Unsigned Athletes from Class of ‘21

Utility players or more commonly known as “athletes”, are now being seen more on the gridiron. These are position-less players that can affect a game in different ways. College coaches should look into these five versatile athletes from the class of 2021. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="35503" first="Kayde" last="Rietzke"]</strong> – Wichita County HS, 5’8”, 165 Rietzke has dominated the 8-Man division throughout his career. This season he threw for 1,865 yards and 36 touchdowns, and had an impressive 71 completion percentage. On the ground Rietzke rushed for 1,464 yards and scored 26 touchdowns. His athleticism and skills as a passer should draw attention from offensive coaches at the collegiate level. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="35406" first="Ty’Zhaun" last="Jackson"] – </strong>Manhattan, 5’8”, 165, Jackson is a player that can change the momentum of a game in one play. Kicking or punting directly to him is a bad decision. His returning skills earned him a selection to the 6A All-State team. Jackson is also a playmaker on defense. He can drop back into coverage as a safety, and come up to defend the run as an outside linebacker. Coaches need a player like this on their roaster. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="49690" first="Kallun" last="Chitama"] </strong>– Lawrence, 5’11”, 170 Chitama is an athletic defensive-back that can play on an island. He doesn’t shy away from the one-on-one matchup with opposing team’s No. 1 receiver. Kallun’s film shows that he can press receivers at the line and play man, and also take care of his assignment in zone coverage. He can play corner at the next level, but coaches could also use him in other spots because of his speed. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="49734" first="Earl" last="McDowell"]</strong> – Shawnee Mission West, 6’2”, 170 McDowell unfortunately had his season cut short due to injury, but he made his presence felt through four games. His length and athleticism stick out on both sides of the ball. He can jump with anybody. As a receiver he shows good route running and strong hands, and at safety he shows good cover skills by staying over the top. His skillset translates to the next level. He just needs a chance. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="35425" first="Daylan" last="Jones"]</strong> – Wichita East, 6’4”, 200 Jones is a player that defensive coordinators hope to limit with their game plan. Single coverage isn’t enough. Jones will win those matchups because of his height and his speed. He is a deep threat at receiver, and shows that he can run a variety of routes. Jones has also shown that he can take direct snaps in wildcat formations as well. College coaches could use him at either receiver or a hybrid tight-end. &nbsp;