2025 Mid-Summer Standouts: Wichita/Western KS

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After taking some time to sharpen the saw it's back to reporting on player progress this summer as we come down the homestretch to the 2024 season. The off-season work has been pounded into place. From here on in it will be to put the finishing touches on being in the best possible football shape when August rolls around.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>And it will be here in a hurry...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Over the weekend when I crawled back in the video cave to continue my quest for players flying under the radar, it didn't take long to generate a sizable list of 2025 standouts who continue to catch my eye. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In today's report we will cover a couple of proven performers in the Wichita and Western Kansas areas and then introduce three impressive guys who are currently unranked.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Today's <strong><em>Weekend</em></strong> <strong><em>Five</em></strong> are:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1301851' first='Logan' last='Lira']</strong>, 6'4, 275, OL, <strong>Andover High School</strong> is currently <em>unranked</em>. He is coming off a solid junior season when he was used primarily at left tackle. He has prototype size and length, with a strong base and excellent reach that he uses to his advantage in pass protection situations. In the run game he caves in defenders between the tackles and moves well enough to be used in pulling schemes, chipping off and blocking at the next level and hitting the perimeter. Using his size and athleticism he gets good leverage in one-on-one blocks and is quick to make adjustments as the game progresses. Another good Andover player to get out and see or put on your watchlist.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='442345' first='Jesmar' last='Molina']</strong>, 5'8, 150, ATH, <strong>Syracuse</strong>, is currently ranked <em>#314</em>. An exciting, versatile player out in western Kansas who, like many of his teammates and opponents in the region, do not get the recognition they deserve. He is a multi-positional athlete who can play quarterback or wide receiver on offense and can play as a linebacker coming off the edge or as a hybrid safety. As a quarterback he throws an accurate pass in the short game and is adept at throwing off platform and from different launch angles. On defense, he has a nose for the ball and tracks quickly on the perimeter. He is also an aggressive open field tackler with excellent range and closing speed. He is getting ready to make some noise this fall, get out and see him play when you can.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1306198' first='Elijah' last='Dixon']</strong>, 6'0, 220, LB, <strong>Derby</strong>, is currently <em>unranked</em>. He is coming off an excellent junior season when he started at linebacker for Wichita Southeast. He has since transferred and will strap it on for the Derby Panthers this fall. And, by all indications, Derby teammates and fans are going to be glad he is onboard. Last year he piled up 49 tackles, with 11 tackles for loss. Although he can play any of the linebacker positions, he excels as an outside backer who can stuff the run game inside and also storm the gates coming off the edge. He has a powerful frame, with heavy hands and a rugged base that he uses to shuck blockers and blow up the opponent's run game inside and on the perimeter. He has great read and react skills and closes blazingly fast. Get out and see a master at his craft this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1115443' first='Hudson' last='Rice']</strong>, 6'2, 290, OL, <strong>Liberal</strong>, is ranked <em>#172</em>. Another western Kansas standout who is not getting the kind of coverage he has earned. Coming off a standout junior season and busy in the camp-clinic circuit, he is getting ready to take his game to the next level this fall. A versatile interior offensive lineman, he has top-end skills whether he is operating in pass pro or pulling and trapping in the run game. He has a strong first step, maintains good pad level and is light on his feet as a mauler of a blocker in space. In the run game he positions well off the snap, using his lower body strength and versatile skill sets to leverage crushing blocks and open gaps for the backs. He is poised and prepared to light things up this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1306200' first='Ronelle' last='Slaughter']</strong>, 6'0, 195, RB, Wichita East, is currently <em>unranked</em>. He is coming off a junior season when he started at running back for Wichita Southeast, but has since transferred to Wichita East. Last season he lined up as a tailback or in a one-back set where he used his instinctive read and react skills to find the gaps, make a decisive cut and hit the afterburners into the secondary. Once he breaks into the open he has the speed and acceleration to rip off the long touchdown run. He is more than fast, as a big, strong back with a low center of gravity who will deliver a jackhammer-like blow getting the extra yard. He will also shred arm tackles and it usually takes more than one defender to bring him down in the open field. Wichita East appears to be loaded this fall and adding a kid of this caliber will make them even stronger.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In conclusion, these five are getting ready to dominate in the very near future, so get out and see them while you still can. And, as usual, if you have questions, comments or want to share any players who are flying under the radar feel free to DM me on X.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->