Uncovering Unranked Talent On A Snow-Filled Day

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the Winter Storm of 2025 still roaring outside, I have multiple options for spending my day.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I could binge-watch one of my favorite TV programs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I could watch some junky NFL games filled with backups.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I have a pot of chili cooking, and my dogs are all warm and dry, so instead of being a complete couch potato, I decided to spend some time on Max Preps and find some unranked talent from the Kansas Class of 2027.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here is a look at five Kansas defensive players who racked up at least 65 tackles during their sophomore campaigns.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Profiles for each athlete have been created on Prep Redzone and can be claimed by using the following link <a href="https://prepredzone.com/prospect-index/#claim-profile-anchor">https://prepredzone.com/prospect-index/#claim-profile-anchor</a>. I can't emphasize enough how key claiming a Prep Network Profile is. Athletes can add contact information and video highlights for our subscribers to access. It will also impact an athlete's ranking earlier on in their careers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1594487' first='Curtis' last='Campa'],</strong> LB, 5'9”, 170, Clearwater, ‘27</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The first athlete in this report plays for the Clearwater Indians. Campa plays linebacker and finished his sophomore season with 68 varsity tackles in nine games. He also recorded one quarterback sack and recovered one fumble.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1594488' first='Noah' last='Valburg'],</strong> DB, 5'10”, 140, Rock Creek, ‘27</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Valburg had a solid sophomore season for the Mustangs. He played in 10 games finishing with 68 tackles and three interceptions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1594489' first='Joshua' last='Duerksen'],</strong> DL/TE, 5'10”, 190, Hesston, &nbsp;‘27</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Swathers have an up-and-coming prospect to keep an eye on. He recorded 68 tackles in 10 games for Hesston.  He registered three tackles-for-loss, five quarterback hurries, and forced two fumbles. He made one reception for 28 yards as a tight end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1594491' first='Connor' last='Goerzen'],</strong> LB, 5'10”, 190, Maize, ‘27</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Goerzen is a dual-sport prospect for the Eagles. He finished his sophomore season with 67 tackles. He recorded one quarterback sack, collected three TFLs, and hurried the quarterback eight times. He is also a catcher and pitcher on the Maize Eagle's baseball team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1594493' first='David' last='McDiffett'],</strong> LB/DB, 5'8”, 145, Council Grove, ‘27</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McDiffett had a stand-out season for the Braves. He is a quick athlete with a ton of versatility. He finished with 67 tackles in 12 games. He also broke up three pass attempts and forced one fumble. He had three receptions and returned a couple of punts for Council Grove.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->