Mustang Roster Loaded With College Prospects

You never know what might inspire a scouting report. This one began with one athlete reaching out to me and asking me to critique his Hudl video.   It gave me an idea for a couple of reports which then ended up focusing on one program after I realized how much ranked talent was on their roster.   Kudos to that player for reaching out and wanting to learn more about how he could improve his game. That one ask led to several of his teammates gaining some extra exposure.   I am heading to Salina this week to scout at a volleyball camp so it seemed fitting to feature the Salina Central Mustangs football program as I head west this week.   Here is a look at ranked and unranked prospects on a Mustang squad coming off a playoff season in which they lost in the Class 5A State Sectional Round to Hays.   [player_tooltip player_id='545362' first='Gunnar' last='Gross'], QB, 6'2”, 200, ‘24 (No. 44)   Salina Central has an accomplished dual-threat quarterback heading into the 2023 season. Gross threw for 1,639 yards as a junior. He completed 62 percent of his pass attempts and threw for 14 touchdowns. In the run game, he racked up 894 yards (second on the team) and scored 19 touchdowns on the ground. Gross can throw the deep ball and would fit into a pro-formation offense or one that relies on the option.   [player_tooltip player_id='826187' first='Jameer' last='Moore'], DB, 6'3”, 170, '24 (No. 80)   Moore is one of those athletes who has freakish athletic ability. He is a tall corner that can really shut down the fade route and smaller receivers. He has a wide wing span to break up passes with and to wrap up would-be ball carriers. Watching film on him, I really like his tackling technique.   [player_tooltip player_id='826368' first='Hunter' last='Mowery'], WR, 6'0”, 185, '24 (No. 115)   Mowery led the Mustangs in receptions and receiving yards in 2022. He made 39 receptions and gained 584 yards for Salina Central. The Mustang wideout found the end zone eight times. Mowery can be effective on the outside but usually lines up as a slot or inside receiver. He is not afraid to run over the middle of the field and the term “Alligator Arms” is not in his vocabulary. He will lay out and make plays on any ball near him.   [player_tooltip player_id='1109202' first='Kaiden' last='Comeau'], SS/OLB, 5'7”, 175, ‘24   Comeau has really good closing speed from the safety position and can stick opposing ball carriers. He moves well in all directions. He needs to add some size and bulk if he wants to play outside linebacker at the next level. He is a smart athlete and can lead a defense. He missed most of last season with an injury, but he gained lots of experience and reps this offseason playing with the Kansas Colts during the 7v7 season.   Donovan Johnson, LB, 5'11”, 215, ‘24   Johnson is arguably pound-for-pound the strongest player on the Mustangs roster. He was third on the team in total tackles with 67 of them during the regular season. He has good closing speed as he has been clocked in the Forty at 4.85 seconds and also with a 4.46 shuttle. Johnson can fight off blockers and finish off tackles. Plus, with a Twitter Account of @donjohnson05 you know he has a tough-minded Hollywood attitude about it. This young man can play defense and in-state programs should give him a look.   Dez Gibson, WR/FS, 6'2”, 175, ‘24   Gibson is a lightning-quick threat who gets somewhat overshadowed by Mowery's play. Gibson finished with 19 receptions for 216 yards on an offense that had five athletes with more than 200 yards receiving. He also caught three touchdowns. On the defensive side of the ball, he finished with 36 total tackles and can cover receivers as equally well as he can get open when Central has the ball.   Eli Wilson, RB, 5'8”, 160, ‘24   Wilson is an “Under The Radar” prospect for now, but don't be surprised to see him jump into the Class of 2024 rankings before the season is over. Wilson had just 35 carries for the Mustangs as a junior. He was the backup to Kenyon McMillan who rushed for 1,265 yards and was the league's MVP. Wilson scored two touchdowns and rushed for 223 yards as McMillan's understudy. Word on the street is that Wilson has been putting in hard work this summer and is poised for a big senior year.   [player_tooltip player_id='571068' first='Gage' last='Gibson'], OL, 6'4”, 220, ‘25 (No. 83)   Gibson is a physical tackle, who if he works hard in the gym is only going to get more physical. He is very dangerous as a run blocker and fast enough that he can pull. His stock value will be determined by how much he improves his pass-blocking technique. He has a high ceiling and wears No. 77 which is my favorite number. So, he has that going for him!   [player_tooltip player_id='866495' first='Tyrus' last='Young'], ATH, 6'1”, 200, ‘25 (No. 94)   It's yet to be seen whether Young will play on offense, but defensively he is a solid linebacker option. He finished with 57 total tackles as a sophomore. He has played linebacker and tight end. He is also an accomplished baseball player who is a third baseman and catcher. He is a young strong man and a versatile athlete. His overall speed and conditioning might be the difference in which sport and at how high a level he plays collegiately.

You never know what might inspire a scouting report. This one began with one athlete reaching out to me and asking me to critique his Hudl video.