Program Profiles: Players to Watch at McPherson

Santino Bernal July 30, 2021 @ 11:53 AM

The Bullpups have consistently had one of the winningest programs in the state over the last five years. However, the one thing that has eluded them through their success is a state title. That could change this fall though, as the Bullpups return some key contributors on both sides of the ball and should have a few underclassmen step up. These are eight players that can help get them over the hump during the ’21 season. [player_tooltip player_id="113648" first="Sky" last="Schriner"], 5’8”, 170, RB, Class of ’22 Schriner’s had a strong offseason and will look to be the change of pace back for the Bullpups this fall. He showcased his explosiveness at a few Sharp Combines this past spring, posting a 4.47 in the 40 and nearly reaching 35 inches in the vertical. In 2020, he earned an All-AVCTL Division III Honorable Mention selection in a shortened year due to injury. But expect for him to bounce back in a big way during his senior year. [player_tooltip player_id="89639" first="Trey" last="Buckbee"], 6’3”, 185, WR, Class of ’22 Buckbee was highlighted earlier this year as a wide out ready for a big season, and his work during the offseason is a testament of that. He’s performed well at a few camps this summer; two in particular were at Kansas and Kansas State. Buckbee also posted solid numbers while competing in the Sharp Top Prospect Combine. Heading into his senior year he holds offers from Emporia State and Bethel College, but he should see more come his way if he can top his numbers from last season. [player_tooltip player_id="98393" first="Braxton" last="Bailey"], 6’3”, 300, OL, Class of ‘22 Bailey is looking to have a 1st Team All-League caliber year after earning an Honorable Mention nod during his junior season. He’s sparked some interest from a few programs and visited Benedictine College last month. Bailey proved to be one of the strongest prospects while competing at a Sharp Combine in May, benching 225 pounds 19 times. He’ll be an anchor on the right side of the Bullpups’ offensive line this fall. Darriene Gibbs, 6’4”, 205, DL, Class of ’22 Gibbs is an under the radar edge rusher gaining momentum heading into his senior year. He was an All-League Honorable Mention selection in 2020 and was also highlighted for his performance during camp season. He isn’t a defensive end that will overpower offensive linemen, but he has the quickness to get around them and a long reach to fight off blocks and get ahold of ball carriers. He and [player_tooltip player_id="89189" first="Curtis" last="Landrum"] should be a formidable pass rushing duo this season. [player_tooltip player_id="122525" first="Jaytin" last="Gumm"], 6’0”, 175, RB, Class of ‘23 It will be interesting to see how the 3rd ranked running back in the Class of ’23 will do this season. Gumm was phenomenal last year while he filled in for an injured Schriner, as he went on to have a 2nd Team All-League sophomore campaign. The Bullpups will want to utilize both backs this year, but Gumm could potentially rush for over 1,000 yards once again. Recruiters need to keep an eye on this young man. [player_tooltip player_id="129521" first="Conner" last="McVicker"], 6’0”, 275, OL, Class of ‘23 The Bullpups graduated four offensive linemen that earned All-League honors in 2020, so they will need juniors like McVicker to step up this season. He provided good depth for them as a sophomore, and he will look to take his game to the next level during his first season starting. McVicker brings versatility to the table, as he’s capable of playing all the interior positions on the offensive line. Look for this hog to put together a breakout year. Javyn Alexander, 5’11”, 170, ATH, Class of ‘24 Alexander is a young rising prospect for the Bullpups. He shined in his few varsity snaps as a freshman, rushing for 34 yards on five carries, good for 6.8 yards an attempt, and pitched in five tackles. It’s a small sample size, but he’s shown this summer he’s ready to elevate his game. Alexander really impressed at the Kansas Shrine Bowl Combine in June. He was clocked at 4.5 in the 40, 4.14 in the 3-Cone, hit 36 inches in the vertical, and benched 245 pounds. He should develop nicely during the ’21 season. Jayce Schriner, 5’10”, 155, RB, Class of ’24 McPherson will graduate one Schriner brother this school year, and then reload their backfield with another. Jayce is another talented sophomore on the Bullpups’ roaster. As a freshman he ran the ball 17 times for 245 yards, with an explosive 14.4 yards per carry, and scored four touchdowns. He’s just as elusive as his brother and displays good vision as well. The future for McPherson is looking bright with young players like Schriner and Alexander leading the way.