While the quarterback position gets a lot of the headlines and glory, there are several top players in Nebraska high school football at other positions.
MORE: Top quarterback prospects in Nebraska high school football in 2025
Here is a look at some of the top non-quarterbacks set to compete this fall on the gridiron in Nebraska high school football:
TOP NON-QUARTERBACK PROSPECTS IN NEBRASKA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
Darion Jones, Omaha North, Defensive Back
Despite heavy pressure from Nebraska to stay in-state, the 6-foot-1 Darion Jones will cross the border and play for the Iowa Hawkeyes. Last year, Jones recorded 47 tackles with eight interceptions, five pass breakups and a forced fumble.
Tyrell Chatman, North Star, Safety
Another senior-to-be that opted to leave the state for Iowa, Tyrell Chatman committed to Matt Campbell and the Iowa State Cyclones after a strong junior season. The 6-foot-2 Chatman does play quarterback, but his future is on defense where he had 37 tackles with four interceptions last fall.
Leighton Burbach, Norfolk Catholic, Offensive Tackle
The future for Leighton Burbach looks very promising. The Class of 2026 prospect stands 6-foot-8 and weighs 250 pounds, and will give Northwestern a building block for the next several years.
Amarion Jackson, Millard South, Wide Receiver
A No. 1 target for top prospect Jett Thomalla, Amarion Jackson has committed to the Cyclones. He averaged 65 yards per game with seven touchdowns on his 50 receptions last year.
Barry Fries, Elkhorn North, Linebacker
Checking in at 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds, Barry Fries has excellent size and will make a nice transition to the Big 12 with Iowa State next year. He is also a track star, shining in the triple jump.
Maurice Purify, Omaha Westside, Wide Receiver
Coming from a family with great genes, Maurice Purify's father not only played for Nebraska, but in the NFL with the Cincinnati Bengals. Last year, the Washington State commit had 22 receptions for nearly 300 yards as Omaha Westside reached the Class A title game.
Jaydon Sutko, Elkhorn South, Linebacker
Fresno State is getting an elite athlete, as Jaydon Sutko is 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds. Along with being great on the football field, he has posted some exceptional times in the 100 and 200 on the track along with being involved in the long jump.
Tory Pittman III, Central, Safety
Having already committed to Nebraska, Tory Pittman III enters his junior season for Central having finished off last year with 54 tackles and three interceptions while also catching 26 passes for 458 yards and five scores. He had 34 tackles and two picks as a freshman.
MORE HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS NEWS:
- Previewing the districts in Iowa high school football
- Two Illinois schools opt out for coming prep football season
- Nebraska program to just play junior varsity football in 2025
- Wildfires in Canada causing problems for Minnesota high school athletics