Wichita Area 2026 Ballers Gearing Up For This Fall

There are a number of ways to approach the off-season but for the guys with a laser-focus on playing at an elite level there is really only one choice.   Commit to the grind.   And, the way the grind plays out for guys seeking to play at an elite level, it is a ruthless, year-around process. Once the season is over there may be a short break during the holiday season, but it quickly shifts into overdrive moving into off-season power lifting, speed work, skill set development, mental optimization...the list goes on.   The off-season is a busy time of year. There are other sports that take up a lot of time, school work and finals responsibilities, and with spring weather and recruiting heating back up there is not much spare time, but to be elite you have to grind it five or six days a week for the next half-year to have a shot at becoming an elite player.   And for the seniors it is even more of a critical timeframe. There is no "next year" to bounce back or bulk up for, or fine-tune your game for the coming season.   It is now or never...   In this report we will take a closer look at five ballers - a pair of QB's, a couple running backs and an all-state offensive lineman - who are already hard at it preparing for their senior season this fall. These guys are all versatile, battle-tested and ready to roll this fall.   So, without further adieu, let's take a look at the Tuesday Five:     [player_tooltip player_id='1113458' first='Jordey' last='Pierce']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/jordey-pierce/"></a> , 6'4, 210, QB, Ark City, '26, He is coming off a 2-7 season when he was forced to air it out while usually playing from behind. In the process he was one of the top gunslingers in the state. A two-year starter already, he is a rangy, dual-threat southpaw who completed 172 of 315 passes for 1,960 yards and 12 touchdown passes. He added a couple hundred yards rushing and five TD's to give him 2,100+ total yards and 17 TD's. He has a powerful arm and can make the deep velocity throws as well as firing quick strikes with good pass placement on the short possession routes. In the pocket he has solid mechanics, with a consistent, smooth delivery and release. He is also effective throwing on the move and extending plays. This guy is ready for a huge season this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1260109' first='Colby' last='Eck-Watkins'], 5'10, 180, QB, Wichita West, '26, he is another quarterback coming off a 2-7 season when he spent a lot of time trying to escape the rush. He responded well despite the obstacles, running and passing for 1,000+ yards and 11 touchdowns. As a passer he throws an accurate ball out of the pocket but where he really excels is as a play-extending dual threat who is elusive and difficult to bring down in the open field. He throws well on the move, going either direction, and can throw off platform and from different launch angles. He showed his potential early in the year against North when he ran and passed for 330 yards and five TD's. On the other side of the ball he is an aggressive defensive back who made 20 tackles a year ago. This guy is ready to take his game to the next level this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='904436' first='Augie' last='Fast']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/augie-fast/"></a> , 6'1, 205, RB, Wichita Northwest, '26, he is coming off an outstanding junior season when he was the driving force behind the powerful Grizzly running attack, rushing for 1,745 yards, averaging right at nine yards per carry and scored 14 touchdowns. He is a big, fast running back who makes decisive cuts sorting out running lanes and then blows through arm tackles breaking into the secondary. Once in the open field he is a slippery, elusive runner with great burst and breakaway speed. Late in the season he put on a show against North, carrying the ball 16 times for 250 yards, averaging 16 yards a carry and scored three times, for his third 200+ yard game of the season. This guy is one of the best running backs in the state and is getting ready for a dominating 2025 season..   [player_tooltip player_id='1113405' first='Keedrin' last='Jones']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/keedrin-jones/"></a> , 5'10, 185, RB/DB, Rose Hill, '26, He is coming off a good season a year ago as a two-way running back/defensive back who piled up over a thousand all-purpose yards on offense. He is a slashing, pounding runner with great instincts who hits the hole with a quick burst between the tackles or burns it up running wide on the perimeter. He has outstanding speed and acceleration and this past summer ripped off a sizzling 4.5 40-yard dash. On defense he is a ballhawk defensive back who can play anywhere in the secondary but really stands out as a centerfielder free safety who can float in zone to take out the passing attack or collapse down to make jarring tackles at the line of scrimmage. This guy has all the tools and is on the cusp of a breakout season.   [player_tooltip player_id='1228898' first='Nick' last='Anciaux']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/nick-anciaux/"></a> , 6'5, 265, OL, Kapaun, '26, he is coming off a springboard season when he put the state on notice that there is a new sheriff in the trenches. He played well enough to be named an all-state offensive tackle and is already getting significant D1 attention. He has prototype size, with a powerful base and outstanding reach. He is agile and moves well staying locked in on defenders and delivering knock-out blocks in space. In the run game he overwhelms defensive lineman and is a pile-driver blocking down or one-on-one. In pass pro he is a beast, with quick feet and great reach that enables him to stonewall the perimeter and protect the quarterback. He is another one training with legendary Coach Tabor with @PIAthletes in the off-season. This guy is going to be en fuego this fall.     In conclusion, get these guys on your watchlist as they prepare for their senior season. And, as always, if you know of any players/teams flying under the radar give me a shout via DM on X.

There are a number of ways to approach the off-season but for the guys with a laser-focus on playing at an elite level there is really only one choice.