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<p>In the last week we have been taking a look at some of the top returning talent at a variety of positions as they prepare for the summer-version of the gauntlet grind getting ready for this fall.</p>
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<p>We started looking at the offensive skill positions last week and then shifted gears to defense this week, with the lastest article taking a quick look at the state's returning top tacklers. </p>
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<p>In this report we are taking a look at the interception leaders from the class of '28, which had five guys making the race to the top interesting.</p>
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<p>So, without further adieu, lets jump in and see who delivered last fall:</p>
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<p><strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1433319' first='Cooper' last='Cranston']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/cooper-cranston/"></a> </strong></strong>, 6'1, 185, ATH, <em>Holcomb</em>, '28 - <strong><em>Numero uno with 8 PICKS </em></strong>- he is quietly stepping up as one of the best all-around athletes in the state regardless of class and is one I have reported on quite a bit along the way. Last year was a breakout sophomore season as he was not only tops in picks for his class, but also had 55 tackles and three TFL. On offense he dismantles the opposition in every way possible, passing, running, receiving and returning for 2,200+ APY and 25 TD's. He also averaged 36+ yards a punt and kicked off on special teams. The D1 interest has already started and is getting ready to ramp up hard and fast for this guy. This fall he is bringing a firework show every Friday night</p>
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<p><strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1544687' first='Cole' last='Brawner']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/cole-brawner/"></a> </strong>, 5'10, 170, RB/LB, <em>Haven</em>, '28 - <strong><em>Runner-up with 6 PICKS</em></strong> - this guy has been flying under the radar but he won't be surprising any teams this year after coming off the standout season he had last fall. He not only had six interceptions, but added 41 tackles, six TFL and a sack from his LB position. On offense he was one of the most dangerous backs in the state, picking up 1,653 yards on 239 carries, averaging 7+ yards a carry and piled up 23 TDs. He also caught 11 passes for 100+ yards and returned kicks as needed. This guy is a baller and is just getting warmed up.</p>
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<p><strong>Maddox Weishaar</strong>, 5'11, 165, ATH, <em>Wabaunsee</em>, '28 - <strong><em>#3 with 5 PICKS </em></strong>- he is another playmaker who has been flying under the radar but word is getting out that he has game. A three-sport athlete, he went right into hoops once football season ended and this spring has been playing baseball. In addition to picking off five passes, he also had 42 tackles, which included a monster game against <em>Mission Valley</em> when he was in on a game-high 14 tackles, and intercepted a pair of passes. He followed that up with another solid performance in the final game of the year to end the season averaging 11 tackles per game in the final two contests. This multi-positional baller is shifting into overdrive this fall</p>
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<p><strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2179187' first='Landon' last='Martinez']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/landon-martinez-3/"></a> </strong>, 5'11, 165, DB/WR/ATH, <em>Buhler</em>, <strong>'28</strong> - <strong><em>#T4 with 4 PICKS</em></strong> - he is another one I have recently covered who had an excellent sophomore season and has followed that up with a productive off-season training and playing well in 7v7 with the <em>Kansas Colts</em>. On defense last fall he had 33 tackles to go along with the four interceptions. On offense he was a dynamic playmaker catching 13 passes for 400 yards, averaging a jaw-dropping 30+ yards per catch and scored five TDs in nine games. He also added 300+ return yards, averaging 33+ yards a return. This guy is getting ready to light things up this fall.</p>
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<p><strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1590403' first='Braylen' last='Dold']</strong>,</strong> 5'11, 175, RB/DB/ATH, <em>Garden Plain</em>, '28 - <strong><em>#T4 with 4 PICKS</em></strong> - and last but certainly not least is a dangerous 3-way baller who had an excellent sophomore year that caught a lot of interest from scouts and coaches. On defense, besides the four picks, he also had 39 tackles, a pair of TFL and a fumble recovery. On offense he was lethal with the ball in hand, rushing for 644 yards and averaging 9+ yards per carry. He also added 400+ yards receiving and returning kicks to give him 1,100+ APY and seven touchdowns. With his versatility and athleticism he can impact the game from every angle. This fall he is getting ready to dominate.</p>
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<p>In conclusion, get out and see these guys own it this fall - you will not be disappointed. Also, DM me via X if you run across any players flying under the radar.</p>
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<p>And, as usual…</p>
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<p><strong><em>Keep grindin'</em></strong></p>
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In the last week we have been taking a look at some of the top returning talent at a variety of positions as they prepare for the summer-version of the gauntlet grind getting ready for this fall.
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