Five 2027 Central Kanas Prospects to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When I started diving into the 2027 class, I realized overall it is a very talented rich class overall. One of the areas with a abundance of talent to showcase is the central parts of Kansas. Both the 2026 and 2027 see many of the very top prospects in the state hail from this area. Here are five prospects to keep your eye on as we enter the spring semester. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I wanted to also remind everyone we just dropped our latest 2028 ranking updates and here are those rankings.&nbsp;<a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/january-rankings-update-who-was-added-to-our-kansas-2028-list/">https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/january-rankings-update-who-was-added-to-our-kansas-2028-list/</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2087738"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-696ff5e0814a1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">When it comes to the 6-foot-0, 192-pound Dansel, you're looking at a linebacker that plays down hill very quickly, can play sideline to sideline and brings the pain on every single play. Possessing an 34.5 inch vertical and a 9'2" broad jump, he is one explosive athlete.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">He is a big reason why Andale held opponents to 6.9 points per game on their way to yet another 3A state title this past fall. His playing style is also very conducive in him being a special teams star at the next level. He forced a staggering six forced fumbles and that is all due to his physicality and his ability to strip the ball with proper technique. He also had 83 tackles (38 solo) and one interception on the season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Dansel has plenty of room to fill out his frame but don't let that current weight fool you. He is a strong all-around athlete that possess a 290-pound bench press, 285-pound clean and lastly a 365-pound squat. Look for those numbers to continue to rise this off-season in the impressive Indians strength and conditioning program. On offense he shows that strength by how difficult he is to tackle in Andale's Robust offense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">He was honored as a 1st Team 3A All-State LB, 1st Team All-Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Division IV LB and also the Sports in Kansas Small Class Non-Senior Defensive Player of the Year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lastly he is another student-athlete that takes care of things in the classroom, where he holds a 3.9 GPA. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["557340"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-696ff5e08151b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The 6-foot-3, 285-pound VanBlaricon is a strong and athletic high IQ right tackle that is first and foremost a true road grader. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Shows a good initial punch and finish. He also shows a very high capability to work edge defenders on the way to the second level linebackers due to his athletic ability. Has line versatility as he can play either offensive tackle or guard. Very capable pass blocker against edge rushers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Helped lead Salina Central to the 5A state title and made an excellent tackle due with University of Kansas bound left tackle Kayden Snyder. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Mustangs set school records in total yards (5,905) and single season passing touchdowns (30). Overall the offense had 80 total touchdowns and averaged 310 yards rushing per game (8.1 yards per carry). </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">He picked up 1st Team 5A All-State OT, unanimous 1st Team All-Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Division II OT and 1st Team Sports in Kansas All-State Non-Senior honors. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The sky is the limit for VanBlaricon as he still has plenty of room to fill out his frame. He will have the opportunity to be recruited at the highest levels. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1529989"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-696ff5e081578"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The 5-foot-11, 180-pound Malm is an explosive receiver who shows very good speed, burst, quickness and hands. His ability to be sudden and stop and go with the ball in his hands is big time. He is able to get in and out of his breaks very quickly and is able to operate in the screen game at a high level. Has shown he can beat press coverage. Can play either inside or outside as a receiver but also really good in the return game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This past season he had 1,128 yards receiving on 59 receptions and 13 touchdowns. He also had a kick-off returned back for a score. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Malm was honored as 1st Team 4A All-State WR, 1st Team All-Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Division III WR/Returner and lastly 1st Team Sports in Kansas All-Non Senior Big School All-State. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Overall Malm is a high production receiver that can do it all and will be one of the more highly recruited receivers in the state this coming season. He also carries a 3.179 GPA in the classroom. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1612394"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-696ff5e0815ca"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"> Tudor is a 6-foot-4, 280-pound center prospect that helped the Eagles rush for over 2,000 yards on the season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">He shows good quickness after the snap, plays with physicality and can work to the second level with ease. Mainly operates from under center but capable of working from the shot-gun. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Definitely needs to work on pass blocking due to playing in a run heavy offense. Also can improve on hand positioning and working on his pad level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">He also has positional versatility, as he is a long snapper, has played some offensive tackle and defensive tackle. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This past season he was honored as Honorable Mention 1A All-State OL, 1st Team Central Prairie League OL, 1st Team All-District OL and Honorable Mention All-District DL and lastly was Sports in Kansas Non-Senior Small Class Honorable Mention. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">He is one of those prospects that could explode with college coaching and development. Not to mention he is also a quality baseball player. Tudor also takes care of business in the classroom where he holds a 4.0 GPA. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1425637"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-696ff5e081622"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The 6-foot-2, 150-pound Curtis (goes by Jay or Ja'Brien) is a long and athletic receiver with a frame to put on good muscle to make him even more explosive. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A long strider who is a deep ball merchant that shows very good overall speed. He is able to high point the ball and display his 36 inch vertical. Gets in and out of his breaks fluidly and sets up defenders nicely. Also capable of running a full route tree. Shows good overall hands. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This past fall he had 772 receiving yards on 49 receptions and 9 touchdowns. He averaged 15.8 yards per catch. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">He was honored as a Honorable Mention 5A All-State WR and a Honorable Mention All-Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail Division I WR. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Curtis is a definite college receiver that will only continue to get better as he gets stronger and hones his craft. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>&nbsp; Be on the look-out for more 2027 and even 2028 prospect updates. Colleges will start sending out camp schedules soon and I look forward in seeing many of these prospects this coming summer. Again, if you ever have someone I need to be aware of, just message me on X at @Coach_Mitchum.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->