Wichita & Surrounding Area '27 Ballers On The Rise

It was a good season for sophomores getting an opportunity to show their stuff this past fall. In fact there were enough standout players that I will be using several reports to make sure and get as many of them covered as possible.   Getting off to a fast start it is critical if you want to get on the fast track to play in college. The top schools start building their lists even earlier but they turn a keen eye to how those potential ballers do in their sophomore seasons.   And, obviously, the guys that emerge early get a lot more attention the rest of their high school careers.   In this report we will take a look at six rising-star players from the class of 2027 who have started getting major attention in the Wichita and surrounding area.   So, without further adieu, lets check out these six playmakers on the rise.     [player_tooltip player_id='1585525' first='Cooper' last='Glasscock'], 5'9, 155, ATH, Goddard, '27, is a highlight reel in action and will be going scorched earth on the competition this coming fall. This past season he helped lead the Goddard JV to an 8-0 record, piling up 1,500 all-purpose yards and 16 touchdowns along the way. Lining up all over the formation as a wing, slot, or in the backfield, he is lethal on the jet sweep and taking the quick pass for a long score. He is also effective hitting the perimeter on the toss as a running back. Once in the open he uses the entire field with great spatial vision, swivel hips and a next-level burst. He is also a ballhawk on defense from the secondary and is an excellent open-field tackler. Get your popcorn out for this kid next fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1585528' first='Dane' last='Becker'], 5'11, 165, RB/DB, McPherson, '27, is coming off a standout year when he was named honorable mention all conference and played well for the McPherson varsity all year. On offense he lines up all over, splitting out wide, in the slot, as a tailback, and is dangerous anytime the ball is in his hands. He is a slashing, spinning, elusive runner out of the backfield, after the catch or on returns and is rarely brought down by one defender. On defense he has a nose for the ball. He closes exceptionally fast to stop runners at the line of scrimmage or will line up on the edge and lower the boom in the opposing team's backfield. He can do it all and is getting ready to play with the Kansas Colts in the up-coming 7v7 season.   [player_tooltip player_id='1585530' first='Mason' last='Moaliitele'], 6'0, 205, RB/LB, Winfield, '27 is another two-way stud in the making who has been flying under the radar but is getting ready to blow things up in 2025. This past year he was a sledgehammer of a hitter as a second-team all-conference middle linebacker and was also honorable mention on the other side of the ball as a running back. From his MLB spot he stopped offenses in their tracks all year, racking up 73 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, two sacks, three fumbles caused and a pair of fumble recoveries. Toward the end of the season he had a two-game span when he piled up 29 tackles and a couple of TFL. He is an old-school baller who trains year around for football and is getting ready to light it up in 2025.   [player_tooltip player_id='1539784' first='Cooper' last='Harris'], 5'9, 155, DB/ATH, Hutchinson, '27 is versatile playmaker who can play any of the skill positions on the offensive side of the ball and is a smothering defender in the secondary on defense. As a defensive back he has great instincts and is skilled at reading the quarterback and breaking on the ball. He has good wheels with excellent lateral movement and closing speed. On offense he is athletic and can be moved around depending on the game plan. He is also a standout wrestler in the off-season and will also be lacing up his cleats to play 7v7 with the Kansas Colts this spring. Get him on your watchlist as he won't be flying under the radar for long.   [player_tooltip player_id='1362958' first='Levi' last='McLaughlin'], 6'3, 185, DB/ATH, Rose Hill, '27, is one of the top rising star two-way ballers in the Wichita area, and has been getting better with every game he plays. He has prototype size and athleticism for a D1 defensive back and is following in the steps of his older brother [player_tooltip player_id='1611281' first='Luke' last='McLaughlin'], who is currently in the portal and will announce his new team shortly. He has also been training with legendary Coach James Tabor of @PIAthletes, so between the DNA and the off-season training he is sitting good. For this past season he picked up 50 tackles and had 10 pass break ups whenever they tried to challenge him. He is getting ready to come into his own with a huge breakout season in 2025.   [player_tooltip player_id='1541138' first='Carson' last='Bryant'], 6'0, 205, Edge/OLB, Goddard, '27, is another Lion baller who helped lead the team to a 6-1 record before losing their final two games. He is a versatile defender who storms the gate coming off the edge, but can be moved down and play tackle or nose as needed. Off the edge as a defensive end or OLB he owns the perimeter and at the snap hammers linemen and backs with pounding force. He has a powerful base with weaponized hands that he uses effectively to destroy plays in the backfield or when collapsing down to shut down the running game between the tackles. Get him on your watchlist for 2025, he is getting ready to shine.     In conclusion, get these guys on your watchlist and follow their progress in the off season as they prepare for their junior seasons. And, as always, if you across a player or team you think deserves coverage and is not getting it give me a shout via DM on X.

It was a good season for sophomores getting an opportunity to show their stuff this past fall. In fact there were enough standout players that I will be using several reports to make sure and get as many of them covered as possible.