April Film Session: Part I

The title might have changed a bit, but the goal remains the same. As we turn the calendar to April, we’re still in search of undiscovered talent to add in the next wave of ranking updates. We’re kicking off the new month by highlighting an impressive bunch of skill position players ranging from Class 6A to the 8-Man ranks. This first piece in the <i>April Film Session</i> features two standout safeties from Class 6A, a wideout with huge upside from the <i>Topeka</i> area, and a couple of dynamic two-way players. <b>Gerard Reed III</b> – Olathe East, 6’2”, 185, DB, <i>Class of ’24</i> Up first in the series is one of the better run stopping safeties in the upcoming junior class. Reed was a nice surprise for the Hawks’ defense during his sophmore season, as he’d rack up 43 total tackles and two forced fumbles in just six games. Some encouraging signs from his film is that he does a lot of the little things right. Meaning, he takes excellent angles of pursuit when tracking down ball carriers, and is good about using his crow hop to see plays develop. Once he identifies a run play, he shoots the alley at full speed and cuts a ball carriers’ legs out from under them. Reed is flying under the radar right now, but could potentially be an All-League player this season. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16114800/6181a4c7b01a1d08ece6e736" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <b>Trey Ridley</b> – Blue Valley NW, 6’1”, 185, DB, <i>Class of ’24</i> We go from highlighting one of the better run stuffing safeties in the Class of ’24, to now taking a look at one of the top coverage safeties. The 6A state champs had an abundance of elite talent on their roster in 2021, and Ridley was an underclassman that became an important player in their secondary. Through nine games he came up with two interceptions and six pass breakups. Ridley has the speed to quickly cover ground, and displays fluid hips while changing directions. He also does a great job of getting his head turned around to contest passes, and uses his length to force incompletions. He’ll be an exciting prospect to watch on the Huskies’ defense as a junior. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/15197755/61a5b0c27bddcd0f6439a46f" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <b>[player_tooltip player_id="316532" first="Kamen" last="Jones"]</b> – Topeka West, 6’4”, 200, WR, <i>Class of ’23</i> [player_tooltip player_id="316532" first="Kamen" last="Jones"] is a prospect that is looking to put folks on notice this year. The Chargers had their struggles offensively this past season, but things should improve this year with some key starters returning. Which could mean more production for Jones. The senior to be boasts a D-I level frame, and has the physicality to go with it. He has no fear running routes over the middle of the field, and is tough to bring down after the catch. Jones isn’t necessarily a wideout that will beat corners with his speed, but he can stretch the field and can out jump just about any defender. While he still has room to improve, Jones is without a doubt a prospect with tons of upside, and could be a gem for several collegiate programs. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/12878162/614ff1fa041df70a103cdfc9" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <b>[player_tooltip player_id="316533" first="Ethan" last="Burton"] </b>– Council Grove, 6’0”, 180, ATH, <i>Class of ‘23</i> Up next is a very dynamic athlete from Class 2A that deserves some recognition. The 2A ranks have produced some talented prospects over the last few years, but [player_tooltip player_id="316533" first="Ethan" last="Burton"] is one that hasn’t been talked about enough. Burton shined on both sides of the ball in 2021, as he earned All-League honors for his play at receiver and corner. Offensively, Burton can rack up yards after the catch on intermediate passes, but he also has the explosiveness to be a vertical threat. Defensively, he can stay stride for stride with the opposition, and uses his 38-inch vertical to get up to fight for 50/50 balls. Burton should start drawing next level interest as we get closer to the ’22 season. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14463202/6158ec15bed7540bfccdcde4" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <b>Simon Everhart</b> – Cair Paravel, 6’1”, 160, ATH, <i>Class of ’24</i> The Cair Paravel Lions had an incredible run in 2021. But the ’22 season could be a challenge, as they graduate some impactful players this May. They’ll look to younger prospects like Simon Everhart to step up for them this season. He finished his sophmore campaign as the third leading receiver on the team, as he hauled in 25 catches for 345 yards and nine touchdowns, and also came up with seven interceptions on defense. As a sophmore, Everhart proved he has reliable hands. He made some tough catches over the middle, and did a good job of high pointing the ball on passes down the field. His ball skills also translate to defense when he lines up at safety. The young man is sure to become an impact player for the Lions as a junior. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14996201/619a933b3453c60bf4d78fb8" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>