“ICT: I Create Touchdowns.” 5 Home Run QBs in 5A Wichita.
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In the game of football, there are few things more exhilarating than watching a player break off a long touchdown score. These home run threats have the ability to change the momentum of a game with a single play. In…
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Continue ReadingIn the game of football, there are few things more exhilarating than watching a player break off a long touchdown score. These home run threats have the ability to change the momentum of a game with a single play. In 5A Wichita high school football, there are several offensive weapons who have proven themselves to be true game-changers. Either blazing speed and elusive running styles or rocket powered arms, they have the potential to break open any game and lead their teams to victory. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top home run threats in 5A Wichita football.
Colby Gomez Colby Gomez 6’1″ | 195 lbs | QB Newton | 2024 State KS is a true gunslinger with a cannon for an arm. His ability to make tight window throws is exceptional, and his quick release allows him to get the ball out before the defense can react. He is also capable of rolling out to both sides of the field, giving him the ability to extend plays which is where he thrives. However, he does have a tendency to stare down his receivers, making it easier for defenders to jump routes especially at the next level. Additionally, while he can escape the pocket well and take off downfield well, he lacks the elusiveness to make defenders miss in the open field as well as a tendency to leave the ball away from his body while rolling to the sideline. He will need to work on his pocket awareness and decision-making if he wants to take his game to the next level.
Hamilton is an adept runner of the option offense, displaying impressive footwork and agility when throwing or running. He is not afraid to stand tall in the pocket and take a hit in order to complete a pass or pitch it to Elias. While he has decent speed, he lacks lateral quickness which can limit his ability to make defenders miss, but will scamper for the occasional first down. Additionally, he tends to short arm his throws and only goes through one or two progressions before making a decision which can limit him as a passer if it is not addressed this offseason. His lack of size may also pose a challenge against bigger defensive lines, but it does not stop him from playing like the biggest man on the field at all times.
Tate could be the best home run junior in Kansas. He possesses a good sense of the pocket and is patient with his reads, but his release can be slow. He excels at hitting his targets on crossing routes and will often stare down his intended receiver. However, he has good touch on his deep passes and can throw a nice fade route where he is seen to keep his passes high and allow his receivers to go up and grab where only they can get it. He doesn’t have a lot of zip on his passes, but he compensates with his ability to improvise when scrambling. He’s not afraid to take a hit to make a play, and he shows good leadership by leading his receivers away from incoming defenders. Maize South lost a close playoff game last October to Valley Center. With McNew under center, all I smell is blood in the water.
Mason is a bit of an unknown as he has very limited film to review. However, what can be seen is that he loves to scramble and use his legs to make plays happen. He does not have excellent lateral quickness, but he can make one cut and head straight for the end zone. His throwing ability is unclear, but he will be stepping into some big shoes as he replaces the best player in the entire state in Avery Johnson Avery Johnson 6’2″ | 175 lbs | QB Maize | 2023 State KS . It remains to be seen if he will be able to live up to the high expectations set by his predecessor, but his willingness to use his legs could make him a dangerous dual-threat quarterback in the future. Given an incredible supporting cast, Jaylen should have no issue filling in the big shoes.
Zahmere shows a lot of promise with his arm strength and ability to make plays on the ground. He has a quick release and can fit the ball into tight spaces with ease. His agility and ability to make sharp cuts make him a threat when he takes off running. However, his smaller stature and tendency to fall at the first bit of contact with defenders. Additionally, he needs to work on his footwork in the pocket and avoid keeping his feet flat, as this can limit his ability to evade pressure and make throws on the move. West had a down year last year, but has several young guys expected to take massive steps forward in their game. One of these guys that are going to see this next level of play is Jackson. Overall, with more experience and refinement of his mechanics, this quarterback could develop into a dangerous dual-threat option on the field.
Hank Welu
Hank Welu
Hank Welu shows potential with his quick footwork in the pocket and super fast release of the football. His size and speed are also assets that could help him be a dual threat quarterback that is not afraid of contact in the middle of the field. However, his throwing mechanics can be inconsistent sometimes as he has a tendency to throw from a low arm slot which can lead to inconsistent throws on top of him occasionally allowing his feet to leave the ground before he finishes the throw, which can cause the pass to fall before it should. Welu is the field general that Valley Center can put their trust in, as he was able to lead them to their first playoff win in over five years. Any backfield is dangerous and capable of scoring when Hank Welu and Daimont Mucker Daimont Mucker 5’10” | 190 lbs | RB Valley Center | 2024 State KS are back there.
Sell has impressive physical attributes, with great height and speed on his side. He shows good awareness in the pocket, keeping his focus on downfield targets even when the pressure is on. His ability to throw accurately on the run is also a major asset, as he can create plays when the initial pass is not there. Most of his big plays also come from left side bootlegs, where he seems the most comfortable looking downfield. He also has good elusiveness, which allows him to keep a play alive even after he is touched by a defender. However, he primarily runs a wishbone offense, which does not necessarily showcase his full potential as a passer. He also needs to work on his throwing mechanics, as he rarely sets his feet and can sometimes leave the ball away from his body when scrambling. Nonetheless, his height and athleticism give him plenty of potential as a playmaker.