Signing Day Coverage: Hornet Homegrown Talent

Signing Day 2021 has come and gone here is a look at a talented class of Kansas Athletes who signed with Emporia State University. The Hornets signed five homegrown players and two who could compete at quarterback. <strong>QB, [player_tooltip player_id="30848" first="Blake" last="Anderson"], 5’10”, 180, St. Thomas Aquinas </strong>– Anderson has a big arm and the Hornets like to throw the football. The St. Thomas Aquinas senior threw for 1,500-plus yards and 21 touchdowns in 2020. He is also a solid baseball player, it will be interesting to see if he turns into a two-sport talent at ESU. <strong>ATH, [player_tooltip player_id="85674" first="Reid" last="Cowan"], 6’3”, 195, Seaman </strong>– Cowan is a great sign for Coach Garin Higgins’ program. The Seaman senior played quarterback and defensive back for the Vikings.  He threw for more than 1,300 yards in 2020 to go along with 19 touchdowns. He could have a quick impact on special teams for the Hornets and should at least get a look at quarterback. <strong>OL, [player_tooltip player_id="86220" first="Caleb" last="Nott"], 6’6”, 325, Wichita Northwest </strong>– Nott could have the highest ceiling in this group. The young man is a mountainous beast who is a treat to watch. One of the best linemen I saw play in person in 2020. Nott was a vital part of the Grizzlies’ dominant 2020 offense. <strong>RB, Braden Slayer, 5”11”, 194, Burlington</strong>– Anyone remember the name, Brian Shay? Will Slayer could be a future Harlon Hill award winner. All this young man did in 2020 for Burlington was rush for 1,400-plus yards and for 22 touchdowns. He is fast and a challenge to tackle in the open field. He is also a solid pass catcher. Shay was recruited out of Paola and Slayer could one day have his eyes set on some of Shay’s ESU rushing records. <strong>DB, Cassius Williams, 6’1”, 175, Wichita West</strong>– West is a raw talent who can fit into multiple roles in the future for the Hornets. He was recruited as a defensive back, but he could very quickly find himself contributing on special team units and could get a look at receiver. He has good speed, solid hands, and a knack for finding the football. Williams projects more as a cover corner than he does as a safety. Also has the potential to play as a pass-covering linebacker.