UKC Preview: Six Prospects From Leavenworth & Piper

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Leavenworth Pioneers and Piper Pirates are each hoping to take their football programs to the next level in 2023.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here is a report on three players from each team who hope to make giant splashes and improve their recruitment stock during United Kansas Conference play in 2023.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>All six are in the 2024 recruiting class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='543073' first='Aaron' last='Henson'], </strong>MLB, 6'0”, 220, Piper</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Henson is a physical linebacker who has gotten that way by doing work in the weight room. He has broken six powerlifting school records while at Piper. He is an explosive linebacker who finishes plays. He racked up 117 total tackles during his junior campaign and has multiple offers from Division I and Division II programs. Henson has a high ceiling and his recruitment could go all the way to the next national signing day.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Zane Pudenz</strong>, ATH, 5'7”, 170, Piper</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pudenz is a playmaker. He can line up at multiple positions. He has played running back, wide receiver, and defensive back. He has great hands and moves really well. Pudenz can catch the ball out of the backfield or pick off opposing quarterbacks. He has multiple offers and probably tops out as an FCS prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Evan Damron</strong>, LB/TE, 6'2”, 220, Piper</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Damron is another versatile Pirate prospect. Last season he played along the defensive line but is expected to move to linebacker for the 2023 season. He is fast and big which makes him a solid pass rusher off the edge. He plays tight end on offense and his combination of size and speed make him a difficult match-up. He attended a camp at Washburn this summer and could also possibly be utilized as a lead-blocking fullback in old-fashioned offensive formations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Xavier Stickland</strong>, RB, 6'0”, 163, Leavenworth</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Strickland is a quick multi-purpose running back. He gained 500-plus yards for the Pioneers during his junior campaign and will be expected to carry a big offensive load in 2023. He can catch the ball out of the backfield and is an awesome catch-and-run weapon in the screen game. He can contribute to a team as a returner or gunner on special team units.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1182658' first='Nolan' last='Norberto']</strong>, OL, 6'5”, 225, Leavenworth</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I saw Norberto at multiple camps this off-season. He is a three-year starter on the offensive line heading into his senior season. He is versatile enough to play guard or tackle and he for sure belongs on the offensive side of a team's scheme. Norberto is strong and plays with solid pad level. He beats his opposition to the punch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Zachary Eagle</strong>, C, 6'0”, 210, Leavenworth</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Eagle is another three-year starter on the Pioneers' offensive line. He is fast enough to pick up stunting down linemen and strong enough to create distance between himself and the opposition. He takes care of the football which is key and his experience can't be underestimated. Eagle was a member of the UKC second team as a junior.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->