Watchlist Warriors Flying Under the Radar

As the camp-combine season nears it's apex it is a great time to evaluate new players and get a feel for their potential, as well as check progress to target on the proven performers.   When looking at the up and coming ballers this summer time frame is one of the first opportunities to get their name floating in the right circles. Coaches and scouts are watching closely and when you show your stuff by testing well the process gets jump-started even more.   If you don't test well or you weren't in testing shape yet, it is back to the drawing board and especially working the grind even harder.   Calm seas don't make good sailors anyway, so get your mind right and do something about it.   In this report we are taking a quick look at five guys who are flying under the radar so far but are getting ready to change all that this fall. First out of the gate is a senior to be who is primed for a big year in the trenches, followed by four underclassmen skill players who are right on the cusp of breaking out.   So, without further adieu, let's see what these guys have to offer:   Wyatt Bice, 6'3, 250, DE/OT, Belle Plaine, '26. He is coming off a top-notch junior season as a two-way baller and two-year starter in the trenches. He is versatile enough to play anywhere along the offensive line but will line up at tackle this fall. On defense he has really shined as a ballbuster of a defensive end. With his powerful base coupled with weaponized hands he makes quick work of double teams. With his nose for the ball and quickness moving through traffic he wrecks plays in the backfield and essentially shuts down the perimeter on his side. He is off and running on a busy summer as he has already hit half a dozen camps, and is at Missouri Southern tomorrow. The rest of the summer is even busier as he will hit another five camps in five different states in the coming months. He has also been hard at it in the weight room and well on his way to hit his goal of putting on 20 pounds by this fall. This guy is a sleeper who is getting ready to dominate in the trenches this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1425637' first='Jay' last='Curtis'], 6'2, 170, WR, Salina South, '27. He is coming off an excellent sophomore season as a versatile skill player who can play any of the receiver positions or even step in and throw the ball as needed. Last fall he put the rest of the league on notice, catching 30 passes for 467 yards, three scores and made honorable mention all conference. With length and a good catch radius he can expertly high-point the ball and make the tough contested catch. He runs precision routes, using his explosiveness to quickly establish separation at the snap and once he catches the pass is difficult to bring down in the open field. Once he sets teams up on the short pass he has the speed to torch secondaries on the long bomb. He has a number of camps lined up, including the KU camp/combine next week, as well as several 7v7 and padded camps. This guy is just getting warmed up and is on target to light up the scoreboard this fall.   Demarye Smith, 6'2, 205, RB, Maize, '27. He is coming off a solid season a year ago getting established in the varsity game and is going to build off of that for a big season this fall. As a running back he has dominating size and quickness that he uses effectively to trample defenders in his path and pick up big yardage after the initial hit. Although he is a big, powerful back, his feet really set him apart as he makes quick, decisive cuts running to daylight. Knowing that he will be battling for a starting position this year, he has been hard at it in the off-season lifting weights, doing speedwork and has put on 10 pounds of muscle since last year. His camp schedule is busy as he will be hitting Pitt State, Kansas State and Washburn camps in the coming weeks. This guy is a player who can get the tough yards working through the middle of the defense or take the pitch and uses his burst to rip teams off tackle or on the perimeter. He is getting ready to shine this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1704537' first='Trelyn' last='Slade'], 5'10, 210, LB/RB, Shawnee Mission West, '28. He is coming off a solid freshman season getting acclimated to the high school game and picking up some experience to help down the road. He has been dealing with a major injury this off-season and is in the final stages of completing his rehab from an ACL and meniscus tear. Even with the injury he has been working out hard in the weight room and has put on 25 pounds since last year without losing any speed. He is also diligently working on a balanced program developing strength and speed while also factoring in injury prevention to make sure and protect his knees as much as possible going forward. With significant competition and depth at his positions he intends to do whatever he can to start but if not, coming off the injury he wants to show the coaches he is good enough to see a lot of game time. Get this guy on your watchlist as he is just coming into his own and has the potential to take his game to the next level.   Jaydence Martinez, 5'10, 165, RB/LB, Shawnee Mission NW, '28. He is another baller from the class of '28 who got his feet wet last year and has been benefitting from working with the standout coaches and program at Shawnee Mission NW. A three-sport athlete in football, wrestling and track, he is a grinder who has been hard at his off-season training since the start of the year. On defense he is an aggressive linebacker/defensive back with good read and react skills and closing speed getting to the ball. Where he really shines, however is on offense as an explosive running back who has the initial quickness and acceleration to break the long run. He is also a tough runner between the tackles, ripping through arm tackles and fighting through traffic for the extra yard. He has already been to the OSU and Lindenwood camps and has his school's boot camp coming up followed by the Missouri Western camp. This guy is getting ready for a breakout season this fall.     In conclusion, get out and see these guys hit it hard this fall – you will not be disappointed! Also, DM me via X if you know of any other players flying under the radar.   And, as usual…   Keep grindin'

As the camp-combine season nears it's apex it is a great time to evaluate new players and get a feel for their potential, as well as check progress to target on the proven performers.