Afternoon Film Study: 6 Players Balling Across Kansas

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Where the rhythmic beats of life echo through vast fields and small towns, a captivating narrative unfolds on the gridiron. In this film study, we embark on a journey through the sunflower state, exploring the lives and stories of six exceptional football players who have become symbols of passion, resilience, and community spirit. Against the backdrop of sprawling landscapes and Friday night lights, these athletes transcend the boundaries of the football field, embodying the dreams and aspirations of a tight-knit community. Join us as we delve into the compelling narratives of these players, each with a unique tale to tell, and discover the profound impact of their journey on the cultural tapestry of Kansas. If you are interested in being highlighted in a film study, DM me on Twitter at @Matt_Simpson01!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1103624"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Pruitt Nowlin, a promising quarterback, exhibits a strong arm capable of delivering passes with impressive ball speed. His pocket presence is notable, as he displays nimble footwork and stands tall, giving him a clear vantage point downfield. Nowlin's mechanics are sound, particularly evident in his consistent and effective release. He demonstrates good speed, both when dropping back in the pocket and when opting to scramble. Although lacking in true elusiveness, Nowlin compensates with a preference for rollouts, using his speed to extend plays. Notably, he tends to make quick decisions, primarily relying on his legs after just one read, showcasing a penchant for taking off rather than forcing passes. While his touch on passes is generally commendable, diversifying his reads could enhance his overall effectiveness as a quarterback.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["372248"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='372248' first='Caleb' last='Maholmes'], a dynamic linebacker and integral part of an outstanding linebacker duo at West, showcases a multifaceted skill set that bolsters his team's defensive prowess. His hard-hitting style and ability to extend his arms effectively against blockers make him a formidable force in stopping opposing offenses. Maholmes possesses quick feet, enabling him to navigate through traffic and drive his legs into tackles with impressive force. His proficiency as an edge rusher is noteworthy, providing valuable versatility to the defensive scheme. While he excels in following the backside of plays and setting the edge effectively, Maholmes can sometimes be caught flat-footed in coverage, presenting an area for improvement. Additionally, he should focus on maintaining a lower stance during certain tackles to avoid getting too high. Overall, [player_tooltip player_id='372248' first='Caleb' last='Maholmes'] is a promising linebacker with the potential to make significant contributions on both run defense and as a pass rusher.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_2_player_details_player_name":"Caleb Beard","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_2_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_2_player_details_height":"6'3u0022","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_2_player_details_weight":"240","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_2_player_details_position":"2406","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_2_player_details_school":"Andover","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_2_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_2_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_2_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"Caden Beard, a Defensive End/ Offensive Tackle combo, showcases a combination of strengths and areas for improvement. Notably, he possesses an impressive bull rush, utilizing his considerable strength to overpower blockers. However, his slow first step could be a limiting factor in quick-reacting situations, affecting his ability to burst off the line effectively. Furthermore, Beard tends to stand straight up into blocks, leaving him susceptible to being controlled by opposing linemen. While his extension of arms into blockers demonstrates good technique, there is a hint of hesitancy upon contact that may need addressing. Despite being mechanically unsound, Beard compensates with raw power, making him a formidable force on the line. Coaches may need to work on refining his footwork to enhance agility and addressing his tendency to stand tall to maximize his overall potential as a game changer.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["570289"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"DJ Johnson is a dynamic linebacker who showcases a quick first step off the snap, enabling him to disrupt plays in the backfield effectively. His adept use of the bull rush demonstrates a powerful and relentless approach when engaging with blockers, often creating opportunities for tackles behind the line of scrimmage. Johnson's fast pursuit is a standout feature, allowing him to track down ball carriers with impressive speed and agility. His strong hands are an asset, enabling him to shed blockers efficiently and maintain control in various situations. Johnson excels at containing option plays, showcasing football IQ and discipline in defending against versatile offensive schemes. However, it's worth noting that while he is generally a sure tackler, there are instances where he could improve on delivering more consistently forceful tackles. Nonetheless, his combination of size and athleticism positions him as a promising linebacker prospect with the potential to make a significant impact on the field.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["570260"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='570260' first='Eric' last='Smith III'], a formidable Tight End, showcases a distinctive running style that sets him apart from his peers. Notably, he runs without a lean, maintaining an upright posture that enhances his balance and agility but sacrifices overall speed. Standing at an imposing stature, Smith's physical presence is a significant asset on the field. While he exhibits average speed for a tight end, his exceptional hands contribute to his effectiveness in both blocking and receiving roles. Smith displays good balance, enabling him to navigate through defenders with ease. However, there are instances where he tends to jog on some routes, suggesting a potential area for improvement in his overall intensity. In addition to his tight end duties, Smith demonstrates versatility by playing on the defensive end. Despite possessing a strong physique, his first step on the defensive line tends to be slow, and there is room for enhancement in generating more power and explosiveness off the snap. Notably, Smith lacks a real pop on contact, which could be addressed to maximize his impact in both offensive and defensive roles.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["801286"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='801286' first='Thomas' last='Gorges'], a running back, possesses a compact stature that belies his impressive speed and robust lower body strength. With a quick burst off the line of scrimmage, Gorges hits running lanes with authority, demonstrating an ability to power through initial contact. His strong legs contribute to a downhill running style, making him a formidable force when navigating between tackles. However, Gorges occasionally struggles to maintain balance on runs, leaving him susceptible to tackles when off-balance. While lacking in elusive moves, he compensates with remarkable speed, utilizing it effectively to navigate around defenders. Notably, Gorges exhibits reliable hands when utilized in the passing game, showcasing versatility as a threat out of the backfield. Overall, his combination of speed, power, and receiving skills makes him a dynamic asset in various offensive situations.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":6,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65bbfddd19092"} /-->