By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
There are many potential breakout players across our coverage area that features more than 60 teams. Below are some of the top breakout players to watch this season. This list is in alphabetical order.
NOTE: Some worthy players may appear on one of our other SIX football watch lists. In an effort to highlight as many players as possible, A PLAYER CAN ONLY APPEAR ON ONE LIST.
The football watch lists we will be releasing are: Quarterbacks, Running Backs, Receivers/Tight Ends, Linemen, Linebackers, Defensive Backs and Breakout Players.
BREAKOUT PLAYERS
Gardner Casey, Bolivar
You should know Casey from his basketball ability, where he’s one of the top shooters in Missouri, but his production on the gridiron as a sophomore is nothing short of impressive. The junior was one of the top defensive backs in the OC by season’s end, finishing with 11 PBUs and a pair of interceptions. With Jamie LaSalle taking over at Bolivar, expect to see Casey utilized on both sides of the ball in very creative ways.
Kade Durnin, Camdenton
The D1 baseball prospect could get drafted next summer, but don’t let that distract you from his football prowess; Durnin is a baller. As a junior he passed for 444 yards and nine touchdowns as a backup. His athleticism in a 6-foot-2, 195-pound frame will spell trouble for the rest of the OC.
Jamile Johnson, Parkview
We often see these stories of basketball players turned tight ends and their success is immense. In fact, most of the best tight ends over the last two decades were college basketball players or prospects. Johnson has a chance to add his name to that list. The 6-foot-8 senior has long limbs, as well as the ability to run and jump at a high level. His physical tools will allow him to pick between basketball and football.
Alex Judd, West Plains
Being the brother of one of the best athletes in the history of your school can’t be easy, but Alex Judd is rapidly making a name for himself. As a sophomore, he finished with 92 tackles and earned All-Area honors. At 6-foot-2, 220 pounds, he has next-level size and athleticism while just now growing into his frame. This year should be his coming out party.
Cash Pomeroy, Marionville
He doesn’t really have a true position, but his freshman season saw him make plays in the passing game, running game, defensively and special teams. At 6-foot-3, 230 pounds he is physically imposing but moves extremely well. Expect him to improve on his 86 tackles and 200 yards for scrimmage.
Dylan Rebura, Nixa
As a sophomore, he was explosive rushing for 485 yards and nine touchdowns at nearly 10 yards per carry. The crazy part is that production came while he was backing up All-Everything senior and the area’s rushing leader Ramone Green. Rebura is yet another compact back with great balance and great feet. He has some good football ahead of him.
Spensar Seiger & Bryden Baxter, Fair Grove
Who starts at quarterback remains to be seen as both had success last year. Seiger started the first four games before Baxter took over after an injury sidelined Seiger. Both have superstar potential and whoever doesn’t start at quarterback will be a factor somewhere else on the field. To call Fair Grove’s offense explosive would be an understatement and both juniors will be a focal point of the attack in some role.
Trevor Wilson, Central
Wilson has every physical tool to be an elite defensive end against both the run and the pass. As a sophomore, he was at setting the edge and getting off blocks to get after the quarterback. When Kellen Lindstrom leaves Glendale, Wilson will become the best defensive lineman in SPS.
OTHERS TO WATCH
Jayce Depriest, Warsaw
Jack Cheaney, Nevada
Jude Cochran, Hillcrest
Landyn Collins, Carthage
Camden Everhart, Lincoln
Noah Garrison, Sarcoxie
Brandon Garner-Sims, Stockton
Trey Hardin, Neosho
Dawson Harris, Thayer
Bradley Mullins, Strafford
Bryce Nolen, Forsyth
Carter Roy, Fair Grove
Braxton Wolfe, East Newton
