re a senior and you will never play football for GISH again, but I can walk away knowing I was coached by the best, held to the highest standard, and developed as an athlete and a leader. I can only hope the next guy up succeeds far beyond me, then I will know I did my job and made a lasting impact.
Coach Jeff Tomlin: Daylon is one of the most dynamic players I have ever had the privilege of coaching. Daylon's combination of speed, quickness, athleticism, toughness (played most of this season with a broken foot), physicality and competitiveness are truly unique. Daylon has linebacker speed and instincts combined with the strength, toughness and leverage of a defensive lineman. As a running back, Daylon runs with excellent power and balance and possesses outstanding hands. Daylon is a tremendous all around football player and has been an outstanding leader and teammate. Daylon leaves an outstanding legacy at Grand Island Senior High.
Ben Radicia
Omaha Westside LB, 5-10, 195, Sr.
Among the state tackle leaders for two years, he called the state champion’s defensive schemes.
Reflecting on 2020: I could not have done as well as I did this season without the defensive line. If I had it my way Will Hurtado, Cade Haberman, TJ Ingram, and Ryan Zatechka would all be on this team. Playing this season was an amazing experience. It showed me that hard work pays off, dedication and consistency is key, and the will to prepare to win is everything.
Coach Brett Froendt: A true 'Warrior'. His ability to study an offense, master the game plan, coach/lead his teammates, and to make plays made ‘Rambo’ one of the best defensive players we've had here at Westside. His Navy Seal-mentality oozes with grit, toughness, the will to prepare, and desire to be the best. A tremendous athlete and football player.
Tate Hinrichs
Millard South LB, 6-2, 205, Sr.
Three-year starter led the Patriots with 121 total tackles, including 10 tackles for loss.
Reflecting on 2020: This year was definitely something special. We were extremely lucky to be able to play. Throughout the season, we had to adjust to the new restrictions but we stayed together as a team and overcame the COVID obstacles in order to try and reach our goal of winning a state championship. We fell short in the end, but I wouldn't trade this season for anything.
Coach Andy Means: Tate is one of the best linebackers we've had here at Millard South. Tate has great athletic ability, with his speed and quickness but also a toughness to be able to play linebacker. Tate is an intelligent football player who could pick up quickly what the opponent was trying to do on offense and react to it very fast. It's one of the reasons he was one of the leading tacklers in the state.
James Conway
Millard West LB, 6-3, 215, Sr.
Fordham signee had 118 total tackles in nine games with two fumble recoveries.
Reflecting on 2020: This football season was strange to say the least. I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to play even with the uncertainty last fall. I made some incredible memories and built relationships that will last a lifetime.
Coach Kirk Peterson: Under the circumstances of 2020, James had an incredible year. We’ve had some really good linebackers in our school’s history and he ranks right up near the top. Great student of the game with a great motor and is a great playmaker. Above all else, he’s a great kid who has a very bright future ahead of him athletically and academically.
Jack McDonnell
Bellevue West LB, 5-9, 175, Sr.
Returning All-Nebraska pick had 12½ tackles for losses among his 77 total tackles in seven games.
Reflecting on 2020: Although many of our games were canceled from this pandemic, we were very blessed to play the sport we all love. My heart goes out to all the seniors who did not have the same opportunity.
Coach Mike Huffman: It is an absolute blast watching Jack play football. Every time this kid laces up the cleats and fastens his helmet it is 100 mph of everything that he’s got. A total throwback who proves that being tough is still one of the most important aspects of being a great football player. Jack’s ability to time his blitzes and his knack for making the big play separates him from most of his peers. Years of wrestling has made Jack a fantastic tackler and the guy you would want at the point of attack when a game is on the line. With all that said, his internal desire to play as hard as he can all the time is what I will miss the most. You always knew at the end of a game and even practice that Jack had given his all to help the Thunderbirds be successful.
Tommy Wroblewski
St. Paul DB, 6-2, 188, Sr.
Wyoming signee made 68 tackles and three interceptions for the Class C-1 Wildcats.
Reflecting on 2020: Playing this year was something else. Every week you didn't know if you were going to be playing or not. That made every practice count as it could have been our last. Who knew that wearing a mask would save our season.
Coach Rusty Fuller: Tommy is a special athlete. He was a pleasant surprise for us this year. He really grew into his frame over the off-season and his athletic ability is top notch. Tommy also was a punt returner, PAT holder, kick returner, long snapper, and played on kickoffs.” Tommy's work ethic is what makes him so unique, he has the drive of a champion. He wants to be the best in any sport, regardless of what he is playing! I am super excited to see what his future holds as the sky's the limit for Tommy.
Tyler LeClair
Bennington DB, 6-1, 210, Sr.
Dominating at defensive back with 97 tackles, he rushed for 802 yards and 12 touchdowns and finished the year playing with a dislocated elbow.
Reflecting on 2020: For me playing during the season was really no different. We had masks and stuff and had to socially distance but ultimately when it came to football the job was no different. Our goal was to come out, play good football and get the job done every Friday night. I obviously missed the fans because the atmosphere is electric with fans but it really made us focus up and create our own energy. Overall it was a little bit different with the regulations but ultimately the goal never changed.
Coach Kameron Lenhart: Tyler has been tremendous to the success of our program. His desire to be successful, and find positivity in everything he does has allowed him to get to where he is today. While playing football, Tyler suffered some serious injuries. But even with all the setbacks those injuries bring about he continued to work, get better, stay positive, and achieve his goal of playing college football. On the field, Tyler was a game-changer. As they say, big-time players make big-time plays, and that is what it felt like he would do every time he had the ball in his hands. Defensively he was our field general and made sure everyone around him was doing their job. Because of his physical style of play, he created opportunities for us to get the ball back and set the tone for how we wanted to play defensively. When big moments came during game time, Tyler took it upon himself to make the play. Lastly, what I loved most about Tyler was his ability to become a servant leader for our team. His teammates were drawn to him because of his personality and the way he treated everyone around him. Whether it was a freshman or senior, he was genuine and fully present in the moment when he is with them. If Tyler committed to something, he stayed true to his word. Being naturally cheerful and loving to joke around helped with all this. Our entire team knew they could come to Tyler for anything and he would do whatever was needed to help them. I am very proud to have coached Tyler. He left a lasting impact on our program. He is the type of player a coach wishes he could fill his whole team with. I know he will continue to have success in all the opportunities ahead of him.
Koby Bretz
Omaha Westside DB, 6-2, 200, Sr.
Husker signee was a two-year starter at safety and had 583 yards and eight touchdowns receiving.
Reflecting on 2020: Playing this season was a challenge for everyone on and off the field. We had to sacrifice a lot in order to make sure we were able to play each week. This season made me realize that I need to play every game with heart and give 100% effort at all times as you never know when the end comes. It is a season to remember because of the relationships I built with my teammates, going undefeated, and winning a state championship with them.
Coach Brett Froendt: Perhaps the best pure athlete I've seen in my 28 years. Great ball skills and his ability to control his body is elite. Koby's upside is huge at the next level and his versatility will be coveted by the Nebraska staff. A young man with great heart and passion to compete.
Alex Bullock
Omaha Creighton Prep DB, 6-2, 190, Sr.
Husker walk-on signee had five interceptions and led Prep with 54 catches for 751 yards and eight touchdowns.
Reflecting on 2020: It was tough at first for the team and myself to get adjusted to the way the season had to go in order for us to play. But I think we handled it tremendously going through so much adversity. At the end of the day it was a blessing for us to even have a season and it taught me not to take anything for granted.
Coach Tim Johnk: Alex is the most competitive player I have ever coached. Alex is not only a fantastic football player, he is a great student and person. He is the model of what we want all our student-athletes to be. When we needed a big catch on offense or interception on defense Alex was there to get it done.
Sam McKewon
Reporter - Nebraska athletics
Sam covers Nebraska football, recruiting, women's basketball and more for The World-Herald. Follow him on Twitter @swmckewonOWH. Email: SMcKewon@owh.com
