Friday Five Bringing Fireworks to the July Grind

The heat is on as July rolls in with it's typically brutal weather but for experienced grinders, it is actually a blessing in disguise. A month to get acclimated to delivering apex performances even when it is 100+ degrees out and not a whisper of wind.   There will be many days in August and September when it will be painfully hot so it is important to prep for it. Get used to working out when it is uncomfortable. Make staying hydrated a priority.   Just another aspect of the game that is often taken for granted but the grinders striving to be elite know to make it an automatic response.   In this report we are taking a quick look at five guys who have been stepping up their off-season training in the summer heat preparing for the 2025 season. The first two guys were among the best in the state statistically at their positions last year and are looking to torch the state again this fall. The next three are rising prospects who have been flying under the radar, at least for now. That will change in a couple of months.   So, without further adieu, let's take a look at what these guys have been doing in the off-season:   [player_tooltip player_id='1530394' first='Julian' last='Gallegos']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/julian-gallegos/"></a> , 5'10, 195, LB, Eisenhower, '27. He is coming off a springboard season a year ago when he started as a sophomore on a team that went deep into the playoffs and also led the state in tackles for his class with 129. He added seven tackles for loss and a couple of sacks and ended the year as an all-state non-senior LB. Wasting little time getting started in the off-season, he has bulked up to just under 200 pounds while improving his speed and quickness. As an instinctive linebacker with great read and react skills, he blows up plays at the line of scrimmage or knifes through gaps to cause chaos in the backfield. He hit several camps earlier and recently had a strong showing at the KU camp. With a goal of providing strong team leadership and 150 tackles, this guy is a heat-seeking missile ready to launch.   [player_tooltip player_id='1466494' first='Kolten' last='Bonnel']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/kolton-bonnel/"></a> , 6'1, 185, QB/K, Atchison, '26. He is another baller who had a quietly outstanding season last fall completing 90 of 159 passes for 1,686 yards, 57%, 26 TD's, four picks and an impressive 123 passer rating. He also averaged 30+ yards a punt and was a deep kickoff specialist. He is a true gunslinger in the pocket, with fluid mechanics and trained feet that he uses effectively to extend plays. His shoulder rotation is tight and he has one of the quickest releases I have seen. With his powerful arm he can make the deep velocity throws while also deftly layering the ball into tight windows. He has been busy in the off-season playing basketball and baseball and has been training hard this summer. This guy is a flamethrower in the Phoenix offense that is going to be en fuego this fall.   Marnell Banks, 6'0, 175, WR/LB, Wichita Southeast, '26. He is a sleeper coming off a solid junior season fine-tuning his skills on both sides of the ball. He acclimated quickly as a versatile two-way player who can play LB on defense or flip sides and play a hybrid tight end/wide receiver. He is a potential playmaker on either side of the ball and is getting ready to surprise some people. He was busy in the camp circuit earlier and recently returned from a promising visit to Kansas State, a trip he is focused on making happen again in the very near future. This off-season he has been staying in shape wrestling and running track and has been setting new PR's in the weight room. He has already established that he is a team player and a grinder who is determined to help his team have a big season. Get this guy on your watchlists as he is going to make some noise this fall.   Logan Larson, 6'2, 275, OL/DL, Maize South, '26. He is another senior-to-be who is coming off a good season a year ago as a two-way baller in the trenches for the Mavericks. He has been busy going to camps this spring and is getting ready to wrap up the summer with a bang, hitting five camps in the next month. He will head to Emporia State next week, followed by Ottawa, Mid-America Nazarene, McPherson and the last week of July wraps up the month with a trip to Fort Hays. He is a mauler of an interior lineman who can play guard or center and has been working with trainer Chris Greene, focusing on footwork, agilities and getting more explosive in all aspects of play. He has been a leader in the weight room as a member of the team 1,000+ club and recently posted PR's on key lifts. He is flying under the radar now but that is going to change this fall.   Tyson Ross, 6'5, 290, OL, Andover, '27. He is coming off a season of learning as he joined the Andover team late in the year but after a strong off-season he is looking to make this fall his launching-pad season. With prototype size, excellent length and surprisingly nimble feet for his bulk, he can play guard or tackle but will settle into the right tackle spot this fall. With a quick first step, good lateral movement and heavy hands, he works angles, gets leverage and is a bulldozer of a blocker in the run game. He is also agile in pass pro, moving his feet and walling off his side of the pocket. He has been training and learning trench work from one of the best in Coach Tabor with PIA and is making significant off-season strides getting ready for a big season this fall. His goal is to get out there and make things happen and by all indications he will do that this fall.   In conclusion, get out and see these guys in action this fall – you will not be disappointed.   As a reminder, 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'

The heat is on as July rolls in with it's typically brutal weather but for experienced grinders, it is actually a blessing in disguise. A month to get acclimated to delivering apex performances even when it is 100+ degrees out and not a whisper of wind.