Playmakers Staying Busy in the Off-Season

Whether it is getting ready for a breakout junior season or applying a laser focus to the critical senior season, upper classmen know what to expect and what they need to do in the off-season to take their gridiron skills to the next level.   It takes a lot of focus and determination to force yourself to get up before school or dedicate time on the weekends for workouts or competitive events.   And, as we have touched on before, there is no right or accepted way to approach the off season. Coaches will point you in the right direction, but it is up to you to optimize the time so you incrementally get better and are peaking at the most opportune time.   In this report we are taking a close-up look at five playmakers who have been and are currently cross-training via spring sports as well as locking in on getting bigger, faster and stronger for the coming season.   We will take a quick look at a couple of guys from the class of 2027 who are on the verge of breakout seasons and then three seniors to be who may be flying under the radar somewhat right now but are going to change that narrative quickly this fall.   So, without further adieu, let's take a closer look at the Thursday Five:   [player_tooltip player_id='1305565' first='Braylon' last='Lies']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/braylon-lies/"></a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/braylon-lies/"></a> , 6'0, 160, WR/DB, Eisenhower, '27. After learning the ropes last season as a rising-star in the Tiger's powerful offense, he is ready to bust out in a big-time way this fall. A two-way baller, on defense he is getting looks this year as a ball-hawk safety or in using his athleticism as a lock-down corner. On offense, he is an athletic, versatile WR with the kind of burst that burns squat corners off the ball to make the quick possession reception, or shift into overdrive to create separation on the intermediate to deep throws. He has been busy in the off-season as he just wrapped up basketball and 7v7 season with Kansas Elite. He is currently busy training with Coach Daniels locally and plans to hit the Washburn camp later this spring. He has also been locked in with quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='637193' first='Brekston' last='Young'] as the pair work on being one of the top connections in the area. This guy is going to be a weapon this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1537490' first='Aidan' last='Ihm']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/aidan-ihm/"></a> , 6'0, 180, QB/P, Blue Valley NW, '27. He is another rising star rapidly approaching his junior season after learning the ropes in the BVNW offense last fall. As a sophomore, he made things happen when he got a chance, completing 15 passes in 21 attempts for 281 yards, a 71% completion percentage, five touchdowns and zero interceptions. On the ground he carried the ball nine times for 77 yards, averaging just under nine yards a carry. A dangerous dual-threat, he has a strong, accurate throwing arm out of the pocket or on the move. As a runner he is quick, athletic and effective running the RPO or putting pressure on the perimeter extending plays. He is still in the process of hammering out his spring-summer camp plan, but so far is planning on going to the William Jewell camp in May. Right now he is focused on track and field and is one of the top javelin throwers in his class. This guy is going to put on a show in 2025.   [player_tooltip player_id='1228895' first='Darius' last='Rogers'] , 5'11, 185, RB/DB, Wichita Heights, '26. Another rising star in the making, he is coming off an excellent junior season as a versatile running back who lines up all over, as a single setback, H-back or on the wing to get him the ball in space. He is dangerous in the open field and is a slippery, elusive ankle-breaker with a great speed-to-power ratio. Last fall he carried the ball 85 times for 590 yards, caught 14 passes for 324 yards receiving and had 180 yards in returns, for just under 1,100 yards and 13 total TD's. He showed out against Wichita North in October when he accounted for 270 yards and five touchdowns, including two touchdowns from 70+ yards out. He was also busy out of the secondary with 18 tackles. So far this off season he has been pounding the weights and has posted PR's in all the major lifts, as well as working diligently on speed and quickness. This guy is hungry and ready for a springboard season in 2025.   [player_tooltip player_id='1306210' first='Angelo' last='Keuwo']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/angelo-keuwo/"></a> , 5'9, 175, RB, Blue Valley SW, '26. As a promising all-purpose back on offense he lines up all over, in the slot, the wing or as a tailback, to get the ball in a variety of ways. He is coming off a great start last fall when he ran for 339 yards on 60 carries and scored seven TD's. He also caught 14 passes for 181 yards, and another four touchdowns through the air. In the return game, he rolled for 522 yards on returns to give him 1,000+ total yards. On defense he was an aggressive force out of the secondary who picked up 18 tackles and intercepted three passes. This off-season he has been dealing with a frustrating injury but has continued to train as much as possible. Right now he is sorting through a number of junior-day visit opportunities and just received his first offer from McPherson out of the KCAC. He has also already bumped up to 175 pounds without losing speed. This guy has game and is going to surprise some people this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1658641' first='Jamison' last='Kohl'], 5'10, 160, DB/WR, Hesston, '26. He is coming off a good junior season as a two-way baller who is flying under the radar somewhat, but that is going to change in a hurry this fall. On defense he can play anywhere in the secondary, but is particularly effective as a shut-down corner who can get in a receiver's facemask, flip hips at the snap and mirror the wideout for the duration of the play. He is also an aggressive run stopper, making 54 tackles and when challenged picked off a pair of passes. On offense he has the hands and speed to be a deep threat and make things happen with the ball. Right now he is laser-focused on track and is off to a great start as one of the top 300m hurdlers in the state as well as is on one of the fastest 4x100 relays in the state. He just got back from a school visit to Fort Hays State and will be looking into additional visits and camps in the spring and summer. This guy is going to rip the lid off in 2025.     In conclusion, get these guys on your watchlist as they are getting ready to bring the shock and awe this fall. Additionally, give me a shout via DM on X if you run across any guys flying under the radar.   And, as always:   Keep grindin‘…   Note: as a friendly reminder, your profiles have been created on Prep Redzone. We encouraged you to claim your profiles by using the following link <a href="https://prepredzone.com/prospect-index/">https://prepredzone.com/prospect-index/</a>

Whether it is getting ready for a breakout junior season or applying a laser focus to the critical senior season, upper classmen know what to expect and what they need to do in the off-season to take their gridiron skills to the next level.