Rising Star Underclassmen - Wichita & Surrounding Area

As mentioned in an earlier report, getting off to an early start is critical if you want to fast-track your game to the next level. When freshmen and sophomores start making a name for themselves they can expect scouts and coaches to follow soon after.   At times it may seem more difficult just to get your foot in the door if you play for schools off the beaten path or on the larger, loaded teams.   If you are one of the fortunate ones to get on a watchlist early it is time to go even more medieval in the trenches than before.   The clock is ticking...   In this report we will take a look at some guys who jumped out during recent film review when I was actually focused on other players. In this overview we will take a multi-positional review of some of the young gun studs coming up through the ranks.   So, without further adieu, lets check out these playmakers on the rise.   [player_tooltip player_id='1521132' first='Zander' last='Ford'], 6'0, 170, QB/DB, Rose Hill, '27, is coming off a good season leading a young team that included a number of underclassmen like himself. He picked up some essential experience this past fall and it is going to pay off. In 2024 he was a dual-threat gunslinger on the rise who passed for 1,706 yards and 13 touchdowns. He is an athletic multi-sport stud in the making who has excellent speed and throws a good ball, particularly on the move, and is adept at throwing off platform and from different launch angles. He is also a standout basketball player, currently leading his team in points, steals and assists.. Get this kid on your watchlist for 2025.   [player_tooltip player_id='1475567' first='Kaelin' last='Scarth']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/kaelin-scarth-2/"></a> , 6'3, 265, OL, Derby, '27, is coming off a sophomore season as one of the starters along the Panther offensive line that paved the way for the offense to hammer the opposition all year. Along the line of scrimmage he can play either guard or tackle but lined up at right guard this past fall. He is a large, physical force with excellent feet and a great motor. He is an athletic masher off the ball who can pull and lead on the perimeter or chip off and pick up linebackers on the move. In pass pro he has a great initial step and strong hands that he uses to leverage against the rush. Starting for a 6A school as a sophomore is a big deal and he is just getting started.   [player_tooltip player_id='1542914' first='Landon' last='Salazar']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/landon-salazar/"></a> , 6'2, 275, OL, Eisenhower, '27 – is coming off a solid season in the trenches helping the Eisenhower offense hit on all cylinders deep into the playoffs. He was the only underclassman on the starting front on offense and seemed to get better with every game. He lined up primarily at right tackle but can play anywhere along the line. He has good size and reach with a powerful base and strong hands and also brings excellent mobility to the starting position. With a year of experience under his belt and growth in the Tiger system he should be ready to bring the wood in '25.   [player_tooltip player_id='1256364' first='Trenton' last='King']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/trenton-king/"></a> , LB/RB, 6'1”, 185, Emporia, ‘28, is a gifted four-sport athlete who already has a mature game with a high ceiling. Playing both ways as a running back on offense and linebacker on defense, he is an aggressive headhunter of a player. He already possesses good strength and wheels and moves exceptionally well working through traffic. As a linebacker he hits like a roving sledgehammer and essentially shuts the run game down between the tackles. He also has the lateral speed and agility to cut backs off on the perimeter. This kid is the real deal so get him on your watchlist and follow what looks to be a promising high school career.   [player_tooltip player_id='884942' first='A'Keem' last='“King” Anderson']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/akeem-king-anderson/"></a> , ATH, 5'9”, 155, Salina Central, ‘28, is another young gun warrior who seamlessly made the transition to the varsity game. He has already leapfrogged to one of the top spots in the rankings and after this past fall he should be an on-going member of the top 10. As a multi-positional athlete who can go both ways but really shines as a suffocating defensive back who can float in zone as a big-time ballhawk or collapse down and blast the running back at the line of scrimmage. he is getting ready to fine-tune his skill sets with the Kansas Colts in 7 v 7. Get your popcorn out for this guy, he getting ready to put on a show.     In conclusion, get these guys on your watchlist and follow their progress in the off season as they prepare for their junior seasons. And, as always, if you across a player or team you think deserves coverage and is not getting it give me a shout via DM on X.

As mentioned in an earlier report, getting off to an early start is critical if you want to fast-track your game to the next level. When freshmen and sophomores start making a name for themselves they can expect scouts and coaches to follow soon after.