Community Film Room: April Edition

As we prepare for the next wave of rankings later this summer, the Community Film Room series will be a helpful guide to identify potential newcomers. This second film session of 2023 will be a bit different from the first. While we'll still highlight prospects from different position groups, folks will notice there's a bit of a theme for this April film session.   With the Class of '24 inching closer toward their senior year, now's a great time to highlight some unranked juniors before the end of this school year. This group of five features three Class 6A prospects looking to expand their role this fall, and two small-school prospects on the rise. Be on the lookout for them this summer and throughout the '23 campaign.   <a href="https://twitter.com/brodyhayes257?s=21&t=sGuXARfiU73A1hdQ4qGDNQ">Brody Hayes</a> - Clay Center, 5'11”, 180, ATH   Between the current junior and sophomore classes, Class 3A has produced some exceptional talent. We've seen prospects such as [player_tooltip player_id='145515' first='Hudson' last='Ferralez'], [player_tooltip player_id='334731' first='Donald' last='Collier'], [player_tooltip player_id='570171' first='Josh' last='Burdick'], and [player_tooltip player_id='285538' first='Cole' last='Pladson'] crack the rankings. Next up could be <a href="https://twitter.com/brodyhayes257?s=21&t=sGuXARfiU73A1hdQ4qGDNQ">Brody Hayes</a> of Clay Center. Hayes was arguably one of the most dynamic two-way players in the 3A division last season.   From an offensive standpoint, Hayes was heavily involved in Clay Center's scheme. He was the Tigers' go-to back on outside zone and toss plays, which led to an impressive eight yards per carry. Additionally, defenses had to account for his pass catching ability, and his elusiveness as a return man. On the other side, Hayes' range at safety can erase big plays over the top, and he excels at running the alley to stuff the opposition's ground game.    <a href="https://twitter.com/lucashayden44?s=21&t=sGuXARfiU73A1hdQ4qGDNQ">Hayden Lucas</a> - Arkansas City, 6'6”, 220, TE   Since the Class of 2022 sent over seven tight ends to the next level, the position group has started to gain more attention as of late. This season, tight ends like [player_tooltip player_id='544699' first='Gavin' last='Hoffman'], [player_tooltip player_id='259785' first='Jeron' last='Askren'], and [player_tooltip player_id='570288' first='DaSaahn' last='Brame'] headline the position group as a whole. However, there's another tight end in southern Kansas that recruiters need to have on their radar.   Meet 6-foot-6, 220-pound tight end <a href="https://twitter.com/lucashayden44?s=21&t=sGuXARfiU73A1hdQ4qGDNQ">Hayden Lucas</a> of Ark City. Lucas is a prospect that tight end coaches will love at the next level. He won't exactly stretch the field with his speed, but the intermediate game is where he can absolutely thrive at. He does a great job of quickly sitting down in the open zone of a defense, and has the strength to absorb contact over the middle. There's still room for improvement with his blocking, but he isn't afraid to get dirty in the trenches.    <a href="https://twitter.com/aiden_bruce2?s=21&t=sGuXARfiU73A1hdQ4qGDNQ">Aiden Bruce</a> - Olathe North, 6'0”, 160, RB   The name Bruce and Olathe North will resonate for some. It wasn't long ago that Oklahoma State-transfer, Arland Bruce IV, was making plays for the Olathe North Eagles. Now during the '23 campaign, it will be younger brother <a href="https://twitter.com/aiden_bruce2?s=21&t=sGuXARfiU73A1hdQ4qGDNQ">Aiden Bruce's</a> turn to cement his legacy at Olathe North. He showed promise during his junior year, but he'll be looking to put together a break out season as a senior.   Due to the amount of offensive firepower the Eagles had last season, Bruce would be limited to just a few touches per game. That didn't stop him from making an impact when his number was called though. Bruce's combination of vision and agility helped lead to some big gains in 2022. He reads his blocks very well, and after he makes a few defenders miss, it becomes a foot race to track him down. The Eagles have [player_tooltip player_id='545364' first='TJ' last='Porter'] as their lead back, but Bruce should see more carries this fall.    <a href="https://twitter.com/kincade_isaiah?s=21&t=sGuXARfiU73A1hdQ4qGDNQ">Isaiah Kincade</a> - Topeka, 6'1”, 190, ATH   Another two-way prospect that's a strong candidate for the next Class of '24 rankings update is <a href="https://twitter.com/kincade_isaiah?s=21&t=sGuXARfiU73A1hdQ4qGDNQ">Isaiah Kincade</a> of Topeka. The Trojans have had their struggles the past few years, but they've managed to produce talented prospects like Kincade. The senior-to-be was a 1st Team All-League defensive back in 2022, and this season he could receive All-League honors at multiple positions.   Defensively, Kincade was the Trojans' most versatile defender last season. He took snaps out on the perimeter at corner, played in the backend of the defense at safety, and even saw time as a slot corner. Given his 6-foot-1, 190-pound frame, Kincade could even fill in at linebacker if needed. On offense, Kincade primarily worked out of the slot, and was used sparingly out of the backfield. He's a strong runner that won't go down on first contact, and his 4.5 40 speed plays a factor once he hits the open field.    <a href="https://twitter.com/randys1nglet0n?s=21&t=sGuXARfiU73A1hdQ4qGDNQ">Randy Singleton</a> - Gardner-Edgerton, 5'11”, 170, DB   We'll wrap up this first film session of April by taking one last look at the 6A division. This off-season we've praised the Porter twins of Gardner-Edgerton for their play in the Trailblazers' secondary during the ‘22 campaign. But, there's another member of their secondary that deserves some recognition as well. Remember the name <a href="https://twitter.com/randys1nglet0n?s=21&t=sGuXARfiU73A1hdQ4qGDNQ">Randy Singleton</a> this fall.   Singleton transitioned to the secondary in 2022 after primarily lining up at receiver during the '21 campaign. This switch proved to be beneficial for the junior, as he'd earn an All-League Honorable Mention nod in his first season starting at corner. His background as a receiver made the switch to corner a smooth transition. Singleton does a great job of high-pointing the ball in the air, and his playmaking ability is on full display once the ball is in his hands. He's likely to be an All-League corner once again, and could potentially become the Trailblazers' top wideout as well.

As we prepare for the next wave of rankings later this summer, the Community Film Room series will be a helpful guide to identify potential newcomers. This second film session of 2023 will be a bit different from the first. While we'll still highlight prospects from different position groups, folks will notice there's a bit of a theme for this April film session.