Week 5 has come and gone, and again we have new standouts and playmakers that we couldn’t help but cover! As we’ve done all season, I am stepping into the film room (or our X feed) to check out some of the players who showed out in that given week.
Here are five prospects who shined during a rainy Week 5 slate of games:
Javian Erving, 2028 – TE – Omaha North – 6’4″ 245 lbs – (@JavianErving11)
Friday’s heavyweight fight between Omaha North and Millard South uncovered several hidden gems, like TE Javian Erving, who is marching closer and closer to that D1 ceiling I’ve projected. Most of what we’ve seen from Javian thus far has been as a blocker until he broke out for a solid three catches, 100 yards, and a touchdown against the Patriots. Erving stands out immediately with a next-level frame at 6’4″ and 245 lbs with big hands, a rangy catch radius, and a strong overall build. Javian’s big play of the game came when he broke free over the middle and flashed a solid burst as he raced to the end zone for the 74-yard TD. Erving’s size gives him an advantage against DBs and most LBs, along with he has the strength to haul in tough catches through contact. Good hands catcher who can go up and snag the ball out of the air before quickly securing it. Javian’s blocking has also helped a potent Vikings rushing attack, as he fits right in as an in-line tight end who can clear the edge or climb up to the second level to take out LBs. Good leg drive in his base, consistent pad level, effective hand placement and a mean streak as a finisher allow him to maul over opponents in the run game. Teams like South Dakota State and Iowa State have shown some interest, with Javian taking recent game-day visits to each school. Definitely looking forward to seeing more of Javian!
Maycen Walters, 2027 – QB – Gretna – 6’0″ 175 lbs – (@MaycenWalters5)
Gretna’s Maycen Walters has been one of the biggest stock risers in the 2027 class, leading the Dragons to a 5-0 record in his first season as a starter. Maycen might’ve just had his most impressive game yet, completing 11 of 12 passes for 195 yards and two touchdowns while also picking up 47 yards and a touchdown on the ground against Seward. On Maycen’s Week 5 tape, the biggest thing that stood out was his arm strength, as he easily ripped the ball 40 yards downfield and dropped it right in the bucket. Walters displayed nice speed and timing on his passes to the boundaries and can layer the ball very well to keep it out of reach of defenders. He looks smooth in his footwork when dropping back and does a good job using his base to generate extra power on his throws. He showed nice poise in the pocket, willing to hang in there while scanning for an open target even under pressure. Maycen can also be a threat on the ground, having shown that he can be an elusive scrambler who can find the end zone or help pick up a crucial first down when needed. Solid QB prospect who should pick up some steam on the recruiting trail soon!
Landon Schneider, 2027 WR – Millard South – 5’8″ 165 lbs – (@landobando84)
Millard South’s Landon Schneider is a player who I believed could be a sneaky important piece to the Patriots’ offensive puzzle, and even more so now with injuries to the team. Landon has quickly become a reliable target for QB Taylor, and that showed on Friday as he hauled in five catches for 70 yards and a touchdown in their win over Omaha North. What stands out immediately about Landon’s game is how versatile he can be in an offense. Part of what makes Landon so versatile is his deep route tree and the fact that he is a great route runner who can get open. This lets him line up in the slot, on the outside, go in motion, etc., while being able to work all levels of the field with ease. Landon fires off the ball, accelerates through the stem, and is very sharp coming out of his breaks allowing him to create separation at the top of the route. Schneider’s suddenness in his routes really popped on tape, as he can stop/start on a drop. He does a great job through the catch process with reliable hands at the catch point and the toughness to hold on through contact. Landon also showed some nice moves with the ball in his hands, proving to be pretty shifty in the open field, with good contact balance to keep fighting through weak tackles. Landon has a pair of in-state offers, but should definitely draw more interest in the coming weeks.
Caysen Robertson, 2028 – LB – Alliance – 5’9″ 170 lbs – (@caysenrobertson)
Alliance’s Caysen Robertson has been one of the more productive members of the 2028 class since stepping into the high school ranks as a freshman. That has not slowed down one bit as Caysen is on course for another big season, especially after racking up 14 tackles, 1.5 TFLs, and a sack against Cozad. Robertson is a player who brings a ton of energy and a non-stop motor to the field, and it shows just from the first play in his Week 5 tape. He immediately triggers for the run, shoots his gap, blows up the opposing lineman, and swoops in to make the tackle for loss. Even as an “undersized” linebacker, Caysen shows the strength in his base and upper body to take on blockers at the line of scrimmage before ripping away and disengaging. He has excellent lateral quickness and range that let him flow from sideline to sideline. Caysen’s skill set goes beyond run defense, as he can also get after the QB and has the instincts to drop back into coverage. Robertson’s physicality also shines when in coverage, with his willingness to challenge receivers at the catch point and bat away passes. Caysen is listed as a linebacker, but could project well as a versatile nickel/S/OLB hybrid who can be a fun chess piece to move around on your defense.
Rhys Dorcey, 2027 – RB/ATH – Sidney – 6’1″ 200 lbs – (@DorceyRhys)
Staying in Western Nebraska, let’s check in on Sidney’s Rhys Dorcey, who has been on an absolute tear through the air and on the ground after switching from RB to QB. Although Week 5’s matchup against Chadron was a defensive slugfest, Rhys still stuffed the stat sheet with 154 passing yards (10 of 18), 127 rushing yards, a rushing touchdown, six tackles, a TFL, and a PBU. Offensively, Rhys projects best as an RB who has a frame suitable for the next level at 6’1″ and 200 pounds, while also being a great athlete who can catch out of the backfield and even be used on gadget pass plays. Rhys is a bruiser at running back, using strong leg drive to plow through defenders and great contact balance to stay upright through tackle attempts. He sees the field very well and does an excellent job following his blocks while scanning the defense for any creases. As a bigger back, I was impressed with Rhys’ burst and ability to accelerate once he finds the open field. On defense, Rhys give you a throwback at linebacker who has great instincts when reading his keys and a quick first step to fire downhill. He’s very physical at the point of attack and is a sure tackler who won’t let much past him. Dorcey is athletic enough to pick up crossing receivers and be disruptive at the catch point when in coverage.
