By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
There are many players poised for breakout seasons across our coverage area that features more than 60 teams. Below are some of the players we think will have breakout seasons. This list is in alphabetical order.
NOTE: Some worthy players may appear on one of our other SEVEN 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, Offensive Linemen, Defensive Linemen, Linebackers, Defensive Backs and Breakout Players.
Breakout Players to Watch
Bryden Baxter, Fair Grove
It would’ve been easy for Baxter to have transferred and started at quarterback somewhere else. Instead, the selfless senior has converted to wide receiver and a really good one at that. Fair Grove has an explosive offense and Baxter will be a major part of it in the passing game. Great player, great teammate.
Rex Deters, Clever
Deters was great as a junior at Glendale, but now he transitions to a Clever program hungry for success on the gridiron. Also a baseball prospect, Deters is one of those quarterbacks that can make plays on the ground or through the air and can really spin the ball. He was great at Glendale, he will be a star at Clever.
Sam Frieze & Kasimir Manczuk, Logan-Rogersville
Logan-Rogersville head coach Mark Talbert has a problem that every program would love to have; he has two starting-caliber quarterbacks in Frieze and Manczuk; both are good enough to help the ‘Cats win games. Frieze has more experience after seeing time last year and starting JV. He looked great in 7v7 and has a great grasp of the offense and what Talbert wants. He’s ready to take the reins of the program. It’s slightly unfair to put a freshman on this list before he’s ever taken a varsity snap, but that’s how special Manczuk is. At some point you’ll see him taking snaps at Rogersville and when that happens, you’ll see the next big-time QB prospect from the area. For older heads, he’ll remind you of Rafe Peavey with his ability to throw off the run in either direction, compact delivery and dual-threat ability. He killed it both nationally and locally in 7v7, was the MVP of the Ozarks Youth League and has a poise well beyond his years. Both quarterbacks have every tool to have a bright future.
Tamarkus Holmes, Forsyth
As a sophomore he was a game-changer but that doesn’t even speak to the potential he has. Holmes is a dynamic defensive back and a weapon that can line up all over the field on offense; anytime he has the ball in his hands he’s a home run threat. He had four interceptions as a sophomore and is quickly becoming one of the best cover corners in the area.
Slade Hurd, Webb City
Hurd has battled injury after injury in his young career, but now the junior back is healthy, which is bad news for everyone else. He’s great at making one cut and going, which bodes well for his breakaway speed and ability to run through arm tackles. The Cardinals will have several guys operating out of the backfield, Hurd will separate himself over the next two seasons.
Adam McKnight, Nixa
Being the starting quarterback at a program that has been churning out D1 players comes with some pressure… as does being the go-to guy for a basketball program that is one of the winningest in the state. McKnight has already mastered both and his physical tools are rare. He has an elite arm, big-time athleticism and a calm to him that you have to respect. McKnight is going to go down in that elite, multisport athlete class that Nixa has been better than most at cultivating as someone that will garner D1 interest in three sports.
Aiden Lane, Ava
As a sophomore, Lane’s job was to be steady and not make mistakes under center. He won 11 games, throwing and rushing for nearly 500 yards each while totaling 15 touchdowns. As a junior, he will be an even larger part of the offense with the confidence and ability to change games on the ground or through the air. He’s one of the top returning quarterbacks in the SCA.
Marcus Lopez-Durman, Carl Junction
Some of the runs he had as a sophomore gave a glimpse of what opponents will be seeing for the next few years. He helped CJ to a COC championship in wrestling, which helps explain why he’s such a hard-nosed runner. Todd Hafner is going to establish the run, but he’s also not afraid to move guys around and get them touches in space. Lopez-Durman will see plenty of touches in 2024.
Kyler Reece, Ash Grove
Reese isn’t a secret in the Southwest Conference after rushing for 808 yards and 11 touchdowns as a sophomore. He also added 55 tackles and three picks from his linebacker spot, carving out a name as one of the best two-way guys in the league. Now it’s time for everyone else to learn who he is. Reese has the potential to be a 1,000-yard rusher and 100+ tackle linebacker for each of the next two seasons.
Gabe Smith, Nevada
Few coaches have mastered the art of establishing the rub better than Wes Beachler and he has it really rolling at Nevada. Smith had a phenomenal junior season spelling Jack Cheaney, rushing for 406 yards and seven touchdowns on 63 carries. He’s a big, physical back running in a smashmouth system behind a physical offensive line. You’ll hear his name often this fall.
Cade Spiva, Neosho
This is a match made in heaven for the Wildcats. Spiva is a big, athletic quarterback that has been extremely productive at other positions. Now he slides back over to QB in a system that allows dynamic dual-threat guys to shine. Brandon Taute is the quarterback whisper and Spiva is among the most physically gifted he’s ever had.
Dylan Washick, Monett
If you follow Monett sports at all, then you know the Cubs added Ben Mauk as head coach. Mauk is likely to install his prolific passing offense which means his quarterback will soon be flirting with state records. That’s where Washick comes in. He should be the starter and as a freshman proved that he had serious arm talent both on the gridiron and the diamond. He’s just a sophomore but look for him to put together some big-time performances this fall.
OTHERS TO WATCH
Neil Barstow, Joplin
Devin Bloom, Osceola
Hunter Conway, Mt. Vernon
Braylon Haywood, Cabool
DJ Riley, Houston
Matt Skinner, Buffalo
Gavin Thomason, Fair Grove
Harrison Thompson, Ash Grove
Isaiah Young, Buffalo
