2026 Western Kansas Prospects Spotlight

I recently started providing positional break-down of Western Kansas or 8-Man prospects in general but in this update I'll get back to showcasing individual talent from the Western half of the state. Here is five 2026 kids you definitely need to keep an eye on for this coming season.   These five prospects will be from either the 11-Man or 8-Man ranks and from these respective leagues. The Mid-Continent, two from the Hi-Plains, the Western Athletic Conference and the Ark Valley Chisholm Trail (Division 1) leagues.   I had the pleasure of checking out all five of these kids either at the Sharp Performance Combine in Lindsborg or at the Kansas State High School State Track Meet.   Once again profiles for each of these athletes have been created on Prep Redzone and can be claimed by using the following link.   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/prospects-index/#claim-profile-anchor">https://prepredzone.com/prospects-index/#claim-profile-anchor</a>    The 6-foot-2, 175-pound Cheeks caught my attention at the Sharp Performance event in May. I saw a lengthy corner who was capable of playing either on the outside or playing as a nickel cornerback. He not only looks the part from a physical standpoint but shows very good athleticism allowing him to change directions smoothly.   This past season, he played in nine ballgames where he had 22 tackles (11 solo and 11 assisted) and one pass break-up for the Cougars. Overall his best playing days are in front of him as he looks to take on a much bigger role this coming season.   Cheeks takes care of business in the classroom as well, as he holds a 3.95 GPA and also participates on the Cougars basketball team. He has already started accumulating offers from NAIA institutions and should be a prospects even higher divisions will give a long hard look at.     Much like Cheeks, Purdy is one of the more dynamic and explosive athletes in the Western half of the state. Standing 6-foot-1, 170-pounds, he showcases quick feet, reliable hands, speed to burn that allows him to gain separation and track the ball with ease on offense as a receiver. On the defensive side of the ball, those same attributes allows him to close on the ball effectively. His quick feet and smooth hips makes him quite the lock down defender for the Indians.   Purdy just recently competed in the State track meet and has posted such times as 11.1 in the 100M and 22.6 in the 200M. Look for those times to improve as he gets bigger and stronger in time.   This past season he had 17 receptions for 227 yards and three touchdowns. Averaging 13.3 yards per reception. Overall he had 405 All-Purpose yards, one interception and three pass break-ups.   He also takes care of business in the classroom, where he has a 3.5 GPA.     One of the biggest producing athletes in all of 8-Man this past season, the 5-foot-10, 180-pound Froese is a big time athlete that possess very good speed and explosiveness. He definitely has a the frame that colleges are looking for at the running back position.   This past fall as a RB/DB, he rushed for 1,800 yards and 35 touchdowns but also on the defensive side of the ball had a staggering 109 tackles and three interceptions from his secondary position. Primarily a running back, he did pitch in at the quarterback position due to injury at that position. He was a honored as a Honorable Mention 8-Man I All-State running back.   Froese also is a big time performer in both basketball and in track. He was an Second Team All Hi-Plains performer on the hardwood. In track, he participated in both the 100M and the 4x400 for Larks at State.     Explosive athlete that excels in the Panthers flexbone attack. He shows to be a very willing blocker from his slotback position but also shows very good speed when he gets to the edge. He was a Second Team All Mid-Continent League performer at running back.   The 5-foot-11, 160-pound Horinek is one of the very best small school track athletes in the state on top of that. He was the state champion in both the 2A 110M and 300M hurdles. In the 110 he has a time of 14.45 and in the 300 he has posted a 38.70. He is also a big time jumper, where he has produced a 22-6.5 leap in the long jump.   He will definitely be a athlete for colleges to keep an eye on this coming fall in either football or track.     Standing 6-foot-3, 200-pounds, the Sublette athlete takes care of business on both sides of the ball. He is a part of a loaded 2026 class for the Larks joining the likes of [player_tooltip player_id='1684847' first='Jonathan' last='Froese'], Ashton Koehn and Kade Morales.   This past fall he rushed for 640 yards and had 10 touchdowns but it is on the defensive side of the ball he makes most of his noise. The hybrid DE/LB had 45 tackles but a eye popping 14 sacks on the season. He was honored as a Honorable Mention 8-Man I All-State defender.   Friesen is also a standout track athlete where he broke the Sublette school record in the 110M hurdles. Where he ran a 14.89 at State and got second in the event in 2A to PBurg's Tanner Horinek.   Sublette is a definitely a major darkhorse for the 8-Man I State Title this coming fall and Friesen is a big part of that possibility.    I will be writing about more stand-out athletes in both the 11-Man Western Kansas ranks and 8-Man performers from across the state but also keep an eye on more positional write-ups in the near future. Again, If you knows of anyone that fits that bill and needs the proper attention, reach out to me at @Coach_Mitchum on X.

I recently started providing positional break-down of Western Kansas or 8-Man prospects in general but in this update I'll get back to showcasing individual talent from the Western half of the state. Here is five 2026 kids you definitely need to keep an eye on for this coming season.