All Kinds Of Backs: Five Class 1A Rushers To Recruit

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As I have mentioned before and will again, the running back position is my favorite to scout. Whether it's a bowling ball fullback, a shifty tailback, or a throw me the ball in the flat, scat back, I can appreciate them all.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This scouting report features five top rushers from Class 1A in Kansas headed into their senior seasons. All five of these players could be recruited as running backs or for other positions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='265194' first='Brayden' last='Kunz'], 6'1”, 190, Conway Springs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kunz rushed for 2,276 yards averaging 7.6 yards per carry during his junior season. He is an explosive back who can run around would-be tacklers or run over them. He has already scored 45 touchdowns in the past two high school seasons and will look to add to that number in 2023. Like most small school athletes he can play on both sides of the ball, but this young man is an offensive weapon that local college programs should keep an eye on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='259784' first='Cooper' last='Simmons'], 5'11”, 190, St. Mary's-Colgan</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Colgan's Simmons is a shifty runner, who is difficult to tackle. He rushed for  1,127 yards during his junior season. He has a knack for finding the end zone with 20 rushing touchdowns in 2022 for the Panthers. Simmons also plays linebacker for Colgan and finished with 42 tackles in 2022. He was used more on offense during his junior season as his tackle total decreased by 52.  A Division II school in Colgan's backyard will be sure to keep tabs on Simmons, but other schools should not hesitate to reach out to the Panther prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Luke Franklin</strong>, 6'0”, 195, Smith Center</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Franklin is built like a Sherman Tank. He rushed for 1,105 yards for the Redmen. In two seasons he has rushed for a total of 31 touchdowns. He runs low to the ground, is a north/south runner, and could be used at the fullback or the tight end position. Franklin is a college-level talent, the question will be at what position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tayshawn Gaynor</strong>, 6'0”, 170, Northeast (Arma)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gaynor rushed for 502 yards and three touchdowns for the Vikings. He can also catch balls out of the backfield, catching five balls for 139 yards and one score. Gaynor has breakaway speed and takes care of the football. He will be leaned on to carry a heavier load for Northeast in 2023.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kaison Bigham</strong>, 5'11”, 175, Valley Heights</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bigham is a bruising fullback who rushed for 376 yards and one touchdown in 2022. He has a really nice first step and gets off the ball quickly. Bigham also plays middle linebacker for Valley Heights and finished with 50 tackles during his junior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->