In Week 2, I visited Seacrest Field to check out the cross-town rivalry matchup between Lincoln Northeast and Lincoln High. Despite the score of 45-0, I was able to take a bunch of notes on prospects who stood out to me during the game.
Here are the Lincoln Northeast standouts from this matchup:
Player of the Game:
Zayne Scully, 2027 – QB – 6’0″ – (@zaynescully)
The Rockets’ big early lead kept their passing game grounded; however, QB Zayne Scully still managed to show out with some very impressive throws and runs. In one half, Zayne recorded 84 passing yards, 83 rushing yards, a passing touchdown, and two rushing touchdowns. Overall, Zayne’s mobility and athleticism stole the show as he proved he has the arm talent to complete passes to all levels of the field and can keep defenses on their toes with his scrambling ability. He is very elusive in the backfield, with great vision and feel for pressure that lets him easily avoid pass rushers and extend plays outside of the pocket. Zayne’s ability to throw accurate passes, whether his feet are set or he’s on the move, was impressive, as he consistently hit his targets on the mark. As a passer, I really liked how Zayne doesn’t get stuck on his first read and can process and move through his progressions to find the open man. Once he finds his target, Zayne has the rocket (no pun intended) to fire passes into tight windows and hit his receiver right between the numbers. Very tough competitor as well— Zayne had a big play where he decided to flip over his opponent to get into the end zone, taking a hit in the process, but popping right back up to celebrate the TD. Competitor. Under-the-radar QB prospect with a ton of upside!
Notable Players:
Kaleb Poulsen, 2027 – RB/LB – 6’0″ 205 lbs – (@KalebPoulsen_22)
Senior Kaleb Poulsen was a close second for player of the game, as he was able to find the end zone on offense and defense. With the game mostly in hand, Kaleb was pulled at the half but not before racking up 47 rushing yards, a rushing touchdown, and a pick-six. At RB, Kaleb gives you a tough, downhill runner who can chip away at defenses with his sturdy 6’0″, 205-pound frame. He runs with a strong base that helps him stay upright and keep his legs pumping through tackle attempts, making him even harder to bring down on initial contact. Poulsen flashes some nice burst when he hits his gaps and has solid top-end speed that can help him separate from defenses in the open field. At linebacker, Kaleb flows to the ball very well with a great trigger that goes off as soon as he reads pass or run. His closing speed lets him get to the ball carrier before advancing too far or meet the receiver at the ball, where he can get physical at the catch point. Solid-looking prospect who should be getting more looks on the recruiting trail
Julian McDonald, 2027 DB/WR – 5’11” 170 lbs – (@kxnzo_juju)
Senior Julian McDonald is a player I had mostly evaluated at defensive back, but I left this game very impressed with his receiving skills. On the night, Julian hauled in two receptions for 41 yards and a touchdown, including one of the best catches I’ve seen this season, with an extending, toe-tapping effort to set up a touchdown. What sets Julian apart on tape is how good he is at the catch point, flashing as a strong “hands” receiver who can go up, snag the ball, and maintain possession even with defenders battling him. Great concentration through the catch process. Julian is also a great route runner
Jarvis Lott, 2028 – DB/WR – 6’3″ 200 lbs – (@LottJarvis8)\
This was my first in-person look at junior Jarvis Lott, and it further confirmed the belief that he is a top-20 prospect in the upcoming 2028 class. Jarvis ended the night with five tackles and an interception, plus a great return that set up the Rockets’ offense for a touchdown. Jarvis is a player who stands out right off the bat with great size for a DB at 6’3″ and 200 pounds, with some room to continue filling out his frame. This size lets him step up as a box safety with a quick trigger when fitting the run and the ability to make tackles in the open field. Lott also combines his size and physicality with the athleticism and instincts that make him a great coverage safety. Jarvis does a great job sitting back and reading the QB’s eyes before using his sharp break on the ball, closing speed, and ball skills to defend the pass, ending with an INT or PBU. Fluid hips, great lateral quickness, huge sideline-to-sideline range, and physical at the point of contact. Jarvis should be added to your 2028 board ASAP!
Braydin Berry-Shaw, 2027 – LB – 6’5″ 210 lbs – (@Braydin_Berry)
Braydin Berry is one of our highest-ranked uncommitted prospects, and it’s surprising to see after getting a good in-person look at the senior defender. Braydin had one of the bigger plays of the game when he jumped a route for an interception and returned it for the touchdown. This play offered a glimpse of the versatile skill set Braydin brings to the field. At 6’5″ and 210 pounds, Berry-Shaw clearly has the next-level measurables, length, and athleticism, which he combines with good instincts on the field and a willingness to be physical. At outside linebacker, you can have Braydin mug the line of scrimmage and help bring pressure off the edge. He also has the lateral quickness and range to sniff out runs and be an asset with his run fits. You can also count on him to be an eraser in coverage over the middle of the field with his ability to pick up receivers and be disruptive at the catch point. Very versatile, athletic player who is just starting to scratch the surface of his high ceiling!
