More Hidden Gems Ready For A Breakout Fall

As we continue to close in on the 2025 season it is important for young ballers to work on their mental game as much as speed and strength. One of the key aspects of a strong mental game is the ability to block out the "noise". Stuff like overthinking, doubting your abilities, or worrying about things you can't control.   Especially the last one...   One approach I have used over the years is a simple ABC approach:   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Accept - weed out anything you can't control in some manner and focus only on what you can do something about.</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Breathe - there are a lot of techniques out there that are effective. Pick one that is a fit for you and blend it into your process. It helps bring you into the present and not let your mind wander to the past or future.</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Commit - the first two steps help clear the noise and get you centered, but the last piece of the puzzle is to direct your attention back to the task at hand. Briefly close your eyes if needed and visualize a clear intention of what you want to happen, whether it is how you intend to show up in the next play or as a pre-game ritual to get focused.</li> </ul>   Noise control is not a tangible thing so it can be a slippery concept, but by developing a quick, personalized routine that you can do in 30 seconds or less, it can become a tangible tool in your arsenal. You can make variations that are shorter or longer depending on the situation.   The ballers I have been following have by and large incorporated some aspect of the above into their routines. Everybody gets their game face on differently and each of the guys below have been working their mental game along with the expected physicality.   These guys are more of those hidden gems in the Sunflower State that I am always glad to follow up on. The common thread here is these guys are all actively getting their July game face on for this fall. The first three are all-star caliber running backs ready to go scorched earth this fall, followed by a next-level multi-sport athlete and a trench warrior ready for battle in 2025.   So, without further adieu, let's take a look at what these guys have been doing to get ready:   [player_tooltip player_id='1604520' first='Josiah' last='Pattangall'], 5'9, 185, RB/LB, Decatur County (Oberlin), '27. My scouting colleague for the western part of the state, Coach Mitchum, recently reported on this guy and referred to him as "lightning in a bottle" which is very appropriate. He is a playmaker running back who was one of the top 8-man backs in the state last fall racking up 1,285 yards on 182 carries and scoring 17 touchdowns in only eight games. On the other side of the ball he helped lead the Red Devils with 70 tackles and a pick from his linebacker position. Carrying the ball he has great spatial awareness, patiently sizing up opportunities before using his burst to explode through the smallest of gaps and shredding defenses along the way. This guy is just getting warmed up and is on the cusp of an encore season this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1658644' first='Max' last='Walters']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/max-walters-2/"></a> , 5'10, 175, RB/DB, Centralia, '28. He is another talented RB coming off a good start to his high school career as a two-way playmaker in the making, as a fullback on offense and a weakside linebacker or defensive back on the other side of the ball. He has had a busy off-season playing basketball and baseball while making sure he sticks to an aggressive off-season football training plan, which included power lifting, cardio conditioning, speed work, plyometrics, and flexibility. Earlier in the summer he showed and tested well at the Nemaha Central combine. He has started seeing good gains from the hard work as he has gotten bigger while still getting faster. This guy is another one not getting much attention yet but once this fall kicks into gear you are going to start hearing his name.   William Voos, 5'9, 175, RB, Sabetha, '26. He is coming off a solid junior season when he lined up as an all-purpose tailback for the Blue Jays. Last fall he gave coaches a glimpse of things to come as a fast, shifty runner who makes decisive cuts before turning on the afterburners and blowing through the secondary. Getting ready for a monster senior season he has been up daily at 5 a.m. pounding the summer weights, with his bench up to 315 and a squat of 425 so far. In the afternoon he gets in workout #2 followed by yoga and tendon strengthening in the evening. Emphasizing his wheels and explosiveness as well, he drilled down a 4.12 pro agility, 10'6 broad jump, 34" vertical and a blistering 4.5 40. He has also been following a strict nutritional plan, doing whatever it takes to get an edge. Get this guy in your sights as he is going to bring the fireworks this fall.   Amare (AJ) Batiste, 6'2, 190, WR/DB, Wichita Collegiate, '26. He is a two-way star in the making playing wide receiver and defensive back for the Spartans. This guy has some serious athleticism going for him, including what next-level coaches are looking for - track speed on the gridiron. He was a part of the last two 4X100 state champion relay teams as well as state runner-up with a 10.7, 100m. But, that's not all. He is also a talented hoopster with a 41" vertical who may look to play two sports in college. As a wideout he has the acceleration to torch corners on the long ball, or climb the ladder and get to the apex point of the ball. On defense as a lockdown CB, he has the length, instincts and quickness to get in the wideout's face mask, jam him in his tracks and then cut off whatever release he tries . Get your popcorn ready, this guy is going to put on a show.   Steven Cantrell, 6'4, 260, DL, Washburn Rural, '27. After completing his first year of football last fall as a sophomore he realized to play at this level he was going to have to accelerate his growth. He went out and did just that. He has been focused on morning work with his teammates and weekly sessions with standout trench trainer Coach Jeddy <a href="https://x.com/coachjeddy_DL">@coachjeddy_DL</a> to build explosive power, speed and strength, along with learning the nuances along the front lines. The work is paying off as he has grown an inch, put on 25 pounds and has his forty down in the 4.8's. With his strong frame, reach and quick feet he has all the tangible qualities needed in the trenches. Last season was one of learning and getting acclimated to the game. With a solid off-season and the additional experience this guy has the potential to be a factor for the Blues this fall.     In conclusion, get out and see these guys in action – you will not be disappointed.   And, as usual…   Keep grindin'

As we continue to close in on the 2025 season it is important for young ballers to work on their mental game as much as speed and strength. One of the key aspects of a strong mental game is the ability to block out the "noise". Stuff like overthinking, doubting your abilities, or worrying about things you can't control.