Class of ’22 Players to Watch: Maize South
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After a 5-4 season in 2020, the Maize South Mavericks football team is looking to improve in the Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League standings in 2021. The group boasts a linebacking corps that could shape up to be one of…
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Continue ReadingAfter a 5-4 season in 2020, the Maize South Mavericks football team is looking to improve in the Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League standings in 2021. The group boasts a linebacking corps that could shape up to be one of the better ones in the state. Outside of that, there’s plenty of talent scattered throughout the roster. Among players who should contribute in big ways this season, which class of 2022 athletes will finish their high school careers strong? Let’s take a look.
Caleb Crumm – HT unlisted, 205 pounds, TE/WR
Crumm is coming off of a terrific junior campaign that saw him finish as an All-League First-Team tight end in the AVCTL. He also received Honorable Mention recognition on the All-State team. His compact and sturdy frame allows him to be physical both at the line of scrimmage and downfield. Crumm is difficult to bring down and routinely fights for extra yards. He has experience lining up out wide and being used as a traditional “H-Back” on occasion as well. Overall, the senior should build on a strong 2020 and make a statement in 2021.
Ladislao Jaimes III – 5’11″, 180 pounds, SS/FS
Jaimes was all over the place last season, amassing 42 tackles, three forced fumbles and a pair of interceptions. The safety prospect displays plus ball-tracking skills and is one of the better pursuit players on the team. His 4.6 (laser timed) 40-yard dash speed certainly shows up on tape. He’s a sound tackler who wraps up effectively and thrives on stopping the ballcarrier in the open field. A decisive player who takes deliberate angles and works efficiently when going downhill, Jaimes always has a plan. His strong football IQ will be an asset this season.
Evan Cantu Evan Cantu 5'9" | 200 lbs | RB Maize South | 2022 State KS – 5’10″, 193 pounds, RB
A 1,000-yard rusher in 2020 (1,054, to be exact), Cantu finished as an All-League Second-Team honoree for the AVCTL. He’s a powerful runner who often requires multiple defenders to stop him in his tracks. Contact balance is a definite strong suit for him, as he operates well in traffic. Cantu never gives up on plays as a receiver and while he isn’t a burner, he has excellent short-area quickness that allows him to gain separation from defenders. If there’s one player in the AVCTL who is poised to parlay a good junior year into a terrific senior season, Cantu would be at or near the top of that list.
Taiten Luce – 6’1″, 200 pounds, LB
Serving as the class president for four consecutive years on the Student Council board, Luce is a natural leader. He does whatever it takes to help his team win, further evidenced by his special teams experience. His 285-pound bench press is a testament to his on-field strength, as he tosses the competition aside with relative ease. Tate is an intelligent player who changes his tackle plan (high or low) depending on the matchup and displays solid anticipation and click-and-close ability for a linebacker. He, Conner Neill Conner Neill 6'0" | 210 lbs | LB Maize South | 2023 State KS and Brandon Lee will be quite the formidable group this season.
Blake McCormick – 6’3″, 210 pounds, DE
McCormick is one of Maize South’s most powerful players. His 305-pound bench press (17 reps at 225 pounds) puts him squarely ahead of many of his peers. There isn’t a ton of tape on him, but he has good measurables and tested strength. There is one play against Hays High School that stands out, though. Lined up over the right tackle, McCormick exploded off the snap — showing off a great first step — and sorted through traffic before closing in on the quarterback in the end zone. Hopefully, the Mavericks will get to see more of that this season as he caps off his career with the team.