’26 Skill Players Making Their Mark in the Rankings

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Kansas scouts are all working overtime to cover as many 2026 ballers as possible following the most recent updates. Additionally, I have been getting some good suggestions via DM on X for <em>"under the radar guys" </em>that has supplemented my on-going tape review as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I mention this hoping more people will do just that so we can continue improving our coverage and keep a finger on the pulse of high school football.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In this report the focus is on a couple of running back/linebackers who will be bringing the hammer in 2025, and then three dual-threat quarterbacks who are positioned to be among the next wave of big-time playmakers this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>So, without further adieu, let's jump in and take a look at five baller backs getting ready to take it to another level:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1113458' first='Jordey' last='Pierce']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/jordey-pierce/"></a>&nbsp;</strong>, 6'4, 210,&nbsp;QB, <em>Ark City</em>, '26, ranked #39, he started the season flying under the radar somewhat but it didn't take long to change all that as he came out firing early and often. A two-year starter already, he is a rangy, dual-threat southpaw who finished among the state leaders in passing yards, completing 172 of 315 passes for just under 2,000 yards, a 55% completion percentage, 12 touchdown passes and six interceptions. He throws an accurate ball with good pass placement on the quick throws as well as launching pin-point missiles on the deep ball. He has solid pocket mechanics, with a consistent, smooth delivery and release. He is also effective throwing on the move and extending plays. This guy is ready for an encore performance in 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1452348' first='Andre' last='Johnson']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/andre-johnson-2/"></a> </strong>, 6'0, 210, RB/LB, <em>Rossville</em> '26, ranked #172, is a versatile baller who was a force on both sides of the ball and helped lead the Bulldogs deep into the playoffs last season. On offense he is an all-purpose back who picked up 275 yards rushing on 33 carries, averaging 8+ yards a carry and scored four touchdowns. He also caught eight passes for another 167 yards and three more TD's. He is a powerful runner who delivers a blow and powers his way for big yardage after the initial hit. As good as he was on offense he was just as good on defense as a battering ram of a hitter from his LB position. On the year he piled up an impressive 102 tackles and added a sack and a TFL. He has good quickness and moves well laterally tracking the ball. He is going to dominate this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='780458' first='Conrad' last='Gomez']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/conrad-gomez/"></a>&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/conrad-gomez/"></a>&nbsp;</strong>, 6'0, 175, QB,&nbsp;<em>Junction City,</em> '26, ranked #182, is coming off a good junior season as a dual-threat quarterback who can beat teams with his arm or his legs. On the year he posted solid numbers, passing for 1,300+ yards and 14 touchdowns and was a dangerous playmaker whenever he had the ball in his hands. He has a live arm and can throw an accurate long ball with good touch as well as fire darts in the short game. He has a tight shoulder rotation and delivery and gets the ball out on time. When the play breaks down he is very effective extending and salvaging plays with his elusiveness and quick decision making. Last season he gave coaches and fans a glimpse of great things to come and is getting ready to deliver on that for a big season in 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1581113' first='Cresten' last='Pore']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/cresten-pore/"></a>&nbsp;</strong>, 5'10, 165, QB/DB,&nbsp;<em>Pratt</em>, '26, ranked #360, is another versatile playmaker flying under the radar in western Kansas who is coming off a good junior year as a versatile quarterback and a ballhawk defensive back with a nose for the ball. On the year he completed 48 of 96 passes for a 50% completion rate, 1,007 yards and 10 touchdown passes. On the ground he ran for 234 yards on 35 carries for a 6.7 average, to give him 1,200+ total yards and 13 touchdowns. On defense he has good instincts and a knack for always being around the football. For the year he picked up 22 tackles and added an interception. A three-sport standout, he also plays basketball and baseball. He is well positioned for a command performance this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1588353' first='Jack' last='Horsch']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/jack-horsch/"></a>&nbsp;</strong>, 6'0, 195, RB/LB,&nbsp;<em>Andale</em>, '26, ranked #449, is coming off a banner season as he not only helped lead the Indians to an undefeated 13-0, 3A State Championship, but was also a first-team all-state linebacker in the process. In the title game he was huge on both sides of the ball, churning out 100 yards rushing and making numerous big hits from his linebacker position. For the year he ran for 538 yards on 42 carries, averaging an eye-popping 12.8 yards a carry and scored seven touchdowns. He also added eight receptions for another 256 yards, averaging 32 yards a catch and three TD's. He was even better on defense as a headhunter LB who picked up 54 tackles, four TFL and a pair of picks. This guy is going to be an apex predator on both sides of the ball in 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In conclusion, fall will be here before we know it, so get these guys on your watchlist and follow their progress between now and August. And, as always, if you know of any players or teams flying under the proverbial radar, please give me a shout via DM on X. <em>Keep grindin'.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->