Division II Schools Looking At A Couple Of 1A 1,000-yard Backs

Photo: Prep Redzone

Jeremy Deckard December 7, 2023 @ 12:49 PM

Class 1A featured one of the state's most prolific running backs. Conway Springs' [player_tooltip player_id='265194' first='Brayden' last='Kunz'] is just one of multiple Kansas prospects who rushed for more than 1,000 yards from the smallest classification of 11-man schools in Kansas.   Here is the sixth report on the top rushers in Kansas. This group played in Class 1A programs and reached the century mark in yards gained on the ground.   [player_tooltip player_id='265194' first='Brayden' last='Kunz'], RB, 6'1”, 190, Conway Springs, ‘24   Kunz is an electric runner who has dominated in Class 1A for two seasons. He rushed for 2,806 yards and 24 touchdowns during 13 games played as a senior. During his junior season, he rushed for 2,266 yards and 27 touchdowns in 11 games. Kunz has college offers but has yet to commit. One of those offers is from the Division II Washburn Ichabods.   [player_tooltip player_id='780429' first='Zane' last='Farney'], RB/QB, 5'11”, 175, Sterling, ‘26   Sterling has a young running back who made noise in 2023. He is just a sophomore but has two 1,000-yard campaigns. In 10 games played he rushed for 1,506 yards and 16 touchdowns. This Black Bear if he hits the weightroom will only get bigger, faster, and stronger.   [player_tooltip player_id='259784' first='Cooper' last='Simmons'], RB, 5'11”, 190, Colgan, ‘24   Simmons is a talented back who rushed for 1,385 yards and 24 touchdowns in 11 games played. The Panther senior also had an impact on the defensive side of the ball with 43 total tackles, three interceptions, and two fumble recoveries. Simmons has multiple offers to play collegiately but has yet to commit. One of those offers is from Division II Pittsburg State University.   [player_tooltip player_id='1228455' first='Kole' last='Klaassen'], RB, 6'1”, 190, Remington, ‘25   Klaassen is a three-sport talent. He rushed for 1,240 yards in nine games played. He scored 12 touchdowns for the Broncos during his junior season. He also caught 11 balls for 256 yards and two scores. He plays basketball and baseball and could get college offers in multiple sports.   [player_tooltip player_id='780353' first='Drake' last='Mellies'], QB, 5'9”, 150, Jackson Heights, ‘26   The Cobras have a young athlete for college coaches to keep an eye on. He rushed for 1,232 touchdowns and 21 touchdowns in 10 games. He also threw for 640 yards and three touchdowns. He also plays guard for the Jackson Heights basketball squad.   Brycean Velez, RB, 5'10”, 140, Central Heights, ‘24   The Vikings senior eclipsed the 1,000-yard threshold with 78 yards to spare. He rushed for 13 touchdowns in 10 games. He was also dangerous in the passing game as he averaged 20.2 yards per catch and three touchdowns on just five receptions.   The following backs rushed for over 800 yards but fell short of the 1,000-yard threshold, [player_tooltip player_id='1190375' first='Carson' last='Spoonts'] (Valley Heights), [player_tooltip player_id='262753' first='Tucker' last='Harrell'] (Colgan), [player_tooltip player_id='544723' first='Wyatt' last='Wurtz'] (Wabaunsee), [player_tooltip player_id='442638' first='Jayden' last='DeWalt'] (Valley Heights), [player_tooltip player_id='1224115' first='Isaac' last='Winter'] (Conway Springs), Trevor Schafers (Haven), and Marion's [player_tooltip player_id='262755' first='Jack' last='Lanning'].

Class 1A featured one of the state's most prolific running backs. Conway Springs' Brayden Kunz Brayden Kunz 6'2" | 205 lbs | ATH Conway Springs | 2024 State KS is just one of multiple Kansas prospects who rushed for more than 1,000 yards from the smallest classification of 11-man schools in Kansas.