Rising Stars Getting Positioned For A Sizzling 2025

In an earlier report I mentioned how loaded the the Sunflower state is with talent, putting an exclamation point on that reality with recent hot-bed activity tied to athletic, hybrid tight ends and explosive wideouts. There are also a number of stud running backs and dual-threat QB's getting ready to go scorched earth this fall as well.   But those guys just scratch the surface of the multi-positional talent that is pounding away at their off-season training in relative obscurity to join the front runners under the spotlight this fall. Across the board Kansas has more talent than many coaches and scouts realize, but the word is getting out as schools from all over the country are now invading what used to be primarily a KU, K-State and smaller Kansas college backyard.   Case in point, Great Bend primo athlete and hybrid receiver, [player_tooltip player_id='1229117' first='Ian' last='Premer'], just signed with Notre Dame yesterday.   In this report we are taking a quick look at five guys who are well on their way to be ready to deliver this fall and have been crushing their off-season workouts. Included are three headhunter defensive players and a pair of quarterbacks who are flying under the radar for now, but getting ready to change that in a big way this fall.   So, without further adieu, let's check these guys out:   [player_tooltip player_id='1615986' first='Rendor' last='Hada']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/rendor-hada/"></a> , 6'1, 220, DE/RB, Maize, '27. He is one of those diamonds in the rough who I stumbled on earlier and have been keeping an eye on since. A two-way baller, he can play running back or fullback on offense but where he really excels is as a rampaging defensive end coming off the edge on the other side of the ball. With his strong base and heavy hands, he is powerful enough to drop down in the trenches and play defensive tackle as well. Additionally, with his rangy, powerful frame and fine-tuned read and react skills, he blows up double teams and gets in the backfield in a hurry. This summer he has been working hard on the mechanics of his craft and getting in his off-season training. After establishing himself last year and with a productive off-season underway he is well-positioned to dominate this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1537490' first='Aidan' last='Ihm']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/aidan-ihm/"></a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/aidan-ihm/"></a> , 6'2, 185, QB, Blue Valley NW, '27. He is another stud on the way who is going to get his opportunity this fall. After picking up experience and coming through when he got his chances last year, he is on the cusp of a breakout season. Last fall he made things happen when he hit the field, throwing for just under 300 yards, completing 71% of his passes, rifling five touchdown passes and throwing zero picks. Running the ball he was very effective as well, averaging nine yards a carry. He is coming off a good track season as one of the top javelin throwers in the state and since then has been staying in shape playing basketball and getting in his throwing. Additionally, he and his teammates recently hit the Washburn team camp. This guy has all the tools and is going to be a hot commodity this fall.   Ra'Shawn Jones, 6'2, 180, ATH, Salina South, '26. He is another one flying under the radar and with moving from Leavenworth to Salina South he has somehow been overlooked. Until now. He is a versatile, athletic playmaker who shines on both sides of the ball as a speedy wide receiver on offense and a hybrid linebacker/strong safety on defense. He has been hard at it this summer and has not only gotten bigger but even faster , clocking 40 times consistently in the 4.4-4.5 range. With his speed, length and a nose for the ball, he is as an aggressive defender with exceptional closing speed. Breaking quickly on the snap he delivers pile-driving hits when collapsing down to make tackles at the LOS. Last fall he loaded up 30+ tackles, picked off a half-dozen interceptions, and on offense had 700+ all-purpose yards. This guy is going to sizzle this fall.   Daquan Smith, 6'0, 165, DB/WR, Shawnee Mission Northwest, '26. Speaking of flying under the radar, he is another baller defensive back who has been ramping up his game in the standout Shawnee Mission NW program and is getting ready for a big fall. As Coach Cook would say, "it's a great day to be great..." and he is living that daily as he sets his sights on a big year in 2025. He has been busy in the off-season and all of his work is paying off as he has put on ten pounds and has gotten taller while getting faster in the process. He and his teammates just returned from a successful team camp at Missouri Western and earlier hit several individual camps. A versatile two-way player, he is going to start at wideout this fall as well as playing a lock-down CB or safety on defense. This guy brings the hammer out of the secondary and is going to open some eyes this fall.   Tre Hafenstein, 6'0, 195, QB, Central Burden, '28. After suffering a torn labrum last fall that all but ended his freshman year, he has been a man on a mission in the off-season getting ready to show the Sunflower state what they missed. This week he is returning from a productive trip to the Manning Academy in Louisiana and has been consistently lifting, getting in his speedwork and agilities, and throwing the ball as often as possible. With his athleticism, size and arm he is a dangerous dual-threat quarterback who is a dynamic force running or throwing and makes things happen with the ball in hand. When the play breaks down he is just getting started as he extends the action well with his legs while also throwing well-placed darts on the move and from different launch angles under duress. Get your popcorn ready, this guy is going to put on a show this fall.   In conclusion, get out and follow their progress this fall. You will not be disappointed. And, as always, if you run across any teams or players flying under the radar give me a shout via DM on X.    And, as usual…   Keep grindin'

In an earlier report I mentioned how loaded the the Sunflower state is with talent, putting an exclamation point on that reality with recent hot-bed activity tied to athletic, hybrid tight ends and explosive wideouts. There are also a number of stud running backs and dual-threat QB's getting ready to go scorched earth this fall as well.