2023: Game Managers in 4A – Wichita Edition
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In today’s day and age, the most important position in football is the one taking the snaps: quarterback. The quarterback’s responsibility is to give the instructions to the rest of the offense and make sure they execute to the highest…
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Continue ReadingIn today’s day and age, the most important position in football is the one taking the snaps: quarterback. The quarterback’s responsibility is to give the instructions to the rest of the offense and make sure they execute to the highest precision that they can. If anything or anyone is out of line, it is the fault of the guilty party as well as the QB. Fortunately for five schools in the Wichita area, they are in good hands. These quarterbacks play in the 4A division of Kansas, meaning they compete within the #73-108 largest schools in the state. These five can manage offenses with the best of them, and beat down secondaries if they are not careful.
Kenny Redford
Kenny Redford
Kenny is a good player on a good team. Although their record may not show it, Wellington outfitted a squad that played great teams close. This was in large part to the offense led my Redford. Redford is a smaller quarterback that can use both his arm and legs to get looks to score. Small runs and short throws are the key to his game, as his elusiveness skills leave room for improvement. He is a raw talent with mechanical issues and small tweaks to help his game improve, such as sticking his feet in the ground when throwing on the run, or keeping his shoulders from squaring too early in his throwing motion. Overall Redford and his receivers will look to jump on a league title in 2023.
Gavin is a prospect that passes every eye test in every aspect. At 6 foot 4, and a arm that can zip a ball to his guys, Kiser has all the tools to be a great prospect for next level ball. Kiser has great open field speed with his long strides, but may struggle to unhook the trailer immediately. Running the triple option, Kiser has the moxie to fake pitches and throws well, which helps with his improving change of direction. He also will not shy away from contact, which will help the Orioles in their 2023 campaign.
Landon Dupras
Landon Dupras
Dupras is a QB that does most of the little things right. He has proven that he has the ability to lead entire drives with his arm, and carries out pump fakes and play actions extremely well. He leads his receivers out of their routes well, and can even scamper out of the pocket if the situation calls for it. All that being said, he still leaves lots of room for improvement. He stands like a statue in the pocket, as well as stares down his receivers far too often. I think Dupras is a good prospect heading into his senior year, but will need to fix the little things in order to be great.
Aiden has his job and does it with the best of them. With a quick release, Heckathorn sticks the ball to his receiver while standing tall in the pocket. He leads this offense as they march down fields with a puree of slants, drags, and screens. He stands tall in the pocket, though his feet will be flat on the ground on some throws. Although without breakaway speed, Heckathorn is not afraid to take off near the end zone. Going into his junior year, Heckathorn honing his deep ball skills would raise his game above the rest.
Colton Roberts
Colton Roberts
Roberts might have the best upside to anyone on this list. He has a quick release and a great pocket presence. He also finds the open field well with his legs and takes off with good speed. He has a tendency to leave his passes low, especially on fades, as well as keeping his back foot under him through deep passes, but that comes with time. The biggest draw back on Roberts is the lack of film and loss of his number one target: Luke McLaughlin Luke McLaughlin 6’2″ | 185 lbs | ATH Rose Hill | 2023 State KS . Going into his junior year is the year where he should take a massive step forward as a game manager and an athlete.