Offensive Players to Know from the Class of ‘23
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Junior year can be a huge season for these young athletes. It’s a time when a player starts to gain confidence in their game as they see their roles expand on varsity. These are six skill players that had some…
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Continue ReadingJunior year can be a huge season for these young athletes. It’s a time when a player starts to gain confidence in their game as they see their roles expand on varsity. These are six skill players that had some success as sophomores and have the opportunity to make an impact as juniors. Be sure to follow them throughout the ’21 season.
Jaxon Goldberg Jaxon Goldberg 6'0" | 185 lbs | WR Blue Valley North | 2023 State KS – Blue Valley North, 6’0”, 170, WR
Goldberg has developed into a playmaker through his time in the Mustangs’ program. His freshman and junior-varsity film shows the potential of his versatility. On varsity he proved he could be a reliable target in the slot for North’s passing game. Goldberg will have the chance to continue to develop and build chemistry with Henry Martin Henry Martin 6'0" | 195 lbs | QB Blue Valley North | 2022 State KS this summer. I’d look for this young wideout to take a jump during his junior year, as he could benefit from North’s pass heavy offense.
Jaiden Bender Jaiden Bender 6'4" | 190 lbs | ATH Eudora | 2023 State KS – Eudora, 6’4”, 190, WR
If folks weren’t familiar with Bender in 2020; they’ll definitely know his name this year. The wideout’s early recruitment has been heating up, as he’s already landed offers from the University of Kansas and Kansas State. Eudora typically runs a wishbone style of offense, so Bender doesn’t see many targets. But he makes plays when the ball is thrown his way. He’ll win jump balls and he has the speed to outrun defensive backs.
Rohan Putz Rohan Putz 5'9" | 165 lbs | WR Bishop Miege | 2023 KS – Bishop Miege, 6’1”, 180, WR
After a strong showing during his sophomore season, Putz could be in line to be the Stags’ top option in the passing game. This past season he hauled in 31 passes for 570 yards and found the end zone eight times. He’s a deep threat and he can make defenders miss in open field. Putz will have to build chemistry with a new starting quarterback, but he should see a lot of targets this fall.
Roman Chandler Roman Chandler 5'9" | 170 lbs | RB Maize | 2023 KS – Maize, 5’9”, 170, RB
With Joshua Sanders Joshua Sanders 5'7" | 180 lbs | RB Maize | 2021 State KS graduating, Chandler could put recruiters on notice. He made the most of his touches when he gave Sanders breathers throughout the season, as he rushed for 200 yards, averaging an impressive nine yards per carry and he reached paydirt three times. Chandler reads his blocks well and has the speed to blow past defenders. He should be the lead back in an explosive offense.
Dylan Bice Dylan Bice 6'2" | 200 lbs | QB Thunder Ridge | 2023 State KS – Thunder Ridge, 6’3”, 190. QB
A lot of people may not know about Bice because he plays at the 8-Man level. But this young quarterback could have success at higher classification levels. During his sophomore season he threw for 1,394 yards with 15 touchdowns and added 973 yards on the ground with 14 scores. Bice has the frame, athleticism, and arm to translate to the collegiate level. If Bice can cut down on turnovers, then he should be in line for a huge junior campaign.
Maxxwell Ford Maxxwell Ford 6'3" | 210 lbs | QB St. Thomas Aquinas | 2023 KS – Saint Thomas Aquinas, 6’3”, 210 QB
Ford will officially have the keys to the offense during his junior year. He took over after an injury forced Blake Anderson Blake Anderson 5'10" | 184 lbs | QB St. Thomas Aquinas | 2021 State KS out, and he showed flashes of his potential in his first season on varsity. Ford is decisive, has good accuracy and is a hard runner. He’s put together strong showings at recent combines, and with a full off-season getting first team snaps, Ford could have a breakout year in his first full season under center.