'27/'28 Hybrid Receivers Peaking At The Right Time

We are coming down the homestretch to the 2026 season and it couldn't come soon enough for the grinders who have been hard at it this off-season.   In particular, guys playing hybrid positions that require multiple skill sets, as well as the physicality to mix it up in the trenches, stalk block on the edge, make the clutch catch and who have the cognitive skills to make it all work.   The guys playing these positions are there for a reason. The hybrid positions were created to force mismatches running play action or RPO and influence what is happening at the second level. It also allows formation flexibility without making personnel changes.   All valuable commodities to coaches.   In this report, we are taking a closer look at five guys who fit this mold well. It is an interesting mix of playmakers who are fairly well known and some ballers flying under the radar who are going to have big seasons this fall.   Editors note: ...for you young guns out there reading this, if you want any tips for how to respond/coordinate with coaches/scouts/etc get with Stone (first up below) - that man has it down to a science...   So, without further adieu, let's check out what these guys have been doing to get ready:     [player_tooltip player_id='934074' first='Stone' last='Zambo']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/stone-zambo/"></a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/stone-zambo/"></a> , 6'2, 225, TE/WR, Mill Valley, '27, first up representing the hybrid receivers is a guy who has been laser-focused this off season getting ready and has been putting the finishing touches on his prep for this fall. He recently showcased his game in helping his team go 10-0 and win the 7v7 tournament at Mill Valley; and also spent a week training with Coach Christensen, Patrick Mahomes' QB coach, running routes and even caught passes from Mahomes. This summer he has been busy on the camp circuit, hitting camps in seven states and is getting D1 and D2 attention. And, rightly so, as he is an athletic hybrid TE/H-back/WR weapon with great hands and the physicality to blow open holes as a lead blocker, kicking out the DE or stalk-blocking on the perimeter; and the versatility to split wide or move into the slot to force mismatches. He has also continued developing chemistry with dual-threat ace QB [player_tooltip player_id='934072' first='Holden' last='Applebee'], from 7v7 travel and offseason work. These guys are ready to go get a state title.     [player_tooltip player_id='1311567' first='Cole' last='Zeka']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/cole-zeka/"></a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/cole-zeka/"></a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/cole-zeka/"></a> , 6'3, 235, TE/DE/ATH, Wellington, '27, up next is a Crusader I have been following for a few years now and he is ready for an all-gas, no-brakes senior season this fall. The off-season has been busy with other sports as well as training hard with Coach Tabor and PIA to get ready to dominate on both sides of the ball. He showed glimpses of great things to come last year when he caught 22 passes for 200+ yards and scored four times as a hybrid tight end/H-back who can also line up at FB if needed. As a receiver he has the size, athleticism and catch radius to dominate defenses. He has also been developing a close connection with stud QB [player_tooltip player_id='1487563' first='Colton' last='Elmore'], the returning state leader in 4A passing yards. On the other side of the ball he is a ball buster coming off the edge and had 25 tackles, three TFL, three sacks and a fumble recovery. Word is getting out as he already has seven offers with more to come after his big season this fall.     [player_tooltip player_id='1447083' first='Mason' last='Samuels']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/mason-samuels/"></a> , 6'3, 230, TE/ATH, Council Grove, '27, next in line is a guy who was flying under the radar somewhat but has had a strong off-season and is starting to get a lot of attention as he rolls into his senior season. Last fall was a good warm up and showed highlights to come, as he hauled in 38 passes for 500 yards and scored 10 TD's, earning all state mention and it helped solidify the connection with gunslinger QB [player_tooltip player_id='1113114' first='Luke' last='Stewart']. Once the season ended he went right into basketball and led the league in rebounding and then was one of the top javelin throwers in the state in track. He played 7v7 for Grind Time this spring and has been training with Sharpe Performance. With next-level size, length and athleticism, he has a great catch radius and can make the tough, contested catch over the middle or burn teams down the sideline. This guy is going to be en fuego this fall.     Tanner Hargrove, 6'5, 215, TE/OLB, Mulvane, '27, up next is another guy flying under radar somewhat but has been on a great trajectory of late as a two-way baller with next-level size and skills who can dominate as a hybrid tight end on offense or flip sides and play as a punishing linebacker on defense. He has already established himself as a versatile outside linebacker who was a baller last fall with 35 tackles, six tackles for loss, three sacks, a pair of safeties and picked off a pass. And, as I mentioned earlier in the year, as good as he has been on defense, he is ready to surprise people this fall as a weaponized tight end with great reach, reliable hands and the quickness and athleticism to make plays after the catch. This off-season he has been spending a lot of time in the weight room and doing speedwork while hitting the camp circuit. He has already had a number of school visits and numerous offers as he rolls into a breakout year as a versatile receiver as well as at LB.     Jason Tuley, 6'2, 195, WR/TE/ATH, Olathe South, '28, and last but certainly not least is the only class of '28 guy in this report and is one who caught my eye this off-season as he has been burning the candle at both ends playing other sports as well as training hard for this fall. Once the football season was over he went right into basketball and has continued playing AAU hoops to stay in shape. His summer has been packed as well with early camps at K-state and Baker as well as doing team camps with his Olathe South teammates (Chiefs 11 on, Washburn team camp, Ruskin 7 on 7, and multiple scrimmages). He is a versatile receiver who can line up in the slot, split wide or drop down tight to help seal off the interior. He has soft hands with a great catch radius and can high-point the ball with the best of them. He is also an emerging weapon taking handoffs on the jet sweep and reverses as well as picking up big yards after the catch. This guy is going to surprise some people this fall with his baller game.     In conclusion, get out and see these guys dominate this fall - you will not be disappointed. Also, DM me via X if you run across any players flying under the radar.   And, as usual…   Keep grindin'

We are coming down the homestretch to the 2026 season and it couldn't come soon enough for the grinders who have been hard at it this off-season.