2025 Huskerland Top 225: The 29s

Class A

29. Nate Marable, OL, Millard North. 6-3, 275. Bench -315, Squat – NA, 40 – 5.05. Big and strong, has great mobility for a kid that size, a real difference maker on both sides of the ball. Holds offers from Illinois State, Northern Iowa and others.

Class B

29. Brody Dreher, RB-LB, Hastings. 5-10, 215. Bench – 235, Squat – 400, 40 – 4.9. In a bit of a supporting role last season he was excellent, turning in 27 receptions for 374 yards and two TDs, adding 70 tackles, two interceptions and two fumble recoveries on defense. He’s going to be the Tigers’ main ball carrier (read: more yards) and moving him into the box on defense means y’all gonna see a lot more of him come tackling time.

Class C-1

29. Sawyer Smith, RB-S, Ogallala. 6-0, 220. Bench – 230, Squat – 400, 40 – 4.7. All-state in basketball, but wait there’s more. Much more. Sawyer is a four-year starter in football, two-time all-district, and was named the area player of the year as a junior. Outstanding dual threat out of the backfield, added four interceptions and a kickoff return for a score, so you know he makes plays.

Class C-2

Trace Buechle, QB-DB, Valentine. 6-0, 165. Other stats NA. Came several steps closer to holding all the VHS career passing records (and he’ll have ‘em after this season) while leading Valentine into the postseason. All-district, he’s an outstanding dual threat, too, last season passing for 1,354 yards and 18 TDs, rushing for another 520 yards and five TDs. Bonus Coverage: Isaac Cronin, WR-DB, Valentine. 6-4, 180. Other stats NA. Just so I am covered (unlike Isaac, who always seems open), we have this guy on the list, strictly based on his spectacular athletic skills, and the fact as just second-year player who should show remarkable growth in his game. (I mean, go to Youtube and check out the kid’s dunking ability…)

Class D-1

29. Dane Lyons, C-DT, Lourdes Central Catholic. 5-9, 205. Other stats NA. Four-year starter, two-time all-district player, the hub of a powerful Lourdes offense the entire time. Also a stout defender, he finished last season with 71 tackles, 7 TFL.

Class D-2

29. Jack Baker, QB-DB, Hitchcock County. 6-0, 180. Other stats NA. Two-time all-district, a real smooth operator, he rushed for 743 yards and 11 TDs, passed for another 582 yards and eight TDs, adding 48 tackles on defense, and he’s a very good punter (32.1 per). If Hitchcock’s gonna go anywhere this season – and we think it will – Jack will be at the wheel, remember that.

Six-Man: We will begin our Six-Man Top 225 count up at No. 20.