2025 Players Flying Under the Radar

One of the best things about being a scout is running across players who are not getting much attention but are off and running taking their game to the next level. Players who may not be ranked very high for whatever reason, or play on teams with losing records, or even dealing with injuries that have kept them from showing what they are really capable of.   In today's report I selected five players who had varying degrees of success as juniors and along the way caught my eye. These guys may be flying under the radar now, but not for long.   Two in particular were already on my list of must-see players, [player_tooltip player_id='1115446' first='AJ' last='Quick'], from Cheney and [player_tooltip player_id='442662' first='Adam' last='Hageman'], from Shawnee Mission NW. I had seen some of their work from earlier film study and they were so impressive I wanted to make sure to get their name out whenever I could. The other three are players I had either been told about and was impressed upon review or they caught my eye scouting someone else.   Here are five currently flying under the radar that are getting ready to make some noise in 2024:   [player_tooltip player_id='1115446' first='AJ' last='Quick'], 5'11, 240, C, Cheney is ranked #253. Coming off a dream season when he helped Cheney win the state championship last year with a pristine 13-0 record and was an All-State position player in the process. He has a powerful base with, quick, nimble feet and a great initial step. He also has some of the best center/offensive lineman mechanics I have seen. He knows how to gain leverage and gets into the defenders pads effectively, locking on and driving them until the whistle is blown. Once he drills in on his target it is usually lights out for the defender. He uses his quick feet and agility as a standout blocker on the move and in space. Whether he is blowing up nose guards or getting to the next level to take out linebackers this kid is for real. Get out and watch a player who is outstanding at his craft.   [player_tooltip player_id='281970' first='Jesse' last='Hardyway'], 5'11, 190, RB/DB, Wichita West is ranked #189. A versatile athlete who can line up as a lockdown corner or move in to play linebacker. He is also an excellent running back on the offensive side of the ball, returns kicks and can do just about anything you ask him to do. He has good speed and quickness and has an initial burst that enables him to separate quickly. As a lockdown corner he is fearless getting up as tight as possible and then gets into the receivers pads at the snap. He can cause disruption on routes and timing on one play and then line up on the edge the next and blow up the run game. As a runner has an excellent burst and is patient at finding holes. He showed potential last year in a win against Wichita North when he carried 13 times for 113 yards and scored a touchdown. He is poised and ready for a great year in 2024   [player_tooltip player_id='351914' first='Jacob' last='O'Donnell'], 6'5, 310, OT, Shawnee Mission NW is ranked #158. A massive mauler of a blocker he plays with attitude, looking to lower the boom on defenders at every chance. Lining up mostly at right tackle a year ago, he has good feet, and a good initial step and when he locks on to the defender it usually ends up as a pancake block. As a run blocker he uses his size and good technique to cave in the defensive line on down blocks, but is also a good blocker in space when getting to the second level. He plays an aggressive game and will drive his defender from snap to whistle, often piledriving them into the turf. He has the size and the tools to be a standout offensive lineman that should get many looks from recruiters. He is definitely one to watch in 2024   Malak Moala, 6'0, 185, WR/S, Blue Valley North is ranked #145. Is coming off a winless junior campaign that didn't allow for much positive reporting for the players. Even so, watching the tape this kid is coming off a solid junior season and is getting fine-tuned for a breakout season in 2024. Lining up wide and in the slot last year he caught 21 passes for 382 yards and an excellent 18.2 yards per catch and a pair of TD's. He has soft hands, runs good routes and is a good runner after the catch. He has good speed and will burn defenders deep on back side posts and deep seam routes. He also does the little things well, locking on and blocking in space, going up to the apex-point of the pass and laying out to make diving grabs. Definitely flying under the radar, but worth the watch in 2024.   [player_tooltip player_id='442662' first='Adam' last='Hageman'], 5'11, 190, LB/RB, Shawnee Mission NW is ranked #85. A headhunter at the linebacker position who closes fast and when he gets there will jack you in the jaw. A scrappy, playmaker, he is coming off a standout junior season when he piled up a sizzling 115 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss and added three sacks for good measure. He has excellent linebacker speed and paired with quick feet and excellent lateral movement he causes disruption all over the field. He has great read and react skills and flies to the football. He is also a force on the blitz, zapping the gaps so quick the guards sometimes don't even touch him. He is also a smothering tackler in the open field. Definitely a player on the rise, get your popcorn he is going to put on a show in 2024.   In conclusion, these players may be flying under the radar for now but not for long. Time to get out and see them play this fall. And, as usual, if you have comments or want to pass on the names of other players not getting the recognition they deserve, feel free to DM me on X.

One of the best things about being a scout is running across players who are not getting much attention but are off and running taking their game to the next level. Players who may not be ranked very high for whatever reason, or play on teams with losing records, or even dealing with injuries that have kept them from showing what they are really capable of.