Pre-Season Quarterbacks – 1st in the ’25 Watchlist Series

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the 2025 season rapidly approaching I am pleased to announce a series of articles starting with this one devoted to recognizing quarterbacks in all classifications and throughout the entire state of Kansas.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>And, although I plan to recognize the guys who have already established themselves in prior seasons by virtue of performance and statistics, I will also be paying close attention to the guys at small schools, or off the beaten path, or for schools not very good, or currently an underclassman backing up a senior and just getting established, or unranked at the present time...you catch the drift.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In a nutshell, if you are a QB in the Sunflower state and a gunslingin' baller, there will be an all-points bulletin circulating to remind you I am in search of the story behind your game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In this first report we are taking a closer look at five talented quarterbacks, as we continue to scan the state looking for additional candidates. Starting off with a couple of seniors and a junior returning after standout seasons a year ago when they combined for almost 5,000 yards passing, followed by a pair of rising star sophomore quarterbacks ready to ramp up their game this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>So, without further adieu, let's take a look at what these guys have been doing to get ready for this season:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1113374' first='Kasen' last='Parsons']</strong>, 6'1, 205, QB/DB-LB, <em>Osage City</em>, '26. With a dual-threat apex predator QB returning, the <em>Indians</em> are sitting pretty rolling into this fall. As dynamic as he is on offense, he is also a standout linebacker/strong safety who piled up 41 tackles a year ago, but it is with the ball in hand that he is most dangerous. Coming off one of the top junior seasons in the state, he completed an elite-level 75% of his passes, going 138 of 183 for 1,821 yards and 21 TD's to only three picks for a blistering 138 passer rating. He also added 1,000+ yards rushing and 20 more TD's to give him 41 total on the year. He has a strong, accurate arm with good pocket mechanics, but can also extend plays and throw missiles on the move. His weight is up to 205 while getting faster and he has been working with his receivers all summer, so watch out. Get your popcorn handy, this guy is getting ready to put on a show.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1585747' first='Carston' last='Simmons']</strong>, 6'1, 180, QB, <em>Colgan</em>, '26. He is another dual-threat QB I have had my eye on as he has developed into arguably the top quarterback in the southeast region rolling into this fall. Last season he was a sharp shooter, completing 58 out of 96 passes for 1,040 yards, a 60% completion rate, 28 touchdowns running and passing, and only two picks. He has continued working with ex-Pitt State and Utah State offensive coordinator, Dave Weimers, fine-tuning his game in the off-season. His training is starting to reap dividends as he has put on 15 pounds while getting faster. Besides great ball placement and the ability to throw darts at all three levels, he also plays a high-IQ game not forcing the ball into coverage, or defaulting to the run when the pocket is disturbed. This guy is primed and ready to dismantle defenses and is going to have spotlights blazing in Southeast Kansas with his next-level game this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1521132' first='Zander' last='Ford']</strong>, 6'0, 175, QB, <em>Rose Hill, </em>'27. This multi-sport athlete has been on my radar since he hit the high school ranks. He is coming off a season when he stepped in and threw for 1,700+ yards, completing 62% of his passes and fired a dozen TD's as a sophomore gunslinger. His ability to extend plays and make something out of nothing has been impressive, particularly when he found himself running for his life at times last year. He has been training with Coach Rashad Daniels and throwing with ex-QB Rocky Hinds getting ready to accelerate his junior-season game. In the off-season he was a gifted hoopster, leading his team in points, assists and steals. He has also continued developing a strong chemistry with his receivers while working on mechanics and arm strength. With a new coach on board and this guy dominating from behind center there is new hope for the Rockets in '25.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cale Anshutz</strong>, 5'10, 165, QB, <em>Santa Fe Trail</em>, '28. It has been a somewhat frustrating off-season for this dual-threat quarterback as he has been working through an elbow injury. Nonetheless, he has turned it into a positive, reconstructing his arm motion and mechanics with top-QB instructor CJ Collins. Since last season he has also put on 15 pounds, grown three inches and gotten faster along the way. He has continued his off-season training while playing basketball and fine-tuning his golf game. As an athletic dual-threat quarterback he can stand tall in the pocket and throw multi-level bullets or get on the move and throw precision strikes on the scramble going either way. His rehab is going to have him ready to compete for a starting position this fall, but it will be a challenge as they have a crowded quarterback group. Don't count this guy out, as he is getting ready to put his talents on full display once he gets the opportunity. Definitely get him on your watchlist.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Michael Dunn</strong>, 6'3, 180, QB, <em>Blue Valley SW</em>, '28. He is another young gun who I have had my eye on since getting a chance to see some of his tape. He is coming off a solid freshman year and in the off-season has made quantum leaps in size and speed, growing 5 inches and putting on 35 pounds while significantly improving his 40-time and vertical. He has also had a strong summer hitting camps at Kansas State and KU, while also getting in team camps and 7v7 action and also consistently working on explosiveness in the weight room. He has also been working with a personal QB coach and getting in a lot of throwing with his receivers this summer. He is a grinder in the off-season who is not afraid to put in the work. With prototype size and leadership abilities already, he is developing advanced skill sets as a runner and an accurate passer, and is going to push for playing time this fall. He is another one to keep an eye on as he is a big-time talent getting ready to shine.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In conclusion, get out and see these guys in action – you will not be disappointed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>And, as usual…</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Keep grindin'</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->