Offensive Weapons Already Shifting Into Launch Mode

The last weekend of April is usually a crazy-busy time as combines, camps, school visits and other notable events start to kick into high gear. Add to that spring sports, working with trainers, school off-season programs and getting ready for finals, it doesn't leave much available time.   This weekend has been no different as late-April weekends go. We are already seeing and hearing about some of the combine exploits and the latest camp ground chatter.   The weather wasn't ideal, but that is part of the process.   For the guys striving to be elite in all aspects of the game, the Sunflower state weather is just another opportunity to transcend the elements and exceed expectations regardless of what Mother Nature throws their way.   In this report we will take a look at five young-gun underclassmen ballers who are going to be "names to know" in Kansas after this coming season. The first three are rising-star skill players from the class of 2028. The final two are a couple of 2029 standouts getting ready to make their mark on the varsity game this fall.   So, without further adieu, let jump in and see what these guys are up to in the off-season:   2028 Ballers Bustin' Out:   [player_tooltip player_id='1487563' first='Colton' last='Elmore'], 5'10, 165, QB/DB, Wellington, '28. He is another Crusader I have been following who got acclimated last year as a freshman on both sides of the ball. On offense he backed up a senior all-state quarterback and also piled up 10 tackles, a tackle for loss and a sack on defense. As a quarterback he is a versatile dual-threat who can lead an air-raid passing attack or use his burst and instincts to run the RPO and extend plays with his legs. This spring he honed his skills playing 7v7 with the Kansas Colts, and since then is playing baseball. He is also continuing to train, lifting weights, conducting speedwork, fine-tuning footwork and throwing to his receivers several times a week. His spring and summer plans are still being considered but he is planning on hitting the KU Mega Camp, and the Six Star Football Finals Showcase in May. Get your popcorn handy, this guy is going to put on a show this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1433331' first='Spencer' last='Crumrine']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/spencer-crumrine/"></a> , 5'9, 155, WR/ATH, Sedgwick, '28. He is coming off a high-flying freshman season, catching passes from his all-state QB brother and making things happen with the ball in hand. Last fall he caught 32 passes for 613 yards, averaged 20 yards a reception and accounted for 10 total touchdowns. He is the top-returning wide receiver from his class, leading in receptions and led all other receivers by over a hundred yards. Possessing a mature game already, he runs polished routes, making the contested catch over the middle and uses his speed and acceleration to scorch the seams vertically. On defense he made his mark as well, getting in on 40 tackles, had a pair of TFL and picked off a pass. He is currently off to a great start in baseball and has been training with his gunslinger teammate, quarterback, [player_tooltip player_id='1147299' first='Holden' last='Ferralez'], getting ready to bring the shock and awe to Cardinal football this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1622499' first='Tommy' last='Knighton']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/tommy-knighton/"></a> , 6'0, 200, RB/LB, Blue Valley North, '28. He is another baller from the class of 2028 who got a taste of varsity action a year ago and is ready to take it to the next level in 2025. On offense he is a powerful running back who makes decisive cuts and shreds arm tackles moving through traffic. He showed glimpses of his potential last year when he picked up 195 yards rushing on 11 carries and scored a touchdown. On the other side of the ball he is a ball-busting linebacker who uses his quick read-and-react instincts to shut down the run game between the tackles or use his closing speed to nail running backs trying to hit the perimeter. He has been hard at it this off-season, lifting daily and doing speedwork and agilities three days a week. He is also conducting some versatile cross-training in lacrosse and swimming. This guy is on the cusp of a big-time season this fall.   2029 Stud-On-the-Rise Sightings:   [player_tooltip player_id='1488557' first='Cael' last='Claibourn'], 6'0, 165, QB/ATH, Emporia, '29. The first of the ballers-to-be is a versatile five-sport athlete who is a young-gun QB who can play both ways. As a dual-threat quarterback he can throw out of the pocket or on the move and can also light teams up on the ground running the RPO. Right now he just wrapped up 7v7 with the Kansas Colts and is currently starring in track and field. As one of the top high jumpers around, he is currently ranked 2nd in state and is in the top 25 in the nation. He is also playing on a competitive travel baseball team and will be competing with the Flint Hills AAU track team. Already lifting weights four times a week before school, he is also playing hoops to work on speed and cardio. This summer he is hitting another KC varsity combine in May, and four camps in June: KU, Iowa State, K-State and Oklahoma State and then Emporia State and the Elite X1 combine in July. Get him on your watchlist as he is going to make some noise this fall. [player_tooltip player_id='1663254' first='Adonis' last='Dunnigan'], 5,11 170, ATH, Manhattan, '29. And, last, but certainly not least, we have another young stud who is turning heads with his athleticism and his already-solid work ethic. He comes from proven DNA as his older brother James (JJ) is arguably the best junior defensive back in the country. Little bro is known as Donnie, and he has been following in his talented brother's footsteps getting prepped for the varsity game, but is already standing out and making his own name in the game. He has a busy spring and summer ahead of him as he is headed to camps at Kansas University (where his brother will sign in early June) and then head north to Nebraska, before returning to Manhattan for the K-State Mega Camp. He is already showing signs of just how explosive an athlete he will be as his vertical jump is currently just under 40"...as an 8th grader. Let that sink in. This guy is definitely ready to take his game to the next level.     In conclusion, get out and see these guys get it done this fall – you will not be disappointed. Also, DM me via X if you run across any players flying under the radar.   And, as usual…   Keep Grindin'

The last weekend of April is usually a crazy-busy time as combines, camps, school visits and other notable events start to kick into high gear. Add to that spring sports, working with trainers, school off-season programs and getting ready for finals, it doesn't leave much available time.