Dangerous Skill Players Getting Weaponized For This Fall

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The coverage on position groups and what they are doing in the off-season to get ready for this fall continues.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Today we are circling back to take a closer look at a handful of standout wide receivers and running backs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kicking off the report are three recievers who will be among the most lethal targets in the state this year and then follow up with a couple of running backs coming off strong seasons and who will be ready to take the next step this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>So without further adieu, let's take a closer look at what these guys have been up to and what their plans are for the rest of the off-season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1582714' first='Blake' last='Thomas']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/blake-thomas-2/"></a>&nbsp;<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/blake-thomas-2/"></a>&nbsp;</strong></strong>, ATH, 5'11, 195,&nbsp;<em>Blue Valley SW,</em>&nbsp;'29,&nbsp;<strong><em>(PICTURED ABOVE)</em></strong> - last year he started his varsity career as if shot out of a cannon, scoring six TD's in his first two games and went on to have a huge freshman season. He is a generational talent who has already developed into one of the most explosive athletes in the state. Once the season ended he got right into the grind with an aggressive off-season plan mapped out. He is returning from the <em>Elite11</em> competition in <em>Dallas</em> this past weekend and has many more high-profile events to come this spring and summer. He has been fully locked in on building strength and speed and will roll into his sophomore year at 195 pounds and running a 4.55 forty as a hybrid receiver - catches like a wide-out, pounds the rock like a RB. He has been power training with <em>GridIron_Fit</em> and speedwork/explosiveness with <em>Eric Patterson at GridIron</em>. Right now he is in track competing in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100 relay as well as throwing the javelin. He is also playing 7v7 with the <em>GrindTime 15u team</em>. Get your popcorn ready, he is going to put on a show this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='856864' first='Pearce' last='George']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/pearce-george/"></a>&nbsp;</strong>,&nbsp;</strong>6'0, 195, ATH/WR/QB,&nbsp;<em>Maize</em>, '27,&nbsp;up next is another sizzling multi-positional playmaker coming off a breakout season last fall when he piled up 1,000+ all-purpose yards, which included 18 TD's, 46 receptions for 700+ yards, 80+ rushing, 60+ passing and also had a pick-6. I have enjoyed watching him evolve from a gifted dual-threat QB to a dangerous wideout who is getting D1 attention as a receiver. In the open field he is dynamic, with lightning-fast cuts, great lateral burst and elusiveness in space. Once the season concluded he went right into basketball and helped his team recently win sub-state. Along the way he has been busy in off-season training with <em>Coach Rashad (Daniels) </em>and has been playing 7v7 with <em>Building Champions</em>. His camp-combine schedule is busy as well with a roadtrip coming up to the <em>Under Armour All American camp</em> in <em>St. Louis </em>next week. This guy is ready to bring the fireworks this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1894342' first='Dallas' last='Owens']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/dallas-owens/"></a>&nbsp;</strong>, 6'2”, 175, WR, <em>Shawnee Heights</em>, ‘27, he is another versatile baller who is coming off an excellent junior season as one of the top receivers for the <em>Thunderbird's</em> high-octane air attack. Last fall he lined up split wide or in the slot and caught 48 passes for 619 yards, hauled in four TD passes and added 100+ yards on returns. He is a weapon at receiver who runs great routes, can make the the tough, contested catch over the middle or burn teams deep on the long ball. When the season ended he went right into wrestling and will run track this spring. This off-season he has been focused on strength and bulk and has put on 15 pounds since last fall while getting his forty down in the 4.5 range. This spring he has numerous junior day trips planned, including Washburn, and is also narrowing down his camp-combine list for this summer. This guy is a battle-tested warrior of a receiver and is ready for a big season this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='415448' first='Kayden' last='Augustus']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/kayden-augustus/"></a>&nbsp;</strong>,&nbsp;</strong>5'11, 185, RB/LB,&nbsp;<em>Blue Valley North</em>, '27, up next is a two-way playmaker who is coming off a strong junior season when he was used primarily at running back, after a sophomore season when he played more defense than offense. Last fall he gave fans and coaches a glimpse of great things to come as he carried the ball 128 times for 650 yards, caught 12 passes for another 200 yards and piled up five touchdowns along the way. He has developed into an all-purpose back who besides running and catching can also make crushing blocks coming out of the backfield. With his quickness, burst and track speed, he can scorch teams on the perimeter but also run through arm tackles and deliver the tough yards up the middle. This off-season he has been locked in on lifting and doing speedwork and is currently training for track season. This guy is focused on having a big year and is getting ready to deliver this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jaydence Martinez</strong>, 5'9, 175, RB, <em>Shawnee Mission NW</em>, '27, and last but not least is a running back <em>Coach Cook at SMNW </em>pointed out and I am glad he did as this guy is a baller. Last fall he was just getting warmed up, picking up 1,200+ yards rushing and scoring nine touchdowns. He is an explosive running back with the physicality to pick up the difficult yards by running though arm tackles and picking up big yardage after the initial hit. He is also a threat on the perimeter, using his burst and acceleration to roast defenders hitting the corner. Once the season was over he shifted gears to wrestling, is running track this spring and is also lifting hard and continuing to work on his cardio so he can pound the rock deep into the fourth quarter this fall. He also has a busy spring and summer planned with the team's boot camp coming up, the KU and Oklahoma state camps and is considering others. This guy might be flying under the radar for now but he is going to torch teams this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In conclusion, get out and see these talented players this fall - you won't be disappointed! Also, if you know of any players&nbsp;not getting&nbsp;any/enough coverage that they deserve,&nbsp;<em>please feel free to DM me via X</em>&nbsp;so we can take care of that!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>And, most importantly...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>Keep Grindin'</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->