2028 Watchlist Standouts From The Fall Season

When freshmen start making a name for themselves right out of the chute, coaches and scouts sit up and take notice. It wasn't too long ago that freshmen weren't even allowed to play varsity, but then again I might just be showing my age.   Nonetheless, playing and getting recognized as a freshman standout is a very big deal and certainly bodes well for the school for the next few years.   In this report we will take a quick look at six of those guys from the class of 2028 who are ready for the varsity challenge.   So, without further adieu, let's check these guys out!   Fisher Elder , 6'1, 200, LB, Wellington, '28, is a baller who made his presence known early and often as the season went on. He played well enough to start the last three games as the Crusaders surged into the playoffs. In that brief period of time he earned enough respect to be awarded honorable mention all-state. On the season he made 50+ tackles, had five tackles for loss, a sack and a fumble recovery. He is a relentless headhunter of an inside linebacker with great instincts who hammers the ball carrier. Head coach Jeremiah Meeks had high praise for his young ball buster linebacker and indicated he has D1 potential if he keeps working and growing. Coach has a shrewd eye, time to get this guy on your watchlists as he will dominate next fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1619539' first='Maysen' last='Dodson'], 5'10, 170, ATH, Spring Hill, '28, is coming off an excellent start to his varsity career as a versatile all-purpose back and wideout who lines up at tailback, flanked, or in the slot. He thrived in the Spring Hill offense and they fed him the ball in a variety of ways, from the conventional handoffs and short passes to jet sweeps and reverses. With a low center of gravity and strong legs, he is a pounding runner between the tackles. He is also a quick, elusive runner with breakaway acceleration. This past fall he carried 20 times for 230 yards and a touchdown for a sizzling 11.5 yard average. On the receiving end he snagged 17 passes for another 168 yards for just under 400 total yards and two TDs. This kid is the real deal, get out and see him make some noise in 2025.   [player_tooltip player_id='1657257' first='Cole' last='Ranieri'], 6'0, 170, QB/LB, Nemaha Central, '28, has been flying under the radar so far in his varsity career, playing under the shadow of some all-state guys who command a lot of attention, but he was still able to play enough to show signs of great things to come. He appears to have all the tools needed to be the next dominating run-pass option quarterback/running back leading the team in the near future. He has a solid arm with good accuracy and ball placement on the short throws and can also toss a catchable long pass. On the ground he is already a problem for defenses as he is a threat to take it to the house whenever he has the ball in his hands. With his speed and athleticism he will only get more dangerous with more experience. Get him on your watchlists as he is going to be hard to keep off the field.   [player_tooltip player_id='1639963' first='Andy' last='Gray'], 6'2, 170, DB/WR/ATH, Shawnee Mission NW, '28, didn't waste any time letting people know he is varsity ready as a versatile, multi-positional playmaker with a lot of potential. On offense he lines up all over, but usually split wide and in the slot. As a receiver he is long and athletic with an outstanding catch radius that enables him to go to the apex point for the ball. He runs precise routes and is fearless going over the middle and in making the contested reception. On defense he can play anywhere in the secondary but is particularly effective playing center field as a roving free safety. He has excellent instincts and is a ball hawk when the football is in the air. He is also a three-sport athlete, playing baseball and wrestles in the off-season. The sky is the limit for this kid, get him on your lists.   [player_tooltip player_id='1556844' first='Colton' last='Lake'], QB, 5'9, 160, Olathe South, '28, is a rising-star dual-threat gunslinger who is off and running taking his game to the next level. This past fall in freshman football he was a playmaker running the South offense, passing for 17 touchdowns and adding two more scores on the ground. When putting the ball in the air he has good pocket mechanics and a quick release. He throws accurate strikes in the short to medium game but has the arm strength to make the velocity throws. He recognizes coverages quickly and doesn't force the ball into coverage, but once the play breaks down he keeps his eyes downfield while extending the play instead of defaulting to the run first. He is also adept at throwing on the move or from off platform and differing launch angles. He is also a point guard in hoops. This kid is getting ready to go off next fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1556879' first='Samuel' last='Bates'], 6'1, 255, OL/DL, Blue Valley SW, '28, is coming off a solid freshmen season piling up valuable experience and fine-tuning his game. He lined up primarily at right guard last fall, but is versatile enough to play anywhere along the offensive line. He already has good size, with a strong base and agile feet that he uses to cave in down blocks in the run game. He moves well along the line of scrimmage when pulling on traps or chipping off to pick linebackers at the next level. He already uses his leverage well and with a quick first step is particularly effective walling off in pass pro. Get him in your line of sight and watch him dominate in 2025.     In conclusion, jump on board and start following these rising stars from the very start of their promising high school careers. And, as always, if you run across team or players flying under the radar, let me know via DM on X. Keep grindin'...

When freshmen start making a name for themselves right out of the chute, coaches and scouts sit up and take notice. It wasn't too long ago that freshmen weren't even allowed to play varsity, but then again I might just be showing my age.