Mixed Class Under the Radar Ballers Getting To Know

After dipping my toe in the future pool of 2029 ballers coming down the football super highway for an earlier report, I wanted to circle back and catch up on some guys who have caught my attention this past off-season.   The "under-the-radar" guys are my typical focus. The guys trying to rise from the ashes of declining programs, average coaching, remote locations, star teammates getting the limited attention available, or even having to transcend hapless scouts poking around in the wrong holes...   Essentially the usual suspects.   These guys and the young unknown ballers are usually my favorites dealing with high school athletes. While I will always stay on top of the best and the brightest, even those guys had to start somewhere and in that context they are the ones I consider in my wheelhouse.   Hungry is often a word used to describe this block of playmakers in search of a spotlight, or at least a little flashlight time to get this thing rolling. But hungry isn't a strong enough word - it is more along the lines of a relentless single-mindedness - not obsessed, mind you - but darn close.   It's the mentality of champions and it doesn't come easily - you build it brick by brick.   In this report we are taking a look at five ballers from three different classes getting ready for stepping-stone seasons this fall. First to emerge from the pack is a rising-star QB from '28, followed by a couple of '27 skill players and two seniors who have been flying under the radar but are getting ready to change that in 2025.   So, without further adieu, let's take a look at what these guys have been doing to get ready for this fall:   [player_tooltip player_id='1645153' first='Easton' last='Melton']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/easton-melton/"></a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/easton-melton/"></a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/easton-melton/"></a> , 6'2”, 165, QB, Maize, '28. He is a young gun dual-threat QB who has been busy this off-season getting ready to launch season number two of varsity play. After getting acclimated last year he has continued working closely with Coach Rashad locally and his QB coach a couple times a week. His training is starting to pay off as he has grown an inch and put on 20 pounds since last fall. With good size and athleticism, he is comfortable taking command of an RPO offense or firing surgical strikes out of the pocket or throwing on the move. This guy checks all the boxes and has been diligently perfecting his craft. He is going to air it out when he gets his chances this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1305565' first='Braylon' last='Lies']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/braylon-lies/"></a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/braylon-lies/"></a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/braylon-lies/"></a> , 6'0, 160, WR/DB, Eisenhower, '27. Speaking of airing it out, this guy is going to get his chance as the Tigers are graduating a number of D1 stars who helped lead them deep into the playoffs last fall. Fortunately for them, there are some positions where promising talent is already in place. After learning the ropes last season as a rising-star in their powerhouse offense, he is ready to go scorched earth this fall. As a two-way playmaker WR/DB, he has really sizzled as a wideout who drives separation off the snap, runs precise routes and has sticky hands. He is another baller working with Coach Rashad who is getting ready to blow the doors off this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1701757' first='Jamarion' last='Peters'], 5'11, 170, ATH, Wichita South, '27. He is a rising-star who is starting to generate some buzz as a dual-threat WR and D-back. His speed is obvious watching him in action and he has reportedly burned through some sub-4.5 forties. As a receiver he can play the slot or split wide to create deep-threat mismatches. He is also an all-purpose WR who can stalk block and help create space leading the ball. On defense he is a ballhawk of a defensive back, who can play safety or corner and last season tied for the district lead in interceptions. He also brings the hammer collapsing down to make tackles at the LOS. This guy is going to go off this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1599037' first='Marcus' last='Johnson'], 6'1, 215, LB, Wichita Southeast, '26. Speaking of flying under the radar, this guy started getting some attention last year being named to numerous all-league and all-state teams, but the word is still not getting out like he deserves. This summer he has been locked in, hitting a number of camp-combines and continuing to work on the nuances of his craft. His training is paying off as he has grown two inches and is up to 215 pounds. As a LB he has excellent read and react skills and uses his closing speed to bring the hammer on arrival. He is also a talented punter/kicker. Offers are starting to come in which will accelerate significantly after he balls out this fall.   Kingston Savich, 6'2, 255, OL, Shawnee Mission East, '26. He is another baller who caught my attention last fall as a guy with potential who was not getting much attention early on in his career. Fast forward to the off-season prior to his senior year and he has gotten in his best shape to date. His training is paying off as he has put on 20 pounds while getting faster, stronger and with even more explosiveness, but is still looking for a next-level home. With his powerful base, heavy hands and quick feet he is adept at walling off in pass pro, or caving in down blocks or in space in the run game. His mechanics are solid and enable him to utilize leverage and positioning to own his area. This guy is getting ready to shine this fall.   In conclusion, get out and see these guys in action this fall – you will not be disappointed.   And, as usual…   Keep grindin'

After dipping my toe in the future pool of 2029 ballers coming down the football super highway for an earlier report, I wanted to circle back and catch up on some guys who have caught my attention this past off-season.