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<p>The weekend film review continues at full throttle as we wrap up the 2026 support reports, start shifting gears to the next wave of '27 research, as well as getting ready for the deep dive into 2028.</p>
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<p>My plan is to <em>double</em> my daily film review for the next 30 days to make sure we get as many guys covered as possible getting ready for the coming season.</p>
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<p>In this report we will feature two position groups - <em>backs and offensive linemen</em> - with three mixed-class players referenced in the opening paragraph targeted for each.</p>
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<p>This is an exciting group who is going to be a big part of the standout players taking the Sunflower state by storm this fall. The backs are game breakers and play multiple positions. The linemen are all trench warriors who are battle tested and ready to rumble this fall.</p>
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<p><strong><em>Note</em></strong>: a gentle reminder from lead scout <em>Jeremy Deckard</em> - before moving on, it is important to <em>go update your profiles </em>- a profile for each athlete has been created on <em>Prep Redzone</em> and can be claimed by using the following link <a href="https://prepredzone.com/prospect-index/#claim-profile-anchor"><strong>https://prepredzone.com/prospect-index/#claim-profile-anchor</strong></a>. It is very important to keep it updated with contact information and video highlights for subscribers to access. It will also help grease the skids and puts you a step ahead in the ranking process. <em>Plus, if you are waiting on a discount to become a subscriber, let us know!</em></p>
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<p>So, without further adieu, let's check out these ballers ready for the next quantum leap:</p>
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<p><strong>Backs:</strong></p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='945017' first='Traimyre' last='Woodruff']</strong>, 5'11, 180, ATH, <em>Shawnee Mission NW</em>, '26, with coach Kurt Webster taking over as head coach, the flexbone is in good hands with this versatile baller at the helm. Last season he did a little bit of everything on offense, lining up in the backfield, in the slot and taking the direct snap. Along the way he piled up just under 1,000 yards total offense, averaging a first down every carry and scoring 12 TD's. He is going to be lethal running the RPO this fall as a dynamic, elusive runner who can cut on a dime with next-level speed and acceleration, but can also keep defenses from loading the box with his accurate passing. In the off-season he is a standout wrestler and a speedster in track. This guy is going to be an apex predator with the ball in his hands this fall.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1455226' first='Lawson' last='Choate']</strong>, 5'9, 170, RB/LB, <em>Blue Valley North</em>, '28, is coming off a solid freshman season as a young-gun RB trying to get some time in a loaded backfield. He can also line up on the other side of the ball as a hard-hitting linebacker as needed. When he had opportunities he did not disappoint, carrying seven times for 54 yards and averaged almost eight yards a carry. He is a versatile all-purpose back who has great vision sizing up gaps before he makes his definitive cut and from there it is all gas into the secondary. He is also a dangerous option in the air, with soft hands catching the ball out of the backfield. He stays busy in the off-season playing basketball and lacrosse. Keep your eye on this guy, he is getting ready to flip the switch.</p>
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<p><strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='780089' first='David' last='Wakes']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/david-wakes/"></a> </strong>, 5'11, 190, RB, <em>Shawnee Heights</em>, '26, once he got his opportunities, it was full speed ahead last fall as his versatile play out of the backfield gave fans and coaches wanting more. He is a physical runner with churning legs and great footwork who is tough to bring down in the open field. He plows over and through defenders running against traffic and when it comes to picking up short yardage, he hits the hole like a battering ram. Last fall he carried the ball 134 times for 633 yards, he also caught 21 passes for another 254 yards and a TD out of the backfield and added 117 yards on returns, to give him 1,000+ total yards. He is going to dominate in the powerful Thunderbird offense this fall.</p>
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<p><strong>O-Line:</strong></p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1083296' first='Ryan' last='Slaughter']</strong>, 6'3, 275, OL, <em>Wichita East</em>, '27, is coming off a good season as one of the bookend blockers for the potent Blue Ace's offense, lining up as a rock-solid right tackle. He can play anywhere in the trenches on either side of the ball, but where he turned heads last year was as an active headhunter of an offensive tackle. With his next-level size, athleticism, and quick feet he comes off the ball with good pad level moving through traffic. He has an active motor and drives defenders from snap to whistle, usually ending with them ground into the turf. He plays a smart game, reviewing film for patterns and then optimizes his instincts in the trenches. In the off-season he wrestles and throws the shot. He is getting ready to establish himself as one of the best in the state this fall.</p>
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<p><strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1307970' first='Brock' last='Martin']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/brock-martin-2/"></a> </strong>, 5'9, 220, OL/C, <em>Wichita Northwest</em>, '27, coming off a first-team all-conference performance last year, he helped the Grizzlies go deep into the playoffs. Along the way he turned heads as an aggressive center managing the offense between the tackles. With his powerful base, low center of gravity and quick-strike initial step, he gets crippling leverage in a flash. He is a bulldozer in the trenches who can make all the blocks, burying nose guards, chipping off to the next level or walling off in pass pro. He has great read and react skills and is able to make key adjustments as the game progresses. I love this guy's game and with another year in the first-rate NW program he is going to own the trenches this fall.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1609901' first='Landon' last='Heise']</strong>, 6'2, 260, OL, <em>Kapaun</em>, '26, is another baller of an offensive lineman who is coming off an all-conference junior season and is already hard at it getting ready for a breakout senior year. With his next-level size, powerful frame and the mobility to make all the blocks along the line of scrimmage, he is a force along the interior line. In the run game he is a crushing down blocker, usually caving in multiple defenders before the play is over. He is quick enough to slide off and nail flowing linebackers, pull and trap as needed, or lead running backs on the perimeter. He plays an intelligent game, studying tendencies that he exploits to help make the Kapaun offense flow. He is a standout heavyweight wrestler in the off-season and is already in the grind getting ready to go to war this fall.</p>
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<p>In conclusion, these guys are going to be fun to watch so don't miss your opportunity. And, as always, if you know of any ballers getting ignored, give me a shout via DM on X. Keep grindin'.</p>
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The weekend film review continues at full throttle as we wrap up the 2026 support reports, start shifting gears to the next wave of '27 research, as well as getting ready for the deep dive into 2028.
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