We are very close to the start of the season, with several Week 0 games set to kick off in a week. Before the season gets underway, I wanted to share a few versatile athletes who should be getting more attention on the recruiting trail.
Brooks Gordon, WR/DB – Lincoln Southeast – 6’2″ 180 lbs
X profile: (@BrooksGordon04)
Lincoln Southeast’s Brooks Gordon had a strong junior campaign for the Knights, flashing his defensive prowess and setting himself up for a bigger role in the other phases of the game. Brooks recorded 54 tackles, a fumble recovery, an interception, 57 receiving yards, and a touchdown. The biggest aspect that stood out from Gordon’s tape is his game speed (reported 4.5 40-yard time), which lets him close on the ball quickly and gives him great range from the safety spot. This is heightened by his ability to quickly read and diagnose plays, allowing him to get to a good spot to make a play. Good physicality— willing to step into the box to defend the run and can make open-field tackles. Durable frame at 6’2″ and 180 pounds with some room to continue adding some mass. Although he didn’t receive a ton of touches on offense, Brooks did flash some smooth route-running ability and strong hands at the catch point. Shifty return man who can make you pay if you allow him to find space. Brooks has received a pair of in-state offers from Peru State and Wayne State so far. Great DB prospect with versatility upside!
Calvin Koch, DL/OL – Lincoln Standing Bear – 6’3″ 260 lbs
X profile: (@CalKoch70)
Standing Bear senior Calvin Koch is a player who will give it his all regardless of whether he’s on the offensive or defensive side of the trenches. Calvin is a decorated member of a young Grizzlies squad, with three years of starting experience, including all 10 games on OL and DL as a junior, recording 23 tackles, six TFLs, 4.5 sacks, and a fumble recovery. Offensively, projects well as a guard, where he has the frame at 6’3″ and 260 pounds with room to continue filling out and the lateral quickness to stand out as a mauler. He fires out of his stances very well, while maintaining proper leverage and balance in his base. Koch strikes with good hand placement and has the power in his lower body to drive defenders off the ball. Calvin also impressed with his footwork and lateral movement, especially on a few plays where he was used as the pulling blocker to pave the way for his back. He uses much of what makes him an effective blocker on the opposite side of the ball in order to set the edge against the run and shut down outside lanes. Overall, a great motor that will keep him running from snap to whistle and a tireless pursuit of the ball on defense. Calvin had a solid summer as he racked up a pair of offers from Midland and Doane. Could be an in-season riser with another great campaign!
Phillip Simpson, DB/WR – Lincoln Southwest – 6’4″ 180 lbs
X profile: (@pj4_305)
Lincoln Southwest’s Phillip Simpson received limited playing time as a junior but has really come into his own this offseason for the Silver Hawks. Phillip stands out immediately with the type of DB frame that is taking over in modern day, standing at a lengthy 6’4″ and 180 pounds with room to continue bulking up at the next level. I got a closer look at Simpson at a 7v7 tournament earlier this summer and was impressed with the technique he displayed. He plays with smooth footwork through his backpedal and quickly flips his hips to get in-phase with the receiver. Phillip showed good change of direction for being a taller back. Good hand skills to break up passes, and he showed good timing when breaking on the ball, resulting in turnovers. We could also see him pick up some more touches on offense where he can play the role of the taller deep-threat who can win 50/50 balls. Simpson currently holds an offer from Midland. High upside prospects ready to break out!
Nico Kocmich, DB/ATH – Creighton Prep – 5’10” 190 lbs
X profile: (@NicoKocmich)
Senior Nico Kocmich is a dynamic playmaker coming off a huge breakout campaign and could play a key role in Creighton Prep’s success this season. As a junior, Nico recorded an impressive 69 tackles, five interceptions (one pick-six), 2.5 TFLs, a forced fumble, and 127 receiving yards. On tape, Kocmich’s rapid-fire instincts stood out as he diagnoses plays quickly and has the closing speed to get to a spot to make a play. Once he gets to the ball, Nico possesses the ball skills and physicality at the catch point to either snag it for himself or get his hands up for the breakup (6 PBUs in 2025). He’s a willing run defender who quickly steps into the box and helps fit the run, while also having the tackling skills/power to take on backs 1v1. In coverage, he can fluidly flip his hips to drop back into his assignment while still breaking downhill in a flash. Solid bulk to his frame at 5’11” and 190 pounds with strong testing numbers (4.65 40-yard, 4.4 pro agility, 9’6″ broad jump, and a 34″ vert). Nico also brings additional value as a return man after recording 352 return yards and two punt return touchdowns. He uses the same vision from the deep safety spot to find and attack opening creases as a returner with the burst/acceleration to separate from defenders. Nico holds a pair of offers from Hastings College and Peru State at the moment, but should quickly rack up some more by season’s end.
Noah Hanley, DL/OL – Auburn – 6’4″ 305 lbs
X profile: (@NoahHanley78)
Auburn’s Noah Hanley is a new name to my radar and one that flashed a ton of upside when I rolled the tape. He plays on both the offensive and defensive line for the Bulldogs with the potential to play either at the next level. I mostly watched Noah’s defensive clips, where he projects well as an interior defensive lineman with the strength to collapse pockets and stuff run games. He can use his powerful base to instantly generate a solid push when firing off the ball. At 6’4″ and 305 pounds, Noah is a handful for his opponents, often needing extra attention and showing he can clog up multiple gaps when he decides to anchor down. Hanley tracks the ball well when engaged and can use his hands effectively to rip away and pursue it. Versatility along the defensive line; could play DE, DT, or NT. Offensively, he tracks well as a guard at the next level who can get out in space or the second level and be a road grader in the run game. With great measurables and still a ton of untapped potential, Noah could be a hidden gem prospect at this point in the recruitment cycle.
