Here are southwest Missouri high school football's new names to know heading into 2024

When the 2024 high school football season kicks off, there will be a new batch of names that we’re going to get to know as they break out as stars across the area.

After communicating with coaches and knowing the talent that’s coming through in the area, we gathered a list of players who have opportunities to stand out this year.

Last year’s list included Kade Durnin (Camdenton), Dylan Rebura (Nixa), Caden White (Republic) and Alex Wilkerson (Lamar) who each broke out as some of the best players at their positions.

Who’s next?

Landon Bland, Carthage, 11

Bland has flown a little under the radar as a three-star edge rusher with power-conference offers from the likes of Mizzou, Nebraska, Kansas State, Purdue and Kansas. He finished last year with 46 total tackles and four sacks. Those numbers could explode.

Tevin Christian, Kickapoo, 11

Christian is the younger brother of former Chiefs speedster Trey Christian, who is now playing ball at Pitt State. Speed runs in the family and he’ll see more time this year at receiver.

More: Here are southwest Missouri's high school football specialists to know heading into 2024

Mason Fleetwood, Republic, 12

Republic will replace its entire backfield from last season. Fleetwood is considered a running back who should have a big impact on this team while standing at 5-foot-5, 155 pounds.

Trevor Heman, Glendale, 10

Heman has the opportunity to be one of the better receivers in the area for the next few years. The 2023 interim Glendale head coach’s son caught 48 passes for 608 yards and four scores as a freshman.

More: Here are southwest Missouri's high school football offensive linemen to know heading into 2024

Brayden Jameson, Mount Vernon, 12

Jameson took some time off to focus on baseball but he returns to football this season and is expected to be in the mix for the starting offensive line. The first baseman is listed at 6-foot, 200 pounds.

Josh Jensen, Central, 10

Jensen earned Central’s starting quarterback job late in the 2023 season and he’s ready to be the full-time heading into this year. He’s a dual-threat quarterback who has been a student of the game. With a tougher schedule ahead for Central, he should be the right guy for the challenge.

More: Here are southwest Missouri's high school football quarterbacks to know heading into 2024

Kolton Klindworth, Fair Grove, 10

Klindworth is a linebacker who would have played a big role defensively last season as a freshman if the Eagles hadn’t lost him for the year. He’s back as a sophomore and is one of the more physical players the Eagles have.

Wes Mayo, Kickapoo, 12

Mayo is expected to make a big jump on the Chiefs’ defensive line after growing to 6-foot-6, 240 pounds. The Chiefs’ defensive line has been excellent in recent years.

More: 50 questions for Springfield area high school football teams, 50 days ahead of the season

Hayden Mays, Nixa, 11

The left tackle at Nixa gets most of the headlines. The right tackle can turn into a big name heading into his next few years. Mays is an extremely strong 6-foot-5, 285-pound tackle who should help give the Eagles one of the bigger lines we’ve seen out of the immediate Springfield area in quite some time.

Adam McKnight, Nixa, 10

McKnight is good at everything he decides to do. He’s in line to be Nixa’s starting quarterback this year as a 6-foot-4, 190-pounder with an extremely high ceiling in football, basketball and baseball. He’ll benefit from having speedy weapons and a great offensive line.

Cornelius Nolan, Hillcrest, 10

Nolan started for the Hornets late in the 2023 season as an offensive lineman. He’ll start the season in the spot while also rotating in on the defensive front. His quickness off the line of scrimmage has Hillcrest excited about his future.

More: Here are southwest Missouri's high school football receivers to know heading into 2024

Grant Swattosh, Ava, 10

Ava sees Swattosh’s potential as a big-play threat. He’ll compete for time at different offensive skill positions while also being a leader defensively. The natural playmaker will add to what’s already one of the best ground games in the state.

C.J. Uhl, Republic, 12

Republic has much to replace on offense. Uhl will step into the tight end/receiver spot vacated by Arkansas State signee James Rexroat who was an all-state standout last season. At 6-foot-7, Uhl will be a big target for whoever wins the starting quarterback job for the Tigers.

More: Here are southwest Missouri's high school football running backs to know heading into 2024

Jayden Washington, Ozark, 12

Washington contributed to the Tigers last season as a defensive tackle but will find a home on the offensive line this season. He stands at 6-foot-7, 315 pounds and will be very difficult to miss at the edge of the Ozark offensive front.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Here are southwest Missouri high school football's new names to know heading into 2024