The state of Kansas isn't recognized amongst the elite when it comes to football talent, but one would be a complete fool to disregard all of the Sunflower State's players. Simply put, America's next great prospect could come from anywhere even a place like, well; Kansas. Following a tremendous inaugural combine Saturday morning at Wichita Northwest HS, it appears that the cat may be out of the bag about Kansas' talent.
Sitting atop the charts was Wichita Collegiate's Trace Clark. Clark won the Sophomore Overall MVP following a tremendous display of athleticism and pure skill on the gridiron.. A monster at 6'2 224, Clark had a 26 inch vertical, 8'4 broad jump, ran a 4.57 shuttle and did everything imaginable during 1 on 1's.
His Freshman counterpart (Overall MVP/Combine King) was Parker Davis (Dodge City), who could classify as all the above talent wise. At 5'10.5 175, Davis had a 9'4 broad jump, ran a 4.37 shuttle, bench pressed 135 lbs 21 times, terrific speed, great acceleration and ran nice routes during 1 on 1's. With the ability to play the game and top notch athleticism, Davis is definitely a fantastic freshman.
Sophomore LB MVP Myles Copeland (Wichita Collegiate) was light years ahead of the competition. The 6'0 217 lb standout did a great job during the 1 on 1's, had an 8'1 broad jump, ran a 4.48 shuttle and also won the Strongest Man for a position player by bench pressing 185 lbs 34 times.
Sophomore DL MVP/Strongest Man Johnny Burke of Campus HS may very well be the big man on campus one day. At 6'2 247, Burke had an 8'3.5 broad jump, bench pressed 185 lbs 24 times, has terrific strength, uses his hands well and makes things uncomfortable for the OL during 1 on 1's.
Cory Barbour (Northwest) had the combine's most fitting name, as the 5'9.5 187 lb prospect simply cut through the competition. He bench pressed 135 lbs 29 times, ran a 4.54 shuttle, had an 8'1 broad jump and did it all during the 1 on 1's en route to claiming the Freshman WR MVP along with the Strongest Man award.
Rob Riederer (Holton) had some special qualities that few players his age do. He has tremendous confidence but isn't cocky. He is a vocal leader but doesn't shout commands at those around him. Simply put, the 5'10 152 lb safety is what coaches want from their players. In winning the Leadership award, Riederer staked his claim as to why he deserves a big letter C on his jersey.
With a surprising amount of talent, perhaps Kansas' high school football can one day overtake the Wizard of Oz as the first thing that comes to people's minds when thinking about the state.
