QB-WR Connections – More from 2025
In this article:
This week we will be featuring three more standout quarterback-receiver combo’s to keep an eye on in 2024. In this report, we will cover a few of the top performers in the state and a few others that may not…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThis week we will be featuring three more standout quarterback-receiver combo’s to keep an eye on in 2024. In this report, we will cover a few of the top performers in the state and a few others that may not be that well known but will probably be household names by the end of the 2024 season.
And, as mentioned in prior reports, it seems like most of the standout quarterback-wide receiver connections take time to develop. Getting to know how each moves on the field is the easy part for top-end athletes like these. What usually doesn’t happen over night is getting to know how each other thinks. Knowing how each reacts when plays blow up or the game is not going as planned. How they can rise above the madness and make things happen in dynamic duo fashion.
In this report we will be covering three different quarterback-receiver connections that differ a little from the norm. With the “norm” being a QB-WR combo that starts together & grows at the same school for their entire high school career. Below we will touch on some spectacular athletes who aren’t necessarily following that path, with several catching passes from different quarterbacks this fall. We will also take a look at a connection that has been in works for a while but it getting ready to really take off in 2024.
The Derby Connection: the outlook in Derby for the 2024 season is a bright one as they boast arguably the most dangerous QB-Receiver connection in the state. With a #1-ranked receiver and #28-ranked (overall) quarterback who are both coming off superb junior seasons, the sky is the limit. If there is any concern at all it will be how quickly a new tandem like they are will hit the ground running this fall. They have been working closely in the off season to develop the kind of QB-Receiver rapport needed to click on the field and being stellar athletes it shouldn’t take long to start lighting up scoreboards. Both possess standout skill sets and each plays a game that should merge into something spectacular in record time. Below are the Derby studs that are getting ready to make things happen.
Drew Kemp Drew Kemp 6'0" | 175 lbs | QB Maize | 2025 State KS , 6’0, 180, QB, Derby is currently ranked #28. He enjoyed a standout junior season at Maize but has since transferred to state runner-up Derby. Last year he completed 165 out of 249 passes for 2,230 yards and a sizzling 66% completion percentage. He also added 301 yards on 65 carries for a total of 24 touchdowns. An excellent run-pass option quarterback who can throw on the move, he has excellent quarterback mechanics, with a compact shoulder rotation that enables his quick release. He has excellent pocket presence with good feet and does an excellent job of keeping his eyes downfield when scrambling. He has a superb all-around arm and is just as adept at throwing the long seam route as he is firing surgical strikes over the middle and in the flats. He is primed for another standout season in 2024.
DaSaahn Brame DaSaahn Brame 6'6" | 230 lbs | TE Derby | 2025 State KS , 6’6, 235, ATH, Derby is ranked #1. As one of the most highly recruited players in the nation, he is coming off a standout junior year where he gave fans an idea what a unique talent he is, catching 46 passes for 942 yards and a blistering 20.5 yards per reception and 13 touchdowns. Physically, he is a specimen who checks all the boxes. He is long and strong with great reach, an outstanding catch radius and has breakaway speed for a big man. He is very fluid and athletic and creates mismatches all over the field as a wideout, in the slot or in tight. He makes a difficult position look easy, catching tough passes in traffic, fearlessly going over the middle and getting to the apex point of the ball when it is in the air. He runs good routes for someone who could probably get away not doing so and seamlessly creates separation along the way. With his size and athleticism he is a beast in the redzone and almost unstoppable in the endzone. He’s being recruited by all the top schools, get out and see him while you can.
The Maize Connection: another QB-Receiver combo with incredible possibilities and who are grinding away to make it become a reality in the 2024 season. With one of the top returning receivers in the state and a QB with significant potential this should be a connection that shreds the competition this fall. Working closely in the off season to fine-tune their connection, they will be a tough matchup for any defense they face. They can burn the seams long as a strong arm connection or spray the ball around and move the sticks with a steady doses of timing passes. These guys appear to be a great fit and will be fun to watch in 2024. Below are the Maize studs getting ready to make things happen.
Eli Ribaudo Eli Ribaudo 6'2" | 175 lbs | QB Maize | 2026 State KS , 6’2, 190, QB, Maize in not ranked, but we are fully expecting him to get out of the blocks fast and lead a potentially powerful Maize passing attack. A quarterback with good physical tools, he can throw the long ball with a nice touch or drive it accurately on deep outs and comebacks. He stands strong in the pocket and throws well in the face of a heavy rush. He is athletic and has good feet, enabling him to bounce around the pocket or scramble effectively as needed. He also throws well on the run, moving to either side and does a good job looking for the pass as opposed to bailing out and committing to the run too early. All indications are he is poised and ready for a breakout season and to making his name known this fall.
Bryson Hayes Bryson Hayes 6'0" | 180 lbs | WR Maize | 2025 State KS , 6’0, 185, WR, Maize is ranked #5 and coming off a spectacular junior season when he caught 60 passes for 962 yards and a 16.0 yard average per catch. He is the top returning receiver in the 2025 class in receiving yards. Working out of the slot or split wide he is a playmaker that needs the ball in his hands. The Maize scheme is effective at getting him the ball on bubble screens and jet sweeps and bringing him in motion for quick passes in the flat that are almost an extension of the run game. But the short stuff is just a small part, as where he really shines is burning up the deep seams and backside alleys on the long ball. He is an excellent runner after making the catch and is deceptively fast. He has a great initial burst and creates separation right off the line of scrimmage. He also works the soft areas in zone coverage and has no issues going over the middle. He is one of the top receivers in the state – get out and see this kid play.
The Salina Central Connection: where the connections above are ramping up to fine-tune their connection, the Salina Central combo has been playing together since the 7th grade and are very familiar with each others games. With a standout QB coming off an excellent junior year and big, fast, versatile athlete who can play tight end or fullback, H-back or even split wide to force mismatches; this is a combo on the verge of a breakout season. These guys are going to be fun to watch this fall – below are the Salina Central studs getting ready to make things happen.
Jack Gordon Jack Gordon 5'11" | 185 lbs | QB Salina Central | 2025 State KS ,6’0, 185, QB, Salina Central is ranked #198. He is another dual threat QB who had a tremendous junior season and is poised and ready to really shine in 2024. Last year he completed 155 out of 259 passes for a sparkling 62% completion percentage and accumulated 2,300 total yards and 29 touchdowns. He has excellent mechanics in the pocket, quick, nimble feet setting up and reads and works through progressions quickly. He has a nice compact shoulder rotation and quick release which enables him to get the ball out in a hurry, anticipate throws and hit timing routes. He is fluid in play action, throws well on the run either way and consistently throws an accurate ball, whether it is short-to-medium bullets or the long touch pass on the bomb. He is also effective in the run-pass option and can extend plays with his legs. Another one to keep in your sights in ’24.
Tyrus Young Tyrus Young 6'1" | 200 lbs | ATH Salina Central | 2025 State KS , 6’2, 215, ATH, Salina Central moved into #134 ranking spot. A big, physical three-sport athlete, he is also a top-notch linebacker on defense. On offense he is a force getting ready to happen. This year the plan will be to get him the ball as much as possible in order to fully utilize his excellent blend of size and speed. Lining up as an H-back, tight end or even in the backfield, he is an old-school kind of player who will do whatever is needed. He has excellent hands and is a powerful runner after the catch. He is also a bruising blocker who locks up well in space and drives opponents into the turf. He is definitely one of those stars flying under the radar. Get out and watch him blow things up this fall.
In conclusion, all six of these guys are the real deal and will be playing somewhere in the college ranks in the very near future. Get out and see them while you still can. And, as usual, if you have feedback or want to point me in the direction of athletes flying under the radar or who are standing out, feel free to DM me on X.