Off-Season Grinders Making the Final Push For Fall

The heat is back on in more ways than the weather as we roll into the second week of July after last week's time-out period. No more distractions between now and pre-season start - time to put the finishing touches on all the off-season work that has been put in.   Get those last-minute workout deposits in the bank and ready for withdrawal this fall.   If you are still in camp mode, there are some good Kansas camps to hit this month, among them are: Emporia State - July 12; Ottawa- July 19; Mid America Nazarene - July 19; McPherson - July 25; and Fort Hays State - July 26.   And, as you roll toward August, remember to balance the physical and mental aspects of the game. Your physical skills get you noticed, but it's the mental part of your game that sets you apart. Don't take it for granted.   In this report we are taking a quick look at five guys who are stepping up their off-season training coming down the home stretch. The first three guys are punishing linebackers who will be among the best in the state this fall and then a pair of '27 trench warriors who are prepped and ready for battle.   So, without further adieu, let's take a look at what these guys have been doing in the off-season:   [player_tooltip player_id='904450' first='Beckett' last='Linden']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/beckett-linden/"></a> , LB, 6'0, 210, Blue Valley Northwest, '26. He is coming off an injury-shortened season last fall as a broken collarbone limited him to six games, but in those six he averaged just under 10 tackles a game and was off to a great start to his junior season. Using that as motivation, he has been a man on a mission making up for lost time this off-season hitting camps at KC Varsity, Six Star, Drake, Lindenwood, Washburn and William Jewell. He is an aggressive LB who penetrates gaps quickly and flows exceptionally fast to the ball. His closing speed enables him to play sideline to sideline and when he arrives hits like a battering ram. His off-season training is paying off as he put on 15 pounds while getting even faster and has set PR's in all the key lifts. This guy is getting ready to dominate in 2025.   [player_tooltip player_id='1593671' first='Jesiah' last='Gooch']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/jesiah-gooch/"></a> , 6'2, 215, RB/LB, Hillsboro, '26. He is coming off a standout junior season as a two-way playmaker who had 900 yards rushing and receiving, 12 TD's and piled up 84 tackles and seven TFL on defense. His off-season has been a blur, as he started camping in early spring and from my reports turned heads at every event with his combination of size, speed and athleticism. With his powerful frame and burst he blows through arm tackles and tramples defenders in his path before out running them to paydirt. On the other side of the ball he is a headhunter of a LB who uses his physicality to shut down the run game inside and on the perimeter. In the tape I have seen of him this summer he looked incredibly quick and light on his feet. Get your popcorn ready, this guy is going to put on a show this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1250046' first='Blaine' last='Harris']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/blaine-harris/"></a> , 6'0, 210, LB, Shawnee Mission NW, '26. He is coming off a good junior season when he gave fans and coaches a glimpse of things to come, racking up 57 tackles, four tackles for loss and added a sack. He can play any of the linebacker positions but is particularly effective playing outside or storming the gates off the edge. With his lightning-fast instincts and read and react skills, he breaks on the ball at the snap, stuffing gaps and sealing off plays at the line of scrimmage. His off-season training has been busy, hitting camps at Lindenwood, Missouri Western and Washburn. He has also put on 15 pounds and improved both his straight-line speed and lateral quickness. This guy is a defensive baller who plays a physical game and is getting ready to deliver a big senior season.   [player_tooltip player_id='1248293' first='Dahzael' last='Castillo']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/dahzael-castillo/"></a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/dahzael-castillo/"></a> , 5'10, 230, Edge/OL, Oxford, '27. He is coming off a solid sophomore season in the trenches, helping his team to a 7-3 overall record and a trip to the playoffs. Getting better every game, he piled up 38 tackles, four tackles for loss and and four sacks for the year. On offense he can play guard or tackle and is a run-stuffing force on the edge as a defensive end. With his powerful frame, heavy hands and surprising burst he can pile-drive blocks on offense or bring the knock-out hits on defense. He has been busy this off-season lifting and improving his speed and quickness. Recently he and his teammates returned from a good team camp at Emporia State and the momentum is building in Oxford. Keep an eye out for this guy, he is getting ready for a breakout season this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1705267' first='Will' last='Skaggs'], 6'3, 275, OL, Shawnee Heights, '27. He is another baller from the 2027 class who is coming off a good sophomore season as an all-conference center who delivered 33 pancake blocks last fall. Since then he has been focused on his junior year, doing yoga to improve flexibility while pounding the weights to get bigger. The work is paying off as he has grown an inch, put on 25 pounds and improved his speed and quickness even with the added bulk. His June was busy, hitting camps at Iowa State, Lindenwood, Hutchison and KU. His game is physical and aggressive, and with his size and strength is able to overpower defenders in the trenches. He also plays a smart game, picking up on tendencies and making real-time adjustments quickly. This guy is ready to take it to the next level this fall.   In conclusion, get out and see these guys in action this fall – you will not be disappointed.   As a reminder, if you run across any teams or players flying under the radar give me a shout via DM on X.    And, as usual…   Keep grindin'

The heat is back on in more ways than the weather as we roll into the second week of July after last week's time-out period. No more distractions between now and pre-season start - time to put the finishing touches on all the off-season work that has been put in.