Upperclassmen Prospects Ready To Dominate This Fall

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Entering their junior and senior seasons top prospects realize the sand in the hour glass is emptying sooner than anticipated. We can all certainly appreciate time flying when you're having fun, but it is a jolt to the senses when the realization really sinks in that there is only a year or two of varsity football left on a high school career that seemed like it just got started.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Obviously, it is time to take it to the next level. At the very least, have fun with your teammates and leave every last bit on the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There is no slowing of time and there are definitely no mulligans...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Most juniors and seniors feel the added pressure to produce on the field when they become upperclassmen. The ballers in the bunch came to the realization early on that in response to the nervous anticipation, the obvious answer is to get locked-in on being a grinder and work year around on their craft to be ready when the time comes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The grinders aren't going to let an opportunity embarrass them because they were not ready for the challenge.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In this report, we will take a look at five grinders ready to shine this fall. First up, a couple of playmakers primed for big senior seasons, followed by three juniors getting ready to make a name for themselves. We will take a look at a variety of positions below as well as look in on three ballers who changed schools in the off-season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>So, without further adieu, let's take a look at what these guys have been doing to get ready for this fall:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1641836' first='Alamar' last='Brooks']</strong>, 6'0, 190, WR/DB/Returns, <em>KC Piper</em>, '26. He is coming off a solid junior season that sets the table for a big year this fall as a three-way baller who can play WR on offense, anywhere in the secondary on defense and return kicks. Last fall he focused on offense and hauled in 18 passes for 286 yards and a pair of TD's, numbers he will top going away this season. With his next-level speed and acceleration he has run a sub-4.4 forty and earlier this summer put his explosiveness on display with a 40-inch vertical. He is more than just a burner as a receiver, as he can make the tough, contested catch over the middle or climb the ladder to snag the ball at it's apex point. He is also a dangerous return man who is a threat to take it to the house on every kick. When he isn't training and playing football he is a standout basketball player. This guy is going to sizzle this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Brett LaDuke</strong> 6'4, 215, QB, <em>Blue Valley West</em>, '26. He is getting ready to make a big splash in the Kansas City area after transferring earlier in the year from <em>Highland Park</em> in <em>Dallas</em>. With all-state QB <em>Tate Nagy</em> graduating, the timing is perfect for this guy to step in and let it rip. With prototype size and athleticism he is a gunslinger with a powerful arm who can deliver the ball anywhere on the field but can also tuck it and run or extend plays with his legs effectively as needed. He has well-schooled mechanics in the pocket with tight shoulder rotation and quick release and has great footwork moving in and out of the pocket. He can fire surgical strikes with pin-point ball placement in the short game and also dial up the deep velocity passes on second and third-level throws. He also snaps off the long touch-ball in stride and has the skills to layer it into tight windows. Get your popcorn handy, he is going to put on a show this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ayden Rookwood</strong>, 6'0, 175, WR/DB, <em>Leavenworth</em>, '27. He is another baller coming in from out of state who is going to be a great addition to the <em>Pioneers</em> this fall. Last season for <em>Blythewood </em>high school in <em>South Carolina</em>, he was a two-way athlete who can play anywhere in the secondary as needed but really stood out as a dangerous wideout on offense. With a well-rounded game, he generates instant separation off the ball before rolling into precise route running in the short-to-medium passing game. Once he sets up the defense on the quick pass he has the burst and top-end speed to torch defenders on the long ball. He has been hard at it in the off-season focusing on explosiveness and speed, while also working on all the nuances to be elite at the position. He is getting ready for a breakout season this fall as a weaponized receiver who can beat teams in a variety of ways.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Justin Roberts</strong>, 6'0, 245, OL/DL, <em>Wichita Northwest</em>, '27. He was on the move in the off-season as well, with his change of high schools happening locally when he transferred from <em>Wichita East</em> to <em>Wichita Northwest</em>. As a two-way trench warrior he can play along the defensive front as needed but has really impressed as a versatile offensive lineman who can play the blind-side tackle or move inside to one of the guard positions. With his powerful base, agile footwork and strong hands he is equally adept at walling off in pass pro or showcasing his quickness pulling and leading backs running wide. Getting acclimated last year on a strong East team he is joining a loaded Northwest squad, assimilating seamlessly on the team since making the school change and has had a strong off-season. Get this guy on your watchlists as he getting ready to surprise some people this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Markus Bollinger</strong>, 6'4, 225, TE/ATH, <em>Shawnee Mission West</em>, '27. He is coming off a solid sophomore season establishing himself as a versatile tight end who can make the difficult catch over the middle or split wide and burn teams deep. With his next-level size and athleticism, he uses his 80-inch wingspan and quickness off the ball to make life miserable for secondaries. With his size and speed he can stretch the defense and in particular has shown he can pick up big yardage after the catch. He is also a piledriver of a blocker who can cave in down blocks in the run game or get out in front and lower the boom with timely pancake blocks leading backs on the perimeter. His off-season has been productive, gaining 15 pounds of muscle while putting in the speedwork to get even faster. This guy is going to help the <em>Viking</em> resurgence this fall with a big season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> In conclusion, get out and see these guys in action – you will not be disappointed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>And, as usual…</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Keep grindin'</em></strong>…</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->