Community Film Room: Part II

We’re coming back at you with another group of five unranked prospects in this second Community Film Room. This second article in the series features two sophomores eager to make some noise as juniors, a prospect from Manhattan with star potential, and two players from the Class of ’23 looking to build off their success from the ’21 season. <b>Gus Hawkins</b> – Scott City, 6’6”, 230, ATH, <i>Class of ’24</i> We begin this piece with a look at a prospect from the 3A ranks that has huge upside on both sides of the ball. If recruiters didn’t know of Gus Hawkins in 2021, they will this year. He’s coming off a strong sophmore campaign where he earned an <i>All-League Honorable Mention</i> selection at defensive end, and he made plays at tight end as well. At defensive end, Hawkins has the ability to dictate the line of scrimmage with his long reach. It allows him to be the aggressor, and to control the opposition. Hawkins didn’t have a ton of film at tight end, but his small sample size was impressive. He has a wide catch radius and can rack up yards after the catch. https://twitter.com/gushawkins_24/status/1496826198332264449?s=21 <b>Brady VanDonge</b> – Basehor-Linwood, 6’0”, 170, QB, <i>Class of ’24</i> With the Bobcats graduating their starting quarterback from last season, VanDonge could be in line to become their new signal caller. VanDonge saw limited varsity action during his sophmore year, but the snaps he played he looked sharp. In his six appearances during the ’21 season he went 15 of 19 for 169 yards and two touchdowns. He showed that he can be an accurate passer and can quickly make decisions. He’s not necessarily a dual-threat, but he did show flashes of his mobility. VanDonge will be a gunslinger to keep an eye on over the next few seasons. https://twitter.com/bradyvandonge/status/1468251545405952002?s=21 <b>Jaxon Bowles</b> – Manhattan, 6’2”, 210, ATH, <i>Class of ’23</i> The loss of two highly ranked players such as [player_tooltip player_id="111757" first="Joe" last="Hall III"] and [player_tooltip player_id="159184" first="Vincent" last="Smith"] opens the door for someone to become the next standout player from Manhattan. That someone could be Jaxon Bowles. The dynamic senior to be could potentially turn into the Indians’ top offensive weapon during the ’22 season. Bowles is capable of being a physical wideout that can stretch the field and win 50/50 balls. He also has the frame to be a back that can run between the tackles if given the opportunity. Bowles’ size and athleticism should draw the interest from multiple schools this year. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13722110/61f3579fbed6610e80663096" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <b>McKinley Joynes</b> – Maize, 5’11”, 170, DB, <i>Class of ’23</i> The Class of ’23 rankings is filled with a strong group of defensive backs; specifically at the safety position. While most of these safeties get the attention, corners like McKinley Joynes fly under the radar. He’s coming off a solid junior year where he racked up 59 total tackles, 12 pass breakups and two interceptions. His play would earn him a <i>5A All-State Honorable Mention</i> nod and an <i>All-League Honorable Mention</i> selection. Joynes is one of the better corners in this upcoming senior class. One of his best attributes is his ability to track the ball. Joynes does a great job of flipping his hips and getting his head turned around to contest the pass. https://twitter.com/mckinleyjoynes/status/1489706835791785988?s=21 <b>Mark Harris</b> – Maur Hill Prep, 6’1”, 180, QB, <i>Class of ’23</i> Harris is looking to be another sought after arm in a loaded quarterback class. The 2021 season was his first year starting under center for the Ravens, and he performed well for a first-year starter. He took home a <i>2A All-State Honorable Mention</i> selection after completing 60% of his passes and throwing for 1,452 yards with 18 touchdowns. Harris possesses several intangibles of a next level signal caller. He has a strong arm, good awareness in the pocket, nice touch on deeper throws, and he’s shown flashes of looking off defenders. The 2022 campaign could be a big year for the Maur Hill product. https://twitter.com/markharris2023/status/1456082291764211714?s=21