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<p>The summer has flown by and with August football upon us the ballers working to be elite have timed their training so they are physically ready to perform at a high level.</p>
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<p>Now it is time to put the finishing touches on the <em>mental game</em>, whether it is improving cognitive/processing skills, dealing with noise and disruption, or fine-tuning critical intangibles.</p>
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<p>In this report, we are showcasing three seniors and two junior playmakers who have had strong off-seasons focusing on both the <em>physical </em>and the <em>mental</em> aspects of their high-ceiling games and are on the cusp of big seasons this fall.</p>
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<p>So, without further adieu, let's check out what these guys have been doing this summer:</p>
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<p><strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1894717' first='Garrett' last='Leblanc']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/garrett-leblanc/"></a> </strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/garrett-leblanc/"></a> </strong>, 6'2, 185, DB/WR, <em>Emporia</em>, <strong>'27</strong>, up first for the seniors is a 3-way playmaker who makes things happen as a WR on offense, d-back on the other side of the ball and as a baller on special teams. With length, speed and explosiveness, he is projected to play multiple positions this fall and at the collegiate level. This summer has been busy training with teammates as well as showcasing his game at <em>Southeast Missouri</em> and <em>Emporia State</em> camps. The work is paying off as he has made a number of school visits and has received four offers to date. With standout measurables (4.54 40, .96 10-yd Fly, 36" VJ) he is a versatile athlete who can play as a wideout, in the slot or on the wing, using his next-level burst to create early separation, execute precise routes and torch teams with the deep ball. He is also active on most of the special teams as both a dangerous return man and headhunter covering kicks and punts. This guy is ready to roll.<br></p>
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<p><strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1228156' first='Jayson' last='Rush']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/jayson-rush/"></a> </strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/jayson-rush/"></a> </strong>, 6'0, 175, ATH, <em>Olathe North</em>, <strong>'27</strong>, next up is a guy who's off-season has been a blur in more ways than one. Coming off a good junior year showcasing speed and skills he has been busy in the off-season, playing 7v7 and ramping up in track as one of the fastest players in the state. He has continued running track this summer while training for football and recently advanced to the <em>AAU Regionals</em>, winning the 400m and was runner-up in the 200m. He also fit in camps at <em>William Jewell, KC Varsity</em>, <em>Six Star, KU and KSU </em>among others and has impressed, as word is getting out that this guy has game and is starting to see next-level offers pick up momentum. With blazing speed and athleticism he is a major threat anytime he touches the ball. This fall he is primed and ready to take it to whole different level as a dangerous 3-way playmaker at WR, defensive back and as a return man. Get your popcorn ready.</p>
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<p><strong>Demarye Smith</strong>, 6'0, 205, RB/ATH, <em>Maize</em>, <strong>'27</strong>, the last senior in this report is a guy I have been following for awhile now and although he has flown under the radar with all the <em>Maize</em> talent, he is getting ready to put his game on full display this fall. After helping the <em>Eagles</em> blaze through the regular season unbeaten before finishing 10-1, he has had a busy off-season training with <em>Coach Rashad </em>working on burst and explosiveness and also showcased his talents at <em>Missouri Western, Washburn </em>and<em> Chadron</em> camps earlier in the summer. He has been training with his teammates in the morning and then hits the field to do additional speed and agility work on his own. With a powerful frame and good lower-body power, he blows through gaps with authority and leaves a path of destruction when picking up yards after the first hit. He also has good quickness and the speed to turn the corner and burn it up on the perimeter. Keep an eye on this guy, he is going to make some noise this fall.</p>
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<p><strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1934081' first='Isaac' last='Castaneda']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/isaac-castaneda/"></a> </strong>, 6'0, 170, DB/WR, <em>Liberal</em>, <strong>'28</strong>, up next is a guy who caught my eye as a two-way sophomore playmaker WR and lock-down corner on defense. Last fall he gave coaches a glimpse of things to come with 13 tackles and had a fumble recovery in six games and along the way showed he was ready for varsity action. With impressive speed and athleticism he has the physicality to play tight coverage, hit receivers in the mouth; and then display quickness, flipping hips at the snap and smothering the route. He also has excellent instincts and when he reads run, flies to the ball to make violent open-field tackles. This off-season he played hoops, ran the 200m and 400m in track and trained with <em>Sharp Performance. </em>He also went to the <em>Fort Hays </em>team camp and <em>KU Prospect</em> camp among others and recently had a good 7v7 showing in <em>Garden City</em>. Get this guy on your watchlists as he is ready for a breakout season this fall.</p>
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<p><strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1619539' first='Maysen' last='Dodson']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/maysen-dodson/"></a> </strong>, 5'10, 195, RB/WR, <em>Spring Hill</em>, <strong>'28</strong>, next up is a multi-positional baller for what appears to be a very strong <em>Bronco</em> squad this fall. Last year as a sophomore he put the league on notice with 550 yards rushing on 66 carries, averaging 8+ yards per carry and scored nine TD's. He was also effective catching the ball out of the backfield with 20 receptions for 343 yards, a 17+ yard average and four more touchdowns to give him 1,000+ APY and 13 touchdowns. With quickness and explosive burst he can trample defenders between the tackles, but has the finishing speed to accelerate to daylight. In the open field he is particularly elusive whether it is running, receiving or returning. He has had a strong off-season hitting camps and training with his teammates and his work is paying off as he is bigger and faster (4.6 laser 40) and is ready to go scorched earth on the competition this fall.</p>
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<p>In conclusion, get out and see these guys play 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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The summer has flown by and with August football upon us the ballers working to be elite have timed their training so they are physically ready to perform at a high level.
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