Rising Stars Taking Off-Season Grind To The Next Level

With mid-February approaching the off-season is moving along at a rapid pace as ballers from all over the state take advantage of the time to get ready for this fall.   Most schools these days have solid off-season programs that players work through, but many employ trainers, position specialists, and outside coaching to help supplement their training.   And these days, many are taking advantage of that to get any edge they can.   As competitive as high school is and as challenging as the recruiting process has become, players have to optimize their skill sets and get in the best shape of their lives if they want to take the next step.   In this report we will take a look at a handful of ballers from all classes who are locked in on the off-season grind, becoming the best they can be and getting ready to shine this fall.   So, without further adieu, let's check these guys out:     Aiden Weaver, 6'2, 230, LB, Campus, '28, first out of the chute is a baller from Campus who is coming off a solid sophomore year and is already deep into the off-season grind. Last fall he stepped up as versatile linebacker who can play inside or outside. With his quick read and react skills and instincts he steps up at the snap and delivers a blow shutting down gaps at the line of scrimmage but also has the quickness to cut off backs trying to hit the perimeter. Once the season ended he shifted right into powerlifting and has been training with Coach Rashad focusing on speed, agility and flexibility. In the spring he will run track as well as throw the discus and javelin. This summer he is planning on hitting multiple camps, including all the top in-state camps and is looking into others. This guy is just getting warmed up and is ready for a breakout season this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1870478' first='Vontrell' last='Gross'], 5'10, 150, DB/Returns, Wichita Southeast, '29, next up we have the only representative from the loaded class of '29, and he is a baller in the making. This year he will be competing for one of the starting cornerback positions as well as showing his burst and open-field expertise as a kick returner. He can disrupt receivers at the line as a shutdown corner or float in zone and explode on the ball. His excellent field vision enables him to flow to the ball quickly with good closing speed. After getting acclimated to the varsity game last fall he didn't waste any time getting into the off-season grind and has been lifting, conducting speed work and agility while also honing his skills playing 7v7. With his drive and leadership he is going to be an asset for the Buffaloes this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1399831' first='Micah' last='Emerson'], 6'1, 180 WR/QB, Topeka West, '27, next up is a versatile athlete who I have had my eye on since last year who can play any number of positions and last season lined up as a wide receiver and as a dual-threat quarterback. As dangerous as he was as a QB who can beat teams with his arm or his legs, he has next-level skill sets as a wide receiver and will be focusing on that position this fall. As a receiver he generates separation at the snap of the ball and once the catch is made he picks up big yardage after the catch. With soft hands, an excellent catch radius and the ability to high-point the ball, he has the potential to be one of the top receivers in the state. Right now he is heavy into playing hoops and will shift into 7v7 and hard-core training this spring. He is definitely a playmaker on the rise.   [player_tooltip player_id='1447083' first='Mason' last='Samuels'], 6'3, 225, TE, Council Grove, '27, he is another standout prospect that has been flying under the radar somewhat so far but is getting ready to change that with a big senior year. With good size, length and athleticism, he has a great catch radius and can make the tough, contested catch over the middle. Last fall he hauled in 38 passes for 500 yards and scored 10 TD's, earning all state mention. Once the season ended he went right into basketball where he is leading the league in rebounding. He is also training with Sharpe Performance and playing 7v7 for Grind Time's West team this spring. Once hoops comes to a close he shifts gears to track and is the returning league-champ in the javelin. He has already picked up numerous camp invites and will be busy traveling this summer. This guy is getting ready to dominate this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1705267' first='Will' last='Skaggs']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/will-skaggs/"></a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/will-skaggs/"></a> , 6'3, 280, OL, Shawnee Heights, '27, and last but certainly not least, we have a large and in charge trench warrior who is coming off an excellent junior season anchoring the middle for the Thunderbirds. With standout size and reach for an interior lineman, he uses his powerful lower body and quick feet to blow up defenders in their tracks. He pummels players in the run game, delivering 50 pancake blocks last fall and was also a stingy blocker in pass pro, only allowing a single sack all year. Once the season ended he went right into wrestling and lifting five days a week. He is also training at DNA fitness with trainer Anthony Cay as well as doing yoga to improve flexibility. He is already planning a busy summer of school visits and camps. This guy established himself as a force to be reckoned with last fall and is primed for a huge senior year.   In conclusion, get these guys on your watchlists as they are going to stand out this fall.   And, most importantly...   Keep Grindin'

With mid-February approaching the off-season is moving along at a rapid pace as ballers from all over the state take advantage of the time to get ready for this fall.