Off Season Ballers Already Locked In On The Grind

With the first month of the off-season grind already running at full throttle it is getting ready to ramp up even more as competitive 7v7 gets going this weekend.   With lots of action firing up from ballers all over the state, I am going to kick off the new year with a series of "Off-Season Update" articles to keep fans, scouts and coaches on top of what some the best in the business in the state of Kansas are doing getting ready for the 2026 season   In this report we will take a look at a couple of rising-star ballers from each class who shifted gears to the off-season grind as soon as the football season came to an end.   So, without further adieu, let's take a closer look at what these guys have been doing this off-season getting ready for '26.   [player_tooltip player_id='1311567' first='Cole' last='Zeka']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/cole-zeka/"></a> , 6'3, 230, DE/TE, Wellington, '27, coming out of the gate first for the class of '27 is a two-way baller and multi-sport athlete who had a strong junior season as a pounding defensive end/edge rusher and a dangerous tight end on offense. On defense he uses his size and explosiveness to hit blockers in the mouth and destroy double teams getting into the backfield. On offense he is a versatile weapon who can line up as a hybrid tight end, H-back or moved around in the Crusader offense. He has reliable hands and a large catch radius when high-pointing the football, particularly in the end zone. Once the season shut down he transitioned to basketball and is currently scoring 15+ a game playing guard and forward. He is also hard at the off-season grind, working strength and power lifting while also working on quick feet and lateral mobility. This guy is already getting D1 attention and is primed for an all-state season this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1742091' first='Kameron' last='Joel Geathers']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/kameron-joel-geathers/"></a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/kameron-joel-geathers/"></a> , 6'2, 305, C/DL, Leavenworth, '27, next up for the 2027 ballers is a guy I have been following closely since last summer and he continues to ramp up his game with a bullseye on the 2026 season this fall. Big Kam and his teammates had an outstanding season last fall, helping the team to a school record nine wins and went deep into the playoffs. He is a commanding presence in the middle at center and is also skilled enough to play multiple positions on the offensive line. With his D1 size, strength and athleticism, he uses surprisingly quick feet and hands to crush defenders in the run game as well as chip off and help at the next level. In pass pro he keeps his head on a swivel and moves well walling off pass rushers and blitzing linebackers. He has already started the off-season grind, working on the nuances of the game with noted trench trainer Chris Gomez and will be geared up this spring for track and field.   [player_tooltip player_id='1590414' first='Derek' last='Leggett']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/derek-leggett/"></a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/derek-leggett/"></a> , 6'3, 250, OL/DL, Sedgwick, '28, coming out first for the '28 ballers is a guy who caught my eye as a freshman and has continued to make outstanding progress as a trench warrior on both sides of the ball. He helped the Cardinals to a playoff year as a freshman but it was challenging last fall as it ended up being a two-win season. Despite the disappointing season, he has been locked in on not only getting in the best shape of his life but also work on skill sets and fundamentals as well as going back and reviewing every snap of tape from the 2025 season. He has already established himself as an aggressive two-way baller who can play anywhere along the front. With excellent size, length, quick feet and strong hands, he hammers blocks in the run game and also shuts down his side in pass pro. He has a busy off-season geared up working with several trainers and hitting the camp circuit this spring and summer.   [player_tooltip player_id='1645153' first='Easton' last='Melton']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/easton-melton/"></a> , 6'2”, 165, QB, Maize, '28, another 2028 baller is up next and he has become one of my favorite young gunslingers that I have been following since early last year. He is a dual-threat quarterback who is already heavy into the off-season grind, working with standout local trainer Coach Rashad Daniels as well as getting out in the elements to throw the ball when it is cold, wet and windy. With his athleticism he can extend plays well with his legs or in executing the RPO. As a passer, he has already develop next-level mechanics, with trained feet in the pocket as well as a fluid delivery and follow through. He has a strong arm and can make the long off-hash sideline routes as well as rifle the deep-velocity strikes when attacking the third level. On the move he throws well going to either side and is already adept at throwing off platform or from varying launch angles. This guy is getting ready to air it out this fall.   Braigan Dinkel, 5'10, 170, QB, Russell, '29, he is another young gun QB who caught my eye last year when he was working through a busy spring and summer getting ready for his first season of varsity ball. Early last year he suffered an injury that temporarily set him back but he used it as motivation to work even harder. This past fall he picked up great experience backing up an all-state QB and also was a standout on special teams. Once the season was over he went right into wrestling, getting in the grind lifting and working on speed and agility and will also play for the Kansas Colts 14u team this spring. He is also planning on a busy summer hitting some of the key camps and combines in the state. When he gets a chance to show his game he is going to turn heads with his strong arm and ability to extend plays. He has great ball placement in the short to medium pass game and uses his touch to make the long sideline pass or when layering the ball between defenders. He is going to be ready for this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1577751' first='Abe' last='Harms']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/abe-harms/"></a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/abe-harms/"></a> , 5'11, 190, LB/LS, Blue Valley SW, '29, and last but certainly not least is a rising-star three-way baller with three seasons left to help turn the program around. He had a strong freshman year on special teams and even saw quite a bit of action at weakside linebacker and piled up 15 tackles on the year. He was also the team long snapper on kicks and punts and has been fine-tuning his skill sets to show he is one of the best in the state this fall. Once the season came to a close he didn't waste any time, hitting a recent PRZ Showcase camp in St. Joe, MO and is currently getting ready for 7v7 action with the Kansas Colts 18u team, with the first tourney this weekend at the Mokan Sports winter kickoff classic. This spring he will roll right into track and field and plans to run the 100m and 200m while continuing to pound the iron and work on mechanics in the multiple positions he plays. This guy isn't going to be under the radar much longer.   In conclusion, get these guys on your watchlist as they are going to be lighting up Friday nights this fall.   And, most importantly...   Keep Grindin'

With the first month of the off-season grind already running at full throttle it is getting ready to ramp up even more as competitive 7v7 gets going this weekend.