Class of ’22 Under the Radar: Topeka

Topeka has had a long history of successful football.  Schools such as Washburn Rural and Hayden winning several state championships over the years produced some great players.  In 2021, there are very talented players in the state capital as well.  Here are five soon to be Seniors that are looking to have a breakout season in the fall. <strong>RB, [player_tooltip player_id="35571" first="Tylan" last="Alejos"], 5’9, 185, Topeka High</strong> [player_tooltip player_id="35571" first="Tylan" last="Alejos"] is the 5th ranked RB and the 56th ranked player overall in the class of 2022.  He shows excellent vision as he finds the open hole on zone runs while displaying very good change of direction using a jump cut to elude DL and LB in the backfield showing very good burst through the hole as he accelerates to top speed quickly outrunning LB and most DB en route to a long gain.  A reliable receiver coming out of the backfield on swing routes, he shows good hands as he is able to make the catch with his hands on passes that are thrown on target, he uses his very good power, contact balance and play strength to drag multiple LB and DB for several yards after initial contact is made.  In addition to his prowess as a RB, he also excels as a kick returner for the Trojans. <strong>TE, [player_tooltip player_id="113284" first="Braden" last="Colley"], 6’0, 215, Seaman</strong> [player_tooltip player_id="113284" first="Braden" last="Colley"] is the 3rd ranked TE and the 87th ranked player in the class of 2022.  In 2020, he caught 20 passes for 377 yards (18.85 ypc) and 4 TD.  He plays mainly in tight but will at times line up in the slot.  He uses his good football intelligence to read the coverage, shows good hip fluidity as he brakes off his stem at a 45 degree angle on slant routes against FS in off coverage, displays very good hands as he shows the ability to make the catch on passes that are thrown both in and out of his strike zone due to his good catch radius and displays good play speed as he is able to gain significant yardage after the catch.  He is an outstanding run blocker who uses his quickness to pull through the hole, delivers a powerful punch on the frame of the MLB and is able to drive him out of the play.  On occasions where he is asked to block a DL, he plays with good leverage and uses his quickness, hand use and play strength to seal off the wide 9 opening up the hole for the RB in the process. <strong>DB, [player_tooltip player_id="89256" first="Camden" last="Barta"], 6’3, 190, Seaman</strong> [player_tooltip player_id="89256" first="Camden" last="Barta"] is the 9th ranked DB and the 93rd ranked player overall in the class of 2022.  In 2020, he made 38 tackles, 2 interceptions, 4 pass breakups and 2 fumble recoveries.  He plays as a FS.  Against the run, he uses his instincts to take the correct angle in pursuit, plays with good leverage and shows great heart, play strength and physical toughness as he brings down the larger RB with ease.  Against the pass, he reads the QB and the slot WR in zone coverage, uses his great closing speed to get to the WR and uses his play strength to bring him down with ease preventing a big gain or a TD. <strong>WR, [player_tooltip player_id="98391" first="Casen" last="Stallbaumer"], 6’3, 195, Seaman</strong> [player_tooltip player_id="98391" first="Casen" last="Stallbaumer"] is the 16th ranked WR and the 110th ranked player in the class of 2022 overall.  In 2020, he caught 34 passes for 573 yards (16.85 ypc) and 5 TD.  He plays primarily in the slot or as a wingback.  He uses his good quickness and play speed to get behind LB on dig routes as he shows good hip fluidity breaking off his stem at a 90 degree angle, is able to make the catch with his hands on passes that are thrown on target and displays good acceleration after the catch is made as he is able to score easily.  An effective blocker when he is asked to do so, as he uses his play speed to get to the second level as he uses his leverage and hand use to chip block the FS redirecting him and preventing him from making the tackle. <strong>LB, [player_tooltip player_id="35636" first="Logan" last="McDaniel"], 6’1, 210, Topeka High</strong> [player_tooltip player_id="35636" first="Logan" last="McDaniel"] is the 24th ranked LB and the 174th ranked player in the class of 2022 overall.  He plays as an OLB primarily as a SAM but will also line up as a DE in a 5T.  Against the run, he displays very good play strength, physical toughness and use of hands as he is able to beat larger OT with ease, while displaying excellent instincts to read the play and not get fooled on an option run, effectively uses his play speed and range in pursuit and uses his play strength in his upper and lower body to bring down athletic RB or QB with force.  Against the pass, he uses his quickness to penetrate the line of scrimmage, shows very good play speed and a motor in pursuit and is able to easily pressure the QB throwing the ball sooner than he anticipated or bring him down for the sack.