Upperclassmen to Watch in 2021: Derby

Last season was a rollercoaster for the Derby Panthers, but one that saw them emerge victorious in the end. After starting the 2020 campaign 3-2, Brandon Clark's squad rattled off six wins in a row en route to a 6A Kansas State championship win over Blue Valley North. Led by star running back [player_tooltip player_id="87649" first="Dylan" last="Edwards"], Derby is poised to make another deep postseason run this year. Who are some of the team's juniors and seniors to look out for? Let's take a look. [player_tooltip player_id="35547" first="Alex" last="Key"] - 6'4", 290 pounds, OL (2022) After flying under the radar for a while, Key is quickly rising up many rankings lists and now has four college offers. He recently got singled out as a standout performer at <a href="https://247sports.com/college/kansas-state/LongFormArticle/Kansas-State-football-recruiting-2022-2023-Sharp-Performance-Top-Prospect-2021-Salina-Alex-Key-Chaylin-Peine-Dylan-Edwards-167155774/#167155774_1">Sharp Performance's recent "Top Prospect" camp</a> in Salina, and for good reason. He climbs to the second level with ease and is comfortable pulling all the way across the play when necessary. Key is a finisher who keeps his hips square to the assignment and drives defenders into the ground. He can slide with defenders up the pass-rush arc and still has room to improve his technique. Key is the No. 7-ranked player in our <a href="https://prepredzone.com/kansas/rankings/2022-rankings/">2022 player rankings</a>. Andon Carpenter - 6'2", 260 pounds, DT (2022) Carpenter was recently invited to the Blue-Grey All-American Bowl and also received an offer to play football at Benedictine. The interior defensive lineman has a relentless motor and plus pursuit speed. He primarily lines up over either shoulder of the center but also has experience running stunts from a three-technique alignment. Carpenter has little trouble disengaging and maintains a low pad level, giving him solid leverage on a snap-by-snap basis. He can command double-teams despite not being very large and should only get better as he strengthens his lower body and becomes more of a hand-fighter in the future. [player_tooltip player_id="113643" first="Drake" last="Thatcher"] - 6'4", 200 pounds, TE (2022) Thatcher is a Second-Team All-League tight end and the No. 37-ranked player in our 2022 rankings heading into his senior year. His raw numbers may not knock your socks off (315 receiving yards, six touchdowns) but a closer look reveals a very impressive skill set. Not only can he thrive on short curl routes, but he's a willing blocker who can still get better in that aspect. Thatcher can line up along the line of scrimmage or in the slot for empty set plays, and he creates separation as well as just about any tight end in the state. Expect the versatile playmaker to make several more highlight-reel catches this season. [player_tooltip player_id="123081" first="Samuel" last="Same"] - 6'5", 210 pounds, DE (2023) Same has been linked to Iowa State recently, which is a testament to the projection he brings to the table. He's a long defensive end prospect who keeps his chest clean and is adept at deflecting passes at the line of scrimmage. He possesses terrific closing speed around the edge, which shows up both against the pass and in run support. Same is the No. 26-ranked player in our <a href="https://prepredzone.com/kansas/rankings/2023-rankings/">2023 rankings</a> and has a very bright future ahead of him if his tools turn into more production. The fundamentals are there for him to become a scary player down the road. Nathan Keener - 5'10", 165 pounds, WR (2023) There isn't a ton of tape out on Keener right now, but he's in a good position to make a jump this upcoming season. He recently participated in a camp at Southern Methodist University in which he displayed his great speed and improved route-running prowess. Keener has been hard at work honing his craft and while he isn't as notable of a name as some other members of Derby's star-studded roster, he's absolutely a player to keep an eye on moving forward.