Grabbing The Spotlight: Ranked Players Working On Improvement

Jeremy Deckard

July 3, 2023 @ 10:08 AM

During the summer is when prospects can take one of two paths. The first is to take the summer off to be teenagers and do the things teenagers do during summer layoffs. The second path is to put in work at camps, showcases, the gym, the weight room, and on the field.   With Kansas High Schools currently taking a week off from sports it will be a good time for athletes to do to teenage things, pop off some fireworks, and rest up for the July and August push. It's also a time for me to catch up on film-watching.   After some statistical analysis of Prep Redzone's coverage of ranked players, I have put together a report on five players who have perhaps not gotten as much love as they deserve.   So here are five ranked players all looking for big fall seasons in order to achieve personal and team goals, as well as to improve their chances of “Grabbing The Spotlight” on Friday nights this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='827346' first='Maddox' last='Waters'], TE, 6'4”, 225, Beloit (No. 114)   Waters has been traveling the camp circuit, attending at least three camps at Division II programs. He is a physical pass-catching tight end who can hurt defenses down the middle of the field. The Beloit prospect is a solid blocker in the run game. He is more than likely going to make one MIAA football program very happy when he commits.   [player_tooltip player_id='826370' first='Robert' last='Marshall'], DB, 6'0”, 170, Blue Valley (No. 120)   Marshall is a solid prospect out of Blue Valley.  He has a nose for the football playing a role in seven turnovers during his junior season. He finished with five interceptions and two fumble recoveries for Blue Valley in 2022. Marshall could play safety or corner. He racked up 48 total tackles during his junior campaign. He plays with grit.   [player_tooltip player_id='826373' first='Keon' last='Edwards'], DB, 5'11”, 180, Newton (No. 149)   Edwards has impressive strength and great balance. He is a wrestler for Newton so there is no doubt how his quick footwork and balance are being developed.  He played 7v7 this last spring with the Kansas Colts. He feeds off competition and all of his metrics are impressive. This young man has been putting in work to improve his skills and to get noticed by college coaches.   [player_tooltip player_id='826367' first='Isaac' last='Martin'], QB, 6'3”, 205, Hugoton (No. 153)   Martin is a skilled quarterback out of southwestern Kansas. He threw for 1,451 yards and 17 touchdowns during his junior season. He has attended multiple camps and combines this season in order to get noticed. He can throw the deep ball and is a poised and accurate thrower in the pocket. He could also be a prospect at the linebacker position and on the basketball court.   [player_tooltip player_id='81145' first='Tate' last='Deever'], LB, 6'0”, 160, 205, Wabaunsee, (No. 198)   Deever is a versatile multiple-sport athlete for the Chargers. He had 81 total tackles during his junior season. He was invited to participate in multiple combines and camps this off-season. He also plays baseball manning first base for Wabaunsee. He has a great first step, reacts to the offense well, and plays with high energy.

During the summer is when prospects can take one of two paths. The first is to take the summer off to be teenagers and do the things teenagers do during summer layoffs. The second path is to put in work at camps, showcases, the gym, the weight room, and on the field.