Great Early-Career Trajectory: Young Guns On The Rise

The more I dig into the underclassmen who will be rising up to take the place of the gifted senior class, the more buried treasure I seem to find.   At least to scouts and coaches - to the players, they already know where the treasure is.   In this report, we will take a look at five more underclassmen who are stepping it up to be the next group of go-to gridiron athletes.   So, without the usual chatter, let's just dive into the ballers who caught my holiday eye this past fall.     [player_tooltip player_id='1588350' first='Owen' last='Luper'], 6'0, 170, ATH, Sedgwick, '26, is a three-sport, versatile athlete who can do a little of everything once he hits the field. He helped lead the team to an 8-2 season and deep into the playoffs. He completed the only pass he threw for a 41-yard TD, caught 40 passes for 589 yards, and was second on the team with a 15-yard per reception average. On defense as a roving ballhawk free safety he was in on 20 tackles and racked up a pair of tackles for loss. He flew under the radar this past season somewhat with several first-team all-state seniors on board. He is also a standout basketball player and in the spring will play baseball. Get this kid on your watchlists, you will not be disappointed - he is the real deal.   [player_tooltip player_id='1588353' first='Jack' last='Horsch'], 6'0, 190, RB/LB, Andale, '26, is coming off one of those dream seasons, helping lead his team to an undefeated 13-0, 3A State Championship, and was first-team all-state LB. In the title game he came up big, gouging Hayden for 100 yards rushing and making numerous big plays from his backer spot; as the Indian defense stonewalled them in the second-half and ran away with the state championship. This past fall he picked up 538 yards rushing on 42 carries, averaging a sizzling 12.8 yards every time he touched the ball and had seven scores. He added eight receptions for another 256 yards, averaging 32 yards a catch and three TD's to give him 800+ total yards and 10 touchdowns. He was also a force on defense, picking up 54 tackles, four tackles for loss and a pair of picks. Get your popcorn out for this guy in 2025, he is going to make some noise.   [player_tooltip player_id='1588356' first='Weston' last='Jackson'], Derby, 6'2, 235, OL, Derby, '27, played alongside several all-state lineman on the Panther's loaded offensive line, so flew under the radar early in the season but made a name for himself loud and clear by the end. The team ended up going 11-1 and were one game from playing for another state title, losing to Manhattan 31-21. He is a big, physical presence at right guard, but is athletic enough to play anywhere along the offensive front. A masher off the ball with a powerful lower body, he has great feet and moves well laterally reaching linebackers and corners on the perimeter. His game has matured rapidly as his pad-level and ability to leverage in the trenches got better every game. Don't miss seeing this guy next fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1305565' first='Braylon' last='Lies'], 6'0, 160, WR, Eisenhower, '27, is another diamond in the rough who flew under the radar all season for Eisenhower playing alongside all-world wideout [player_tooltip player_id='442660' first='Carter' last='Pabst'], who set the state TD record earlier in the year and will be playing D1 next fall. He started every game for the Tigers as the team went 9-3. On the season, he made four catches for 45 total yards and carried once for 10 yards. He has all the tools, great hands, catches in traffic, runs precise routes, and is already a good stalk blocker on the corner. He is also a standout in hoops. The Eisenhower offense should be in good hands with this kid. Get out and see him try and fill some big shoes in 2025.   [player_tooltip player_id='1248293' first='Dahzael' last='Castillo'], 5'10, 230, Edge/OL, Oxford, '27, he is coming off a solid start helping the Wildcats to a 7-3 record and going deep into the playoffs. A two-way baller, he can play defensive end or as an interior lineman on offense. He uses his powerful base, and good first step to drive opponents from snap to whistle. In the Oxford run-heavy scheme he is a mashing blocker who helps open gaps or can pull and clean up on the perimeter. On defense, coming off the edge he is a mauler in the trenches who gets in the backfield in a hurry and helps cave in the run between the tackles. He is getting ready to go off next fall.     In conclusion, get these guys on your watchlists as they will be the next gen stars before you know it. And, as always, getting great responses letting me know who some of the unsung heroes are flying under the radar in the balling Sunflower state - keep 'em coming via DM on X.

The more I dig into the underclassmen who will be rising up to take the place of the gifted senior class, the more buried treasure I seem to find.