April Film Session: Part II

We’re coming back at you with another group of five prospects waiting to be discovered in this second <i>April Film Session</i>. The upcoming junior class is well represented in this second edition, as four out of the five players featured are from the Class of ’24. But, there is one prospect from the Class of ’25 that couldn’t go without mentioning. <b>Dominic Werner</b> – Bishop Miege, 6’5”, 300, OL, <i>Class of ’24</i> Towards the beginning of the year we highlighted one offensive lineman from Miege that is sure to draw interest this season. Turns out the Stags have another hog from their upcoming junior class that could also be sought after. Like [player_tooltip player_id="262717" first="Jeremy" last="Schleicher"], Werner was another young lineman that showed a lot of promise as a first-year starter. Werner’s massive frame will obviously stand out on film. But that shouldn’t take the attention away from his versatility and footwork. He proved to be a reliable option at right guard and right tackle as a sophmore, which should be an encouraging sign for recruiters. In addition to this, the big fella has a quick first step that allows him to seal off his assignments. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14761462/61b7e6adc119bf0640c021dc" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <b>Kem Allen</b> – Lawrence, 6’2”, 275, DL, <i>Class of ’24</i> We’ll stay in the trenches with this next prospect, but this time we transition to the defensive side of the ball. Kem Allen is a defensive tackle that could become a major factor for the Chesty Lions’ defense this season. As a sophomore, Allen stepped in and made his presence felt at the varsity level. He showed flashes of controlling the line of scrimmage, while also quickly identifying ball carriers. A few other aspects of his game that were impressive, was his effort and his strength. There are multiple clips in Allen’s film showing him coming from the backside of a play to make a tackle. He also has examples of him using his strength to fight through double teams. If he can become a bit more explosive; opposing teams better watch out. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14559104/624b927664e9f907cc7733d4" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <b>Graceson Littleton</b> – Goddard, 6’0”, 160, ATH, <i>Class of ’25</i> Highlighting exciting young prospects like Graceson Littleton is what makes this series enjoyable. Most recruiters and folks around the state aren’t familiar with the freshman. That is sure to change during the ’22 campaign. The Goddard product displayed his talents at the junior varsity level last year, but could’ve contributed more on varsity. He’s the type of player that can have success at multiple positions. On offense, he’s an explosive playmaker that can line up in the backfield or out wide. Once Littleton hits the edge, he has the speed to burn defenses for big gains. On defense, Littleton has the ability to be a roaming safety. He displays great instincts and uses his speed to cover ground to defend the run or contest passes. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16115445/61871fcc9a9c0e0f9cb55144" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <b>Jacob King</b> – Wichita NW, 5’9”, 165, ATH, <i>Class of ’24</i> Jacob King was a defensive prospect that Northwest used sparingly in 2021. However, he’s a returning player they could trust with more responsibilities this season. Through nine games, King registered 36 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, two pass breakups, and three forced fumbles. He primarily lined up at outside linebacker as a sophomore, but he has the athleticism to also play safety. Although he’s a bit undersized for a backer, he still finds ways to make plays. King has the quickness and body control to get past offensive linemen off the edge. He’s able to maneuver his body in a way that makes him difficult to block, and he has the strength to stand his ground. Look for the Grizzlies to expand his role as a junior. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13045309/6179615c4bb2d60b80825239" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <b>Kason Messenger</b> – Cheney, 6’2”, 195, ATH, <i>Class of ’24</i> Messenger is another Class of ’24 prospect who had a limited role as a sophmore but could really elevate his game as a junior. He has the capability of being a threat off the edge, or a talented receiving tight end. While he doesn’t have much experience at tight end, his background on the hardwood could help with his development. At defensive end, Messenger has the makeup of a standout pass rusher. He’s rangy, already has a few moves in his repertoire, and is quick off the ball. Messenger is only going to fill out his frame, and will be used more over these next two years. He’s a prospect to keep track of with camp and combine season right around the corner. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13364856/614f9e69e97abd052cf64300" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>