Maize Eagle Duo Among Ranked Players At Wichita 7v7

Jeremy Deckard June 20, 2023 @ 12:44 PM

On June 20 several teams congregated at Northwest High School in Wichita to play 7 v7.  Teams got multiple reps on offense and defense on two ends of the field.   It was quite impressive to watch the teams take turns getting fast-paced reps. It was not a competition and no score was kept. It was an awesome way for athletes to try out new positions and for coaches to tweak plays and lineups against certain looks.   What was most impressive was the level of sportsmanship between the rival schools. There was very little trash-talking that I noticed and players were complementing each other after good plays. It was very refreshing and not something that happened back when I played high school football in the early 1990s.   Here is the first of two reports on players that caught my eye during the 90-plus minute workout. This group consists of players who are currently ranked among the best in the state according to Prep Redzone scouts.   [player_tooltip player_id='442624' first='Bryson' last='Hayes'], 6'0", 180, WR, Maize, '25                                                                               Hayes is a legit Division I prospect and is being recruited as such. He made multiple catches in the end zone during the event. He physically can dominate corners while getting off the line and can beat defenders with his speed. He finished his sophomore season with 582 yards receiving on 19 catches. He scored eight touchdowns during the 2022 season. He is currently ranked No. 4 in the Prep Redzone rankings for the Kansas Class of 2024. He has multiple offers from Big 12 and Big 10 programs.   [player_tooltip player_id='354613' first='Drew' last='Kemp'], 5'11", 165, QB, Maize, ‘25   Kemp has a big arm and throws a tight ball. Maize has three quarterbacks currently ranked in Prep Redzone's player rankings. Two of those quarterbacks participated in the 7v7 action. Kemp threw at least two bombs that would have accounted for touchdowns. He is composed while running the offense and I could tell he was working on his throwing technique during this opportunity. Kemp is ranked No. 54 in the class of 2025.   [player_tooltip player_id='146117' first='CJ' last='Felder'], 5'11”, 175, DB, Maize, ‘24   Felder is a solid defender. He made a couple of pass break-ups during the event. He has quick speed and can jump, and cover. I hope to get to watch him in pads sometime as I want to see how he hits people. He is currently ranked No. 156 in the Prep Redzone rankings.   [player_tooltip player_id='259758' first='Michael' last='Lopez'], 5'7", 150, WR, Wichita NW, 24   Several of the Grizzlies' top-ranked players and multiple starters were missing from action due to injury. One player ranked at No. 50 in the Class of 2024, however, was displaying his skills in 7v7 action. Lopez is a gifted athlete who could play wide receiver or cornerback. He has solid speed and that speed plays whether he running routes or running backward in coverage. He has nice hands and a nose for creating turnovers on defense.   [player_tooltip player_id='334743' first='Jacob' last='King'], 5'10", 170, ATH, Wichita NW, ‘24   King is a salty defensive player. He projects as a guy who can play all over the field. As a junior, he racked up 59 total tackles, 15 of which accounted for a loss of yardage. He is a smart defensive player who can call out the stunts and adjustments. He was noticeable during the event on his home team's surface. King is currently ranked No. 52 among his class of 2024 peers.

On June 20 several teams congregated at Northwest High School in Wichita to play 7 v7. Teams got multiple reps on offense and defense on two ends of the field.