Watchlist: 2025 Studs Gearing Up For This Fall

Although the 2025 ranking updates have been pushed out slightly, it will actually be a good thing as it will enable the Prep Redzone Kansas Team to assess more players, uncover more athletes flying under the radar and make sure the information on the players already ranked is as accurate as possible.   I will also be extending my March Madness marathon film sessions that I am currently in the middle of, which is a necessity if you're going to assess 400+ players.   And, in keeping with my approach, we will be identifying and assessing five standout players who caught my eye during film work. These guys stood out in a big way and are this week's Friday Five.   [player_tooltip player_id='733209' first='Linkon' last='Cure'], 6'6, 225, TE/WR, Goodland, is ranked #2. He is coming off a stellar junior season in which he caught 42 passes for 942 and 14 touchdowns, averaging an eye-popping 22.4 yards per reception. With his size, speed and pure athleticism he is one of the most heavily-recruited players in the nation. Although he is projected as a tight end in college, he is far more than that. He is closer to a hybrid wide receiver that can be used in any number of creative ways to get him the ball. When split out wide he forces lopsided mismatches and is particularly effective accelerating down the seams for the long ball. With his great reach and exceptional catch radius he is almost unstoppable in the endzone. He has agile hips, good burst moving laterally and carries the ball like a tailback in the open field. He is also a state champion hurdler, standout in AAU hoops and just about anything else he does. This kid is going big time folks.   [player_tooltip player_id='1114828' first='Jayden' last='Houghton'], 6'4, 225, DE/TE, Frontenac, is ranked #48. On the other side of the state in Frontenac is another long, athletic dual-position player who is starting to get significant attention from people in the know. On offense last year he lined up primarily in tight where he was a threat in the short passing game and was a pile-driving blocker. He has good stretch, reliable hands and goes up high to make contested catches. On defense he really shines as an aggressive, physical defensive end who dominates the edge and collapses down to stuff the run. He walls off the perimeter when the offense tries to run wide and causes major disruption getting to the quarterback. He is big and strong enough to bust tackles in the mouth and has the closing speed to chase down backs and receivers in space. He is going to make some noise this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='570157' first='Kyle' last='Keya'], 6'5, 215, DE/LB, Kapaun, is ranked #36. He is coming off a solid junior year when he put rival coaches and players on notice with his standout play. He is a rangy, athletic combo defensive end/linebacker who has the size and speed to cause havoc in the backfield. Coming off the edge he gets to the quarterback like a heat-seeking missile and routinely blows up pass plays before they get started. He has a powerful frame with a strong base and fast, weaponized hands that he uses effectively to keep blockers off his pads and pop them in the chops along the way. He moves well in space and in pursuit and has a nose for the ball. He plays up and down the line of scrimmage and stonewalls the wide game to his side of the ball. He has agile feet and moves well laterally and responding to misdirection. He is getting ready for the spotlight in 2024.   [player_tooltip player_id='716836' first='Brady' last='Johnson'], 6'2, 235, DE/TE, Wichita NW, is ranked #76. Another big, strong defensive end who can maul and mash with the best of them anywhere on the line of scrimmage. He can line up with his fingers on the ground in a 3-man front or play upright on the edge in a 4-3 look. He is a disrupting force of a brawler on the end who hits blockers in the teeth and gets in the backfield in a hurry. He has a rugged, strong base and is a bruising hitter on impact. He has good football instincts, a nose for the football and tracks the ball well, in particular when closing down to destroy the opposing team's run game. He shoots gaps quickly, splits double teams well and is a hard-hitting, smothering open-field tackler. If you are in the Wichita area this fall get out and see this guy in action. He is getting ready to deliver the goods in '24.   [player_tooltip player_id='1202586' first='Tyson' last='Beashore'], 6'2, 185, QB, St James Academy (Lenexa), is currently not ranked. He is coming off an excellent junior season and has been hard at it getting ready to show the football world what he can do in 2024. He is an athletic dual-threat quarterback who has excellent size and all the skill sets needed to be a success. He has a strong arm and can make all the throws, from short, accurate darts over the middle and in the flats to making the long throw with nice touch. He throws the ball well on the move and in particular is excellent rolling out to the left. He can make off platform throws and is very accurate throwing from different launch angles. He does drop the ball a little in his passing rotation, which makes for a more elongated motion, but that is something he can tighten up. He runs the ball well on designated keepers and can extend plays effectively with his legs. Get out and see this kid dominate this fall.   In conclusion, these guys are going to be playing at the collegiate level soon so make it a point to get out and see them play while you can. And, with the ranking updates delayed let's take advantage of the extra time and get more players covered. If you have any questions, comments or have players to pass on that are flying under the radar, please feel free to DM me on X.

Although the 2025 ranking updates have been pushed out slightly, it will actually be a good thing as it will enable the Prep Redzone Kansas Team to assess more players, uncover more athletes flying under the radar and make sure the information on the players already ranked is as accurate as possible.