SEMO Players To Watch
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<p>As the 2024 season is five days away here is a look at some of the top players to see this season.</p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='1112573' first='Keyshawn' last='Boyd'] 2026 Cape Girardeau Central<br>(6'0" 195) RB<br>- Boyd showed flashes of what was to come as a freshman contributor for the Tigers as a powerful runner with good speed. He followed that up with a 2,000 yard plus sophomore campaign where he also ran for 32 touchdowns while averaging 9.3 yards per carry. Keshawn is a workhorse back that can take it to the house on any given play. </p>
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<p><strong>Zai'aire Thomas</strong> 2025 Cape Girardeau Central<br>(5'6" 155) RB<br>- Thomas is the lightning to Boyd's thunder for Cape Central Tigers. A blur in space with sprinters speed, Zai'Aire has also been a factor on varsity since he was a a freshman. He is looking to increase his senior numbers from a stellar junior season where he rushed for over 1,300 yards and 16 touchdowns for a 9,8 yards per carry average, while also catching the ball 29 times for 498 yards and 4 more scores, and was also a factor on special teams.</p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='1131009' first='Jaylon' last='Hampton'] 2027 Jackson <br>(5'7" 165) RB<br>- One of the top freshman players in the state in 2023 after rushing for over 1,000 yards and 20 touchdowns, while also being a receiving threat while being one of the top offensive weapons in the Indians success last season. Hampton made it look ridiculously easy at times using his quickness and change of direction twitchiness to make players miss and hit top speed in short order. He really helped carry Jackson to a big win over Seckman with multiple touchdowns early after their starting QB had been lost for the remainder of the season in the previous game. Look for an even bigger year in 2024. </p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='345120' first='Kai' last='Crowe'] 2025 Jackson<br>(6'1" 190) WR<br>- One of the most athletic wide receiver prospects in the entire state regardless of area or class. Kai had a monster junior season with 1,284 yards receiving on 84 catches with 13 touchdowns while earning second team All-State honors. He is a complete receiver who is physical, has great speed to get separation from DBs, route running ability and concentration along with good hands. He's worked hard in the offseason and is looking to go out with an even bigger senior season.</p>
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<p><strong>Lee Michael McDonald</strong> 2025 Dexter<br>(5'9" 165) WR <br>-The speedy McDonald is a talented all-purpose offensive player who is equally dangerous with the ball in his hands catching or running the ball. He will be among to top skill players in Southeast Missouri in 2024 after rushing for 821 yards on 79 carries for an 11.2 yards per carry average and 6 touchdowns, and hauling in 22 passes for 559 yards for 25.4 yards per catch and 7 more touchdowns.</p>
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As the 2024 season is five days away here is a look at some of the top players to see this season.
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