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2026 Film Room | Juniors Jumping On My Radar

2026 Film Room | Juniors Jumping On My Radar
Five Athletes in the Kansas Class of 2026 who moved up the rankings.
Oscar Galindo
Oscar Galindo March 23, 2025 @ 11:57 PM
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In this article:

Brennen Merkle
Brennen Merkle 6'3" | 185 lbs | QB | 2026
IA
Kael Williams
Kael Williams 6'0" | 190 lbs | RB | 2026
IA
Michael Spooner
Michael Spooner 5'11" | 180 lbs | LB/ATH | 2026
IA
Francisco Honts
Francisco Honts 6'2" | 230 lbs | OL | 2026
IA
Jayden Jeter
Jayden Jeter 5'10" | 150 lbs | ATH | 2026
IA
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code:&nbsp;OscarGalindo30&nbsp;in the coupon code area.</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1240889' first='Jayden' last='Jeter'] (DB/WR), Waukee - 5'10" 160 lbs - <a href="https://x.com/jeter_jayden" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@jeter_jayden)</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Waukee's [player_tooltip player_id='1240889' first='Jayden' last='Jeter'] is a player who I think will get a nice boost in the next update after another watch over his junior tape. According to his tape, Jayden spent four games on offense and three games on defense, posting a total of 174 receiving yards, three receiving touchdowns, 19 tackles, three PBUs, 146 return yards, and a return touchdown. Offensively, Jayden is a very shifty receiver who can use his quick twitch and smooth route running to create separation from defenders at the top of his route. He does a great job building up speed before sharply changing direction at the route's breakoff point. Even against bigger DBs, Jayden showed great aggressiveness at the catch point and the strength to haul in contested catches. On defense, I was impressed with how well Jayden reacts to plays, displaying a super quick break on the ball and even faster closing speed when crashing downhill. Jayden is definitely one of those players that seem to play bigger than their frame would indicate. Two-way prospect with high upside on both sides of the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17793227/673aad87246fd07f47d89b41' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67e0f84c1af94"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1241514' first='Francisco' last='Honts'] (OL), Wilton - 6'2" 260 lbs - <a href="https://x.com/frankiehonts" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@frankiehonts)</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Back again as the Beaver's starter at left tackle, junior [player_tooltip player_id='1241514' first='Francisco' last='Honts'] had another great season protecting his QB's blindside. Watching Honts' junior tape, I was very impressed with his reps as a run-blocker, showing an aggressive, in-your-face style of play that can really wear away at defenses. Frankie flashes a nice punch at the point of attack, using both hand location and power to stun his opponents on contact. Honts can then use his powerful lower body to drive defenders off the ball while maintaining proper leverage over his opponent. Great footwork and lateral quickness when dropping into pass protection. He plays through the whistle and looks to finish his blocks with a pancake. Solid prospect who will have 3 years of starting varsity experience by the end of his senior campaign.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18331271/670df39c864ff0418c418370' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67e0f84c1afb7"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1631206' first='Kael' last='Williams'] (RB), Washington - 6'0" 190 lbs - <a href="https://x.com/kael_williams1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@kael_williams1)</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Washington Demon's RB [player_tooltip player_id='1631206' first='Kael' last='Williams'] is someone I'm expecting to have a monster year in 2025 now that backfield mate Logan McDole is graduating. In a split backfield last season, Kael carried the ball 112 times for 528 yards for six touchdowns while also proving to be a receiving weapon with 13 receptions for 215 yards and four receiving touchdowns. Kael did it all for the Demon's offense, including passing, running, and catching the ball, but it looks like he projects best as an RB who can be used as a receiver. He's a versatile runner who can use his strength and size (6'1", 190 lbs) to power through tackle attempts as he chips away at defenses while dishing out stiff arms and driving his knees through defenders. He also showed some overlooked agility and change of direction that allowed him to cut, juke, etc., on a drop. Solid burst when he hits his lanes with breakaway speed to separate from the defense once he clears the second level. Williams also made several plays on the defensive side of the ball with 39.5 tackles, 4.5 TFLs, a fumble recovery, two interceptions (one pick-six), and a KO return for a touchdown. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17707188/6722ae5bf21f8821dd8570f5' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67e0f84c1afd5"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1270822' first='Michael' last='Spooner'] (LB), Lynville-Sully - 5'11" 175 lbs - <a href="https://x.com/M4_Spooner" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@M4_Spooner)</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's another player who I think will take a big step forward next season. Lynville-Sully's [player_tooltip player_id='1270822' first='Michael' last='Spooner'] had a solid showing during his junior year with 32.5 tackles, 9.5 TFLs, and 2.5 sacks. Michael is listed as an outside linebacker, but he could also play more of a S/OLB hybrid role at the college level. I was impressed with how well he could set the edge against the run, showing set up shop, disengage from blocks, and pursue the ball to shut down runs. Spooner also showed that he is very good at reacting to what he sees from the offense, with his ability to flip his hips and quickly slide into coverage when he keys the pass. Very physical mindset and intense motor on the field. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18084599/671ef9f9ef5460954feca6e5' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67e123fa50445"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1644037' first='Brennen' last='Merkle'] (QB), Center Point-Urbana - 6'2" 180 lbs - <a href="https://x.com/BrennenMerkle" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@BrennenMerkle)</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Although the sample size is small, I'm still excited to see more of Center Point-Urbana quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1644037' first='Brennen' last='Merkle'], who goes into year two as the Pointers' QB1. Merkle only attempted 80 passes last season but completed 49 of those attempts for 713 yards and six touchdowns, with a 155.9 QBR. Merkle possesses solid size that projects well to the collegiate level at 6'2" and 180 pounds, with room to continue filling out his frame. There are still some raw areas to Brennen's game, but he does flash a quick, decisive playstyle that sees him get the ball out fast and on time to his receivers. He has solid mobility when evading the pass rush, showing he can spill out of the pocket to extend plays and make smart throws when on the move. Lots of upside here— definitely worth getting on campus to check out in person.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18054234/6765a1f3ef39127a9ab8e6e3' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67e0f84c1af60"} /--> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Make sure to follow&nbsp;<em>@PRZ_OscarG</em>&nbsp;for more news on Nebraska and Iowa HS recruiting.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->

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