20 Topeka-area underclassmen football players to watch for the 2024 season

TOPEKA — High school football teams perform well when their seniors are making plays and leading by example. Seniors can’t be the only ones contributing on Friday nights this fall, though for the Topeka area to have teams make deep playoff runs.

Below are the non-seniors that have impressed during summer workouts according to their head coaches. Look for them to contribute on the scout teams, special teams and even important stretches for their schools this year.

Mar Barnett, Hayden

The sophomore has been working hard on improving his game this offseason. The lineman has impressed many and is hopeful to have an expanded role this fall.

"His desire to compete in the trenches and his footwork and quickness," head coach Bill Arnold said.

Coy Barta, Seaman

The sophomore has been locked in all summer hoping to improve his game. The wide receiver and secondary member has a chance to play big minutes for the Vikings.

"We are very impressed by our sophomore class right now and expect big things from them collectively," head coach Jared Swafford said.

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Jadyn Baum, Washburn Rural

Baum is the lone sophomore pointed out by head coach Steve Buhler that will be in his plans this season. The 5-foot-10 running back has quickness and strength, which he showed off during wrestling season as a freshman to qualify for the state championships.

Jack Becker, Seaman

The sophomore was another player that caught Swafford's eye during summer workouts. Becker was one of three players that "have really taken advantage of opportunities this offseason," according to the head coach.

Conner Bush, Rossville

The junior was active during the summer for the Bulldawgs. The Rossville coaching staff was impressed with him as he continues to improve. Bush is listed as a running back, safety and quarterback.

Caleb Cleverdon, Cair Paravel

The junior will be an important piece to the Lions this fall. Cleverdon made impacts on the offensive and defensive line last season. With the team's move to 11-man football, Cleverdon is expected to make another jump which should be easily achievable after a successful summer.

Jack Donovan, Rossville

The junior is primed for a big season at the wide receiver and in the secondary. Donovan is a capable athlete that stars on the basketball and golf team for Rossville.

"They have been working hard to have a great season," Rossville head coach Derick Hammes said of his young players.

Micah Emerson, Topeka West

The sophomore returns for the Chargers after playing varsity minutes as a freshman a season ago. With a full summer under his belt, Emerson should feel more comfortable leading the line for the Chargers.

"Micah is a very talented quarterback with natural feet and a skill for the game," head coach Trey Parker said.

Grant Ebberts, Seaman

The sophomore was the third and final player highlighted by Swafford for his work ethic. Ebberts was a member of the secondary during freshman play last year. His role should expand this fall thanks to a productive offseason.

Aidan Flanagan, Topeka High

The 5-foot-10 junior has climbed the depth chart into one of the top linebackers for the Trojans. He was named Newcomer of the Year for Topeka High last season. New head coach Jason Filbeck said that "changing our culture is important" to Flanagan and the rest of his teammates.

Cole Haubold, Cair Paravel

The Lions graduated many players from their roster a season ago. The team will look to younger players to fill the void and Haubold is one of them. He is listed as a running back and secondary member that has made strides this summer.

"Good athlete who will help out on both offense and defense," head coach Doug Bonura said.

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Prince Lassiter, Topeka West

The sophomore defensive lineman will shock many this fall. Lassiter has grown exponentially with his 6-foot-5 frame. Parker shared that Lassiter is learning how to use his body while his quickness and hand-eye coordination has only improved over the summer.

G’Honi Montgomery, Highland Park

Montgomery was one of four sophomores highlighted by head coach Jermaine Monroe to make an impact this season for the Scots. Montgomery will play running back on offense and slide over to linebacker on defense. Montgomery rushed for 352 yards on 34 carries as a freshman. The versatile athlete for Highland Park will make him extremely useful.

Joel Miller, Silver Lake

The junior is poised for a breakout season on the offensive side of the ball. Miller is a speedster, who helped break the Silver Lake 4x100-meter dash record last spring. He will get the ball in his hands a wide receiver this season for the Eagles.

Malachi Murph, Topeka High

The 6-foot junior is another Trojan that Filbeck will be leaning on this season. His commitment this offseason has allowed him to improve steadily. Murph featured in Topeka High's secondary and as a running back where he made key plays for the team a year ago.

Rayshon Pollard, Highland Park

The sophomore is coming off of a strong spring and summer for Highland Park. He will be another key player on defense where he will make plays in the secondary.

Aiden Scott, Shawnee Heights

The junior quarterback is expected to become the new starter for the Thunderbirds. Scott has the tools with a 6-foot-4 and 182-pound frame. The Thunderbirds will be looking to replace quarterback Ryeki Tuley, who is playing college football at Highland Community College.

This summer, Scott secured his first college scholarship offer from Washburn.

"Aiden is very talented and can play quarterback at a very high level, but he has earned the praise of teammates and coaches by being positive in how he works with his teammates," head coach Jason Swift said. "Never to blame and always to give credit."

Cole Stafford, Cair Paravel

The sophomore made a big jump this summer impressing the Lions' coaching staff. The linebacker will be trying to make plays all over the field in Cair Paravel's first season in 11-man football.

"Cole will be able to help with defense quite a bit," Bonura said.

Damon Webb, Topeka West

The sophomore is listed as running back, but the all-around playmaker could be a difference maker in surprising a few teams this fall.

"Damon is a great athlete that can play any position on the field," Parker said.

Paxton Willett, Silver Lake

The junior was another non-senior that Silver Lake head coach Logan Pegram shouted out. The linebacker is a physical playmaker that doubles as a great wrestler for the Eagles.

"They have approached the opportunity to play on Fridays head on. They have grown a lot from the beginning of summer and put themselves in a position to play varsity football this year," Pegram said about his underclassmen.

Liam Keating covers high school sports for The Topeka Capital-Journal. Send stats or information to him at Lkeating@ g annett.com

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: 20 Topeka-area underclassmen football players to watch for the 2024 season