The first official practice day of practice for the 2021 fall sports season was Monday.   

Here are notes and observations from Omaha Central’s practice on Wednesday.  

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The Known

Clearly the Eagles spent the year off of the field in the weight room, specifically at some key positions. One of those key position groups is the offensive line. Missouri commit Deshawn Woods listed at 6-5, 285 looks like a slimmed down or mature version of himself. Woods clearly is the leader of the offensive line and will be at his recruited position of right tackle. At practice he showed he can make a big impact on the defensive front as a tackle. Next to Woods at right guard should be senior right guard Quentin Butts (6-4, 250). At center will be senior Nour Uman (5-11, 220). On the left side, senior Tre Nelson-Beasley (6-2, 280) and Anthony Jones (6-4, 255) look to be the starters. 

Omaha Central lineman Deshawn Woods.

The defensive line has some size and depth as well. Woods will rotate in, but the key odd front players look like senior Omar Jackson (6-1, 240), junior Jamison Kemp (6-2, 258), and Larry Moreland (6-1, 260). Moreland has a little extra athleticism and impressed in June and again at Wednesday’s practice. 

Omaha Central lineman Larry Moreland.

The specialist will be led by a trio of running backs. Senior Jayden Page (5-10, 205) is the most versatile of the three and can do everything well from hitting the right hole to being an effective pass catcher out of the backfield. Junior J’dyn Bullion is a hammer at 6-1, 250. JJ Davis (5-9, 190) is the smallest of the three but has more breakaway speed and quickness. When he is not playing running back, look for Davis to make a big impact at linebacker. All three should play a significant role behind that big offensive line. 

The Unknown

Junior receiver Jaylen Lloyd (6-0, 165) looks like he is the lead guy at the position. Lloyd, the triple jump gold medalist in the spring clearly has the athleticism and speed to go up and get a deep ball. A new name and face should make an impact for the Eagles at receiver. Junior Justus Allerup (6-1, 185), a foreign exchange student from Denmark certainly looks every bit of the part of a playmaker. At receiver he should help with depth. On the defensive side of the ball as a safety he could make an immediate impact. 

The quarterback position is a bit of an unknown. Junior Jaylen Davis (5-9, 200) is a leader and looks as though he will get the first opportunity to be the starter. Davis has a strong arm but his running ability is what likely sets him apart. It’s not his fault because of the missed 2020 season but Davis has just five pass attempts on the varsity level. 

Cornerback is another unproven position. There are plenty of options to contribute at the two positions. They could even move someone like Lloyd from safety to corner if needed.

Omaha Central senior running back Jayden Page.