More players flying under the radar

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the HS football season getting going THIS WEEK, here are a handful of players who I believe are flying under the radar and could have a big season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='348163' first='Carson' last='McKelheer'] </strong>- <em>2025 - Eastside Catholic HS - LB</em> - Carson is a top LB in the 2025 class and maybe even in the state. He has been consistent over the years when it comes to taking down the ball carrier and being able to get into the backfield easily. Easily a top LB in the Metro League.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='693762' first='Sunny' last='Nguyen']</strong> -<em> 2025 - Tumwater HS - DB </em>- Sunny is a lock down corner and has proved that over the last couple seasons by not letting many passes get completed that come his way. He closes out on the ball quickly and has great hands to pick off QB's if the ball is mis-placed. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='348174' first='Ronan' last='Rasmussen']</strong> - <em>2025 - Highline HS - QB </em>- Ronan is one of the most consistent quarterbacks in the state, being comfortable in the pocket but also having the confidence to throw the ball on the run and scramble if the pocket collapses. He will take Highline deep into the state tournament, if you ask me.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Keegan Howard</strong> -<em> 2025 - Lake Stevens HS - LB</em> - I have noticed Keegan's potential a few years back. He showed flashes of brilliance and is now one of the highest rising prospects in the state of Washington. He reads offenses quickly and can react to the QB in a split second. He is strong for his size and wraps up incredibly well. He is going to once again have an amazing season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='957347' first='Landen' last='Downey']</strong> - <em>2025 - Meridian HS - RB</em> - Landen is a great running back, having the agility and strength to break tackles whatever way he wants. He sees the defense well and reacts quickly, often making the right decsion in the moment. Downey will likely handle most of the Trojans carries this season in what should be a run heavy offense. Downey catches the ball out of the backfield consistently too, being a threat whenever there is green field ahead of him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1217964' first='Rashard' last='Boone']</strong> -<em> 2026 - Rogers HS - QB</em> - Boone and his team failed to win a game last season but with flashes of great things on the field from Boone, I believe Rogers will be improved. Rashard has good mobility and can extend the play if needed but also has great arm strength and solid accuracy in the pocket. He'll have a great junior season this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='865636' first='Adam' last='Estrada']</strong> - <em>2025 - Highline HS - WR </em>- Estrada could be one of the best route runners in the 2025 class. He has quick feet and fantastic footwork, stopping on a dime when running his route. Adam is reliable with his hands, catching almost everything in his vicinity, especially with Rassmussen throwing him dots. Their connection will be on full display this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->