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<p>July is winding to a close and in a few days the August countdown begins <em>for real</em>.</p>
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<p>The off-season grind is getting ready to transition to laser-focused gameface<em> </em>as the guys who put in the work look to demonstrate those upgrades on the turf this fall.</p>
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<p>In this report, we are taking a look at five multi-positional playmakers who are versatile enough to play almost anywhere a coach wants them to play. </p>
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<p>And, to prepare to play both sides of the ball as well as special teams as needed they have been locked in on getting ready this off-season.</p>
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<p>So, without further adieu, let's check out what these guys have been doing this summer with an eye on fall:</p>
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<p><strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1612738' first='Max' last='Holman']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/max-holman/"></a> </strong></strong>, 5'10, 165, WR/DB, <em>Liberal,</em> '<strong>27</strong>, first out of the gate is a senior playmaker coming off a strong season when caught 30 passes for 384 yards and four TD's, including a season high six for 123 yards and a score against <em>Topeka</em> <em>Seaman</em> in the playoffs. His off-season has been productive setting PRs in the weight room and working on speed and quickness. The work is paying off as he has picked up several offers and is starting to generate growing next-level interest. He is a dangerous receiver who caught my eye last year with his route running, quickness and athleticism; he creates separation off the snap and has consistent hands as well as great range tracking the ball. On defense he is a ballhawk who can play corner or safety and intercepted three passes last season. He is also a solid option returning kicks. This guy is the real deal and is geared up for a lights-out senior season.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2147597' first='Rafa' last='Fernandez']</strong>, 6'0, 185, DB/WR/ATH, <em>De Soto</em>, <strong>'28</strong>, next up is the first junior in this report and is a playmaker who has flown under the radar somewhat so far but will change that in a hurry this fall. He is coming off an excellent sophomore season when he established himself as a rising-star d-back playing as a shut-down corner who can mash the WR in the grill, flip hips and run or sink back and play as a rangy safety who flies to the football. What has impressed besides his athleticism and versatility is his exceptional anticipation and closing speed. Once the play is locked in he is a heat-seeking missile getting to the ball and blowing up the play. His off-season has been busy as he was on site at both <em>Washburn </em>and <em>Emporia State</em> for spring games and then in June hit camps at <em>KSU, KU, Wyoming</em> and <em>Emporia State</em> and recently returned from showcasing his skill sets at the <em>Pitt State camp</em>. He has started to see some next-level interest and after a big season this fall the offers are going to roll in.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2179170' first='Bodhi' last='Shay']</strong>, 5'9, 185, RB/LB/ATH, <em>Paola</em>, <strong>'28</strong>, up next for the juniors is a baller who turned heads on both sides of the ball as a running back and linebacker as a sophomore last fall. When the dust had settled at the close of the season he had picked up 1,050 yards on 164 carries, averaging 6 yards a pop and scored 16 touchdowns. He is a powerful runner with a low center of gravity and the explosiveness to hit the gap hard and fast and trample defenders in his path. He runs with excellent balance and body control and has good burst and top-end speed running to daylight. He also catches the ball well out of the backfield. He stayed in shape in the off-season by wrestling and running track in the spring as well as training for football on the side. This summer he has been on the camp circuit fine-tuning his skills and establishing PRs in the key measurables (4.6 40, 4.25 shuttle, 35" VJ, 495 Squat). This guy is going to shred defenses this fall.</p>
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<p><strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2165834' first='Armoni' last='Lopez']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/armoni-lopez/"></a> </strong>, 6'0, 175, QB, <em>Wichita Heights</em> (xfer from <em>Wichita North</em>), <strong>'28</strong>, next is the last junior in this report and is a playmaker who caught my eye as a dual-threat quarterback playing for a team that unfortunately did not win a game last year. This off-season he transferred to <em>Wichita Heights</em> where he will team up with some good athletes on what looks like a promising offense for the <em>Falcons</em>. Last fall he spent a lot of his time running for his life but was able to throw for 700+ yards and a half-dozen touchdowns running and passing. With speed and athleticism he is adept at stretching plays, throwing on the move and firing accurate darts under duress. This off-season he has been playing 7v7, working with QB coach <em>Rocky Hinds</em> and just wrapped up scrimmages with <em>Andover Central</em> and <em>Bishop Carroll.</em> Get this guy on your watchlist, with a new offense to showcase his talents, he is going to bring the fireworks this fall.</p>
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<p><strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2128205' first='Chase' last='Cain']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/chase-cain/"></a> </strong>, 6'1, 175, QB/ATH, <em>Olathe North</em>, <strong>'29</strong>, and last but certainly not least and the only sophomore in this report is a multi-sport, dual-threat quarterback getting ready to put his skills on display. Last fall he showed glimpses of things to come when he ran and passed for 1,800+ total yards and 24 touchdowns on the freshman/JV squad and was 5 of 10 for 77 yards in late-season varsity action. His off-season has been busy playing hoops and just wrapped up a busy summer playing baseball. He has also continued to work with QB coach, <em>Justin Hoover</em>, as well as lifting with teammates and doing speedwork. He has good footwork in the pocket and ball placement throwing quick timing strikes and has a nice touch on the long ball. He is also athletic enough to extend plays and throw the ball off platform and from different launch angles. This guy was just getting warmed up last year and is ready to cook 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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July is winding to a close and in a few days the August countdown begins for real.
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