Recruiting Spotlight: Ranked Athletes Heading To Kansas JUCOs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I love it when top talent decides to commit to junior college programs. I have conversations with way too many prep athletes in the three sports I scout who have a variety of negative assumptions about JUCO programs and won't even consider offers from two-year schools.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Whatever those negative ideas were most of them have been erased in this new transfer portal era. Currently, eight athletes ranked in the top 100 in the Kansas Class of 2024 have committed to in-state JUCO programs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here is this first report focusing on Kansas athletes planning on heading to Jayhawk Conference schools.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='146114' first='DaeOnte' last='Mitchell'],</strong> QB, 5'11”, 195, Wichita East (Hutchinson)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mitchell is the highest-ranked player in Kansas who decided to go the junior college route. The gifted quarterback is ranked No. 22 overall in the Prep Redzone Kansas Class of 2024 rankings.  He is quick and athletic. The Blue Ace prospect has committed to playing for the Hutchinson Dragons. Mitchell will have competition from another 2024 signee from Kansas or could end up switching positions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='145515' first='Hudson' last='Ferralez'],</strong> QB, 6'1”, 205, Wichita Collegiate (Hutchinson)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ferralez also has decided to start his collegiate career in Hutchinson. He is ranked No. 35 overall after a season in which he threw for more than 2,500 yards. He transferred to Wichita Collegiate from Hesston for his senior year. So the transfer process for him from a JUCO program to a four-year institution should be an easier move for him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='262768' first='Justyce' last='Betts'],</strong> LB, 6'0”, 215, Bishop Miege (Butler)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head Coach Bryce Vignery is putting together an impressive recruiting class at Butler. Betts is a physical and fast linebacker who is ranked No. 40 overall in the Class of 2024 Kansas rankings. He had multiple offers from Division II programs in the MIAA but decided to ply his trade in El Dorado instead.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='334738' first='Gerard' last='Reed III'],</strong> DB, 6'2” 185, Olathe East (Hutchinson)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Reed is a shutdown corner who can also play safety or a hybrid linebacker. He is ranked No. 49 overall and coming off a senior season in which he recorded 83 total tackles. He has a nose for the football as he registered two interceptions, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery last season for Olate East. Like Mitchell and Ferralez he turned down Division II offers to play for Drew Dallas' Hutch Dragons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='544696' first='Daimont' last='Mucker']</strong>, RB, 5'10” 190, Valley Center (Butler)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mucker won't be traveling far to play his college ball. The Valley Center prospect who is ranked No. 54, will travel just 30 miles on Highway 254 to get to the Butler Grizzlies' Campus. Mucker was underrecruited in my opinion and Butler is getting a running back with plus speed and good hands.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='826188' first='Darius' last='Felton'],</strong> TE, 6'6”, 220, Maize South (Butler)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another Wichita area prospect headed to Butler is Maize South's Felton. He is ranked No. 64 and can dominate the line of scrimmage as a run-blocker or serve as a red zone threat. His size, hands, and ability to high-point the ball make him an end-zone target.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='545361' first='Teegan' last='Haines']</strong>, LB, 6'4”, 190, McPherson (Garden City)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>New head coach Kiyoshi Harris has added one of the most underrated linebackers in Kansas. Haines is ranked No. 65 overall. Haines is a speedy linebacker who can play solid coverage against the pass. I would not be surprised if the Broncbuster staff looks at playing him at free safety. He should contribute to the GCCC special team units right away.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='544697' first='Marcus' last='White']</strong>, WR, 5'11”, 160, Wichita East (Dodge City)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>White is ranked No. 83 in the Prep Redzone Class of 2024 standings. He is an excellent route runner with explosive speed. He will be heading west to play for the Dodge City Conquistadores.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->