5A Preview: Inside Look at Breakout Candidates in Kansas

<p>High school football is just weeks away. In this report, we examine several prospects throughout 5A in Kansas who are looking to either break out on the field or in recruitment. Many of these prospects possess the talent and traits necessary to play at the next level. Here are five athletes to watch this fall. </p>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2264116' first='Joshua' last='Howell'] of Washington High School is coming off a solid 2025 season. He racked up 21 tackles, 11 PBUs, and two interceptions. The athletic defensive back can play off-ball corner and safety.</p>   <p>He plays over the top effectively, flashing his zone coverage ability. His read-and-react ability is notable, consistently challenging the catch point and forcing incompletions and turnovers. Howell is a prospect to watch throughout the season.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/joshuahowell08/status/2027416726627909947?s=20 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1991315' first='Brandon' last='Marshall'] is a prospect to watch throughout 2026. He's a developing prospect with ideal size for the next level. If you operate an option offense, he's an offensive lineman for you.</p>   <p>Marshall displays solid initial quickness into his base blocks, consistently angling defenders to create running lanes from behind. He's not the most athletic, but his physicality is noticeable and has potential. </p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/BMarshall2028/status/2076079920988483620?s=20 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2084675' first='Charlie' last='Peek'] is going to have a breakout season in terms of recruitment. He's already dominant on the field, racking up over 100 tackles in 2025. Expect that to increase during his senior season, opening up eyes. </p>   <p>Peek is a technique and assignment sound, doesn't overpursue, and will fill running lanes quickly with physicality. He works laterally with good lateral quickness while keeping his eyes in the backfield. He's a prospect to add to the recruiting board. </p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Chuckpo4404/status/2001703067297943756?s=20 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1616521' first='Oliver' last='Kline'] will garner more attention this fall for Emporia. He's primarily a safety with experience at wide receiver. The lengthy defensive back is a prospect to monitor this fall. </p>   <p>He displays solid read and reaction ability in the deep thirds, flashing his timing to undercut routes or contest the catch point to force PBUs or INTs. Kline is going to take that next leap this upcoming fall.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/KlineOlive27/status/2068794877257658487?s=20 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2264136' first='Trenton' last='Erbert'] racked up 15 receptions for 248 yards and one touchdown during the 2025 season. He's expected to see more targets and reps during his junior season. </p>   <p>Erbert is a solid route runner with zero wasted motion throughout his stem and route. He's reliable at all field levels, showcasing his quickness and ability to adjust mid-route with solid body control. Keep an eye on him.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Trenton_E12/status/2081891145550856266?s=20 </div></figure>    <p></p>

High school football is just weeks away. In this report, we examine several prospects throughout 5A in Kansas who are looking to either break out on the field or in recruitment. Many of these prospects possess the talent and traits necessary to play at the next level. Here are five athletes to watch this fall.