2027 Versatile Ballers in the Wichita Area

Wade Cargile December 22, 2024 @ 02:16 PM

The sophomore class (2027) is loaded with talent and had quite a few honored with post-season awards, but there are even more who are right on their heels, poised and ready to make the most of their opportunities when they arise.   In this report we will continue to take a look at the promising and standout players from the Wichita area in this class. I will cover 2027 and 2028 players in western and southeast Kansas in follow-on reports.   So, without further adieu, let's get a good look at some of the sophomore ballers in the Wichita area.   [player_tooltip player_id='1586376' first='Izaac' last='Popp'], 5'9, 175, RB/LB, Eisenhower, '27, is a promising sophomore running back who gave the league a glimpse of things to come with his outstanding play this past fall. He is a slashing all-purpose back in the Tiger offensive scheme who is an elusive runner with standout burst and 4.5 acceleration once he hits the sideline. He had a big game against Newton when he carried 10 times for 152 yards, averaging 15+ yards per carry, including a sizzling 66-yard score and had two TD's on the night. For the year he carried 24 times for 232 yards, averaged just under 10 yards per carry and scored three touchdowns. This kid is the real deal and is getting ready for a breakout season.   [player_tooltip player_id='1586378' first='Pete' last='Vega'], 5'11, 180, RB/DB, Andover, '27, is another up-and-coming running back for his team's dominating ground game who got his varsity career off to a great start this past fall. With a loaded backfield he didn't get as many carries as he will in 2025 but when he did he was a wrecking ball of a back, picking up 139 yards on 26 carries for just under six yards per carry. He is a pounding runner who hits the hole hard and is rarely tackled by one defender. With a low center of gravity, running back instincts and excellent lateral movement and acceleration he is a diamond in the rough for the Andover offensive scheme. He is also a versatile special teams player, and handled kickoff duties in eight games. Get this kid on your watchlist.   [player_tooltip player_id='1352560' first='Braesyn' last='Williams'], 6'2, 175, DB, Derby, '27, is a smothering cornerback who is coming off a solid season that should be the springboard for great things to come. In limited game time due to Derby hammering the competition, he still piled up 30+ tackles, added a pair of tackles for loss, picked off two passes and caused a fumble just for good measure. He is already getting big-time attention as he has D1 prototype size and speed for a shutdown corner. Playing up in the receivers face he can flip his hips and move laterally to mirror receivers trying to create separation. He also has excellent closing speed and with his length can go up to the apex point for the ball. He is a stud in the making.   [player_tooltip player_id='944905' first='Drake' last='Blasi'], 5'11, 190, LB, Maize, '27, is coming off a standout sophomore season as an honorable-mention all conference inside linebacker. For the season he piled up 73 tackles, six tackles for loss, seven hurries, a fumble recovery and a couple caused. He is an athletic backer with top-end instincts who reads the play very quickly and flies to the ball. He shuts the run down between the tackles and penetrates gaps in the offensive line like a heat-seeking missile. Once he arrives, he is a jackhammer hitting the ball carrier. He is a rugged open-field tackler with a serious nose for the ball. He is also a standout baseball player. Get out and see this kid in 2025, he is just getting started.   [player_tooltip player_id='1343607' first='Tyler' last='Brown'], 6'4, 245, TE/NG, Oxford, '27, is off and running on an excellent varsity career as a versatile two-way player who can shut down the run game on defense as a nose guard or as a large-and-in-charge tight end on the other side of the ball. For his efforts he was recently named honorable-mention all state. On defense he is a dominating nose, who has a good first step with a strong base and powerful hands. He destroys double teams and moves well laterally and through traffic in pursuit of the ball. On offense as a tight end he has a great catch radius and is a devastating blocker. Get out and see a brawler in the trenches in 2025.     In conclusion, get these guys on your watchlist as they are well on their way to starring on the gridiron next fall. And, as always, if you come across players or teams not getting any attention, give me a shout on X via DM.

The sophomore class (2027) is loaded with talent and had quite a few honored with post-season awards, but there are even more who are right on their heels, poised and ready to make the most of their opportunities when they arise.