Lights, Camera, Football: 5 film study sessions across NEK
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As the Friday night lights illuminate high school stadiums across northeastern Kansas, fans and scouts alike have their eyes locked on the gridiron, eagerly watching the next generation of football stars make their mark. From small-town teams to larger metropolitan…
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Continue ReadingAs the Friday night lights illuminate high school stadiums across northeastern Kansas, fans and scouts alike have their eyes locked on the gridiron, eagerly watching the next generation of football stars make their mark. From small-town teams to larger metropolitan powerhouses, the talent pool in this region is deep and diverse, with players from all walks of life coming together to compete and showcase their skills. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a curious spectator, there’s no denying the excitement and passion that comes with watching these young athletes take the field.
This freshman offensive lineman is a force to be reckoned with on the field. Leeland Barth Leeland Barth 6’2″ | 245 lbs | OL Olathe North | 2026 State KS brings a level of intensity that is not often seen at his age level. He is a powerful blocker, with the ability to drive back opposing defensive linemen with ease. His confidence and swagger are infectious, and his passion for the game is evident on every snap. While he may occasionally hesitate before making contact with certain defenders, he is a tenacious blocker who is willing to do whatever it takes to open up running lanes for his ball carriers. Despite playing only on the freshman team, he is already demonstrating the potential to be a standout offensive lineman at the varsity level.
Highlights
Tamer Alomari
Tamer Alomari
Sticking with the beautiful program being displayed at Olathe North, Tamer may not always appear aggressive on the field, but his size and strength make him a force to be reckoned with. Standing at 270 pounds, Alomari rarely gets pushed backwards by defensive linemen. He has quick feet when pulling to block for his running back and is able to effectively seal off running lanes. However, he can be hesitant when meeting linebackers and will sometimes stop his feet before making contact. Despite this, he is able to use his size and strength to overpower defenders and drive them into the ground. At times, his feet can get flat, but he compensates for this with his raw power and ability to hold his ground. Alomari has not played football for very long, but has the foundation to be an incredible player on a gridiron.
Brent Gillis Brent Gillis 6’0″ | 270 lbs | DL Blue Valley SW | 2024 State KS is a true force on both sides of the ball. On defense, he is an excellent pass rusher with a quick first step and strong arms. He shows good pursuit downfield and can make tackles far from the line of scrimmage. His ability to stop his feet before contact is something he will need to work on to maximize his impact. On offense, he is a mauler in the run game and can easily take on double teams to clear lanes for his running backs. He maintains a low center of gravity in his pass blocks and is relentless in his effort, always playing until the whistle blows. Overall, Gillis is a valuable asset to any team with his versatility and work ethic. Blue Valley Southwest had a good season last year, but with Gillis and Strickland running the front line, there is no reason they can’t run the metro.
Gunnar may not have top-end speed, but he more than makes up for it with his throwing ability. His quick release and flick of the wrist when throwing the football allows him to get the ball out quickly and accurately. His offense relies heavily on play action, which means he has to be able to move quickly in the pocket and take hits while delivering throws. His footwork in the pocket is excellent, and his elusiveness allows him to evade pass rushers and extend plays. While he may not have a cannon for an arm, he makes up for it with his patience and accuracy as a passer. As a runner, he is more of a downhill type of player who is lacking in elusiveness in the open field. Gross is a passer that just makes the game fun to watch, and I cannot wait to see more this fall.
Koby Le Koby Le 6’1″ | 240 lbs | DL Emporia | 2025 State KS is an absolute force on the field. Standing tall at his position and weighing in at a considerable size, he plays with a low center of gravity and delivers crushing blows to offensive linemen. He has the ability to dominate the line of scrimmage, and his bull rush is a formidable weapon. However, he has a tendency to get caught out of position and struggle with maintaining outside contain. To elevate his game, he will need to develop more nuanced pass rush moves and use his size to his advantage. Despite this, he has immense potential and could be a dominant force on the field with some refinement to his technique.