Six Kansas Seniors Recruiters Need To Know
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There were some under the radar seniors that put together solid campaigns this season, and some that have the opportunity to make a splash in the Kansas state playoffs. These are six seniors that college recruiters will want to know.…
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Continue ReadingThere were some under the radar seniors that put together solid campaigns this season, and some that have the opportunity to make a splash in the Kansas state playoffs. These are six seniors that college recruiters will want to know.
Phillip Vesta – Shawnee Mission North West, 6’0”, 165, FS/SS
Vesta moved like a cougar on the field this season. It seemed like he was involved with just about every tackle for North West, as he piled up 99 total, including two sacks. On film you see a lengthy frame, but don’t let that fool you. This young man isn’t afraid to hit. He does a good job of running the alley and squaring up for solid form tackles. Vesta’s vision helps him to quickly diagnose plays, and his athleticism gets him to the ball in a hurry. His length I mentioned, allows him to contest jump balls and deflect passes. He may need to add more size for the next level, but this young man could handle his own against collegiate athletes. Although he doesn’t have any offers currently, I believe his numbers and film speak for themselves. Once his season is finished he should have recruiters contacting him.
Ethan Houk Ethan Houk 6'1" | 180 lbs | QB Parsons | 2021 State KS – Parsons, 6’0”, 195, QB
Ethan took a jump from his junior to senior year, increasing his passing yards, passing touchdowns and completion percentage. Houk ranks No. 3 in passing yards with 2,176, while throwing 24 touchdowns and only six interceptions. What stands out on film, is his arm strength and ball placement. He has a nice touch on deeper throws and can make throws into tight windows. Houk does a good job of keeping plays alive and keeping his eyes down field. Another part of his game that stuck out to me, was his consistency with his footwork and mechanics. His arm, size and athleticism can translate to the collegiate level. His twitter account shows he has some NAIA interest. Ethan should see more interest from recruiters very soon.
Xavier Cushinberry – Atchison, 6’3”, 237, RB
At first glance, you’d almost think Derrick Henry was in the backfield for Atchison. Cushinberry’s frame and play style have some similarities to Henry’s, which is a nightmare for opposing defenses. In his senior season, Cushinberry rushed for over 1,400 yards with 14 touchdowns, while averaging an impressive 7.6 yards per carry. His film shows him as a straight downhill runner. Good luck to defenders meeting him one-on-one in the hole, because it takes multiple tacklers to bring him down. Something I was impressed with, was his ability to be patient and the use of his vision to read blocks. He finds holes in the defense and gains positive yards. As of right now, it appears he doesn’t have any offers. This should change soon. I think college coaches would be lucky to have a guy that can take on a 20 plus carry work load.
Jake Shope – Goddard, 6’1”, 185, WR
Shope took on the role of being a key contributor in Goddard’s offense this season. His numbers significantly increased across the board. Shope led Kansas in receiving yards with 1,191 yards on 71 receptions and scored 16 touchdowns. He is impressive at beating press coverage and his route running helps him get open. Shope’s speed helps him burn corners on vertical routes, and his athleticism makes him dangerous after the catch. He can play in the slot or out wide, and his size gives him the ability to win jump balls. This young man can definitely play at the collegiate level. His play style can fit just about any offensive scheme, and I believe he will be picking up multiple offers soon.
Cael Lynch – Eudora, 5’10”, 160, ATH
Being an undersized linebacker, you wouldn’t think Lynch would be No. 2 in tackles in the state. But he is. It’s fair to say he was all over the field for Eudora, tallying up 156 total tackles. He has something in him that isn’t coachable. That’s heart. It shows on film when he takes on offensive linemen that are bigger than him. Usually you’d think the linemen would have the upper hand, but Lynch finds ways to get around them and get to the ball carrier. He’s a solid tackler and he does a good job of getting into passing lanes leading to deflections. Lynch is just as physical on offense as he is on defense. He shows good technique when blocking and can run through arm tackles. I don’t think he would be playing linebacker at the collegiate level, but I’m sure college coaches could use him at different positions.
Dylan Rinker – McPherson, 6’0”, 205, QB
Rinker posted impressive numbers this season with 1,991 passing yards, 22 passing touchdowns and a solid 64 completion percentage. His numbers and film show he’s a solid quarterback. He’s poised in the pocket and goes through his progression to find the open the receiver. Rinker’s accuracy is impressive, as he can make tough throws that only his receivers can get to. He has a strong arm and does a good job of stepping into his throws. Another thing he does well is staying consistent with his mechanics, and being able to make throws under pressure. Dylan has the frame, arm talent and vision to play at the collegiate level. He has the opportunity to gain more attention as McPherson advances in the state playoffs. I’m sure once his season is completed, college coaches will come calling.