Kendall Gurley Kendall Gurley 5'9" | 160 lbs | DB Francis Howell | 2024 State MO is another Viking that stood out to me on Friday. He played a key role on defense at corner, showing the ability to read the play and come downhill in a hurry to make tackles against the run-heavy Zumwalt North offense. On the few pass attempts, he showed great man coverage ability, opening up and staying the opposing receiver’s hip to mirror their routes. Gurley was also electric on special teams, returning one kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown. He also played a role on offense at receiver. Gurley showed the ability to use his speed and elusiveness in the open field to turn short passes into big plays. While Kendall doesn’t currently hold any offers, I expect some to come his way soon as he has received some college interest and has the talent to play somewhere at the next level.

Kendall Gurley Kendall Gurley 5'9" | 160 lbs | DB Francis Howell | 2024 State MO is an intriguing two-way prospect. I wrote up Kendall as a slot receiver, and I still don’t know where the versatile athlete plays in college. I am surprised to see Kendall’s last college visit, according to Twitter, take place in fall of 2022. Expect the all-state defender to have a skyrocketing recruitment before his senior year has finished.

Good quickness and long-speed showing in recovery after getting beat vertically highlight Kendall’s ideal nickelback skillset. Instincts and good awareness shows attacking quick throws from a deep zone responsibility. Kendall’s fluid change of direction and acceleration shows redirecting once the ball is in the air.

Another incoming senior from Francis Howell that is high on my radar is Kendall Gurley Kendall Gurley 5'9" | 160 lbs | DB Francis Howell | 2024 State MO . Gurley plays a huge role on both sides of the ball. He is a dangerous weapon on offense, doing most of his damage out of the slot. Gurley is able to uses his speed to create separation in the deep passing game and to run away from the defense after the catch. Last season, Gurley caught 16 passes for 228 yards and five touchdowns. He also showed that he can be a reliable ball carrier, finishing his junior year with seven carries for 116 yards and two touchdowns. Gurley is also a dangerous returner on special teams, returning multiple punts for touchdowns last season. On defense, Gurley is a very reliable corner that thrives in zone coverage. As a junior, Gurley finished with 21 tackles and four interceptions. Kendall doesn’t currently hold any offers but he has received some college interest and definitely has the talent to play somewhere at the next level.

A major contributor for Francis Howell, Kendall Gurley Kendall Gurley 5'9" | 160 lbs | DB Francis Howell | 2024 State MO is a shutdown corner who is dangerous in space. His speed is his greatest asset, as it allows him to play man coverage and be at least five yards off his assignment. If the route is headed deep, he has plenty of time to get into position to pursue. If his receiver tries a short route underneath, he can close the distance in a flash and make the tackle. To add on to Gurley’s already impressive resume, he also returns kicks and plays wideout, with these contributions paying dividends on defense too. If he gets an interception, his vision, athleticism, and understanding of space will grant him at least a handful of yards on the return, and the potential for a house call is always there. Gurley’s game changing ability helped send Francis Howell to the state semifinals for the first time since 2014, and this upcoming season will be his last chance to help bring his school a championship.