By Jordan Burton
@thejordanburton
There are several Division One and D-2 prospects in Southwest Missouri. Below are some of the biggest names and most projectable recruits.
This is the first of a two-part story.
Durand Henderson
, 6’0, 180, RB, 2019, Webb City (pictured)
Henderson’s recruitment has been slow despite his productivity. Keep in mind, John Roderique has produced running backs like Maddy Johnson, Phoenix Johnson and Keaton Burroughs in recent years. Henderson shares their one cut and go makeup and also runs with physicality. He again made a physical jump during the offseason. D2s have been showing interest.
Logan Ayers
, 6’3, 216, ATH, 2019, Nixa
Ayers doesn’t really have a position. Some love the 6-foot-3, 215lb prospect as a tight end. Others love him as an outside linebacker/defensive end hybrid. He tests extremely well, including a 36” vertical and 4.7 40. His tight end predecessors Chase and Alex Allen both saw their recruitment take off late, Ayers could be in a similar mold.
Travis Bailey, 6’2, 210, LB, 2019, Lamar
Bailey is the best linebacker in the Ozarks and also the one that best projects collegiately. Back-to-back 100-plus tackle seasons for a Lamar defense that had multiple D-1 guys on it. He pursues the ball relentlessly, doesn’t miss tackles and he has the ability to cover. At 6-foot-2, 210lbs he has a lot of tools to work with. Here’s where my frustration sets in. Maybe he’s not a D-1 kid, but as of now he has zero offers. The fact that he plays for a program like Lamar and has been productive at a high level (please go watch the Lutheran North film) is proof that he can help a program at some level. But no offers?!? Missouri Southern what are you doing?!? Bailey’s measurables aren’t insane, but they’re nearly identical to current Mizzou linebacker Cale Garrett. Lamar kids are notoriously under recruited, I’m hoping that Bailey isn’t going to be the next example of this.
Will Boswell
, 6’1, 205, LB, 2019, Mount Vernon
Before you write him off as just a small school linebacker, watch the tape. Boswell’s performance in the Class 3 title game was nothing short of elite. He’s not overbearing physically (6-foot-1, 205lbs) but he’s an explosive athlete and strong kid. His 240 tackles last season are ridiculous, but we’re also talking about a kid that had five interceptions and can cover in space. Luke Kueckley would be the best comp. Several D2s are involved, with Emporia State offering and Wyoming has extended a PWO option.
Malik Culp
, 6’3, 270, OL, 2019, Lebanon
Culp is an absolute bulldozer and has FCS interior lineman written all over him. He’s extremely athletic at 6-foot-3, 270lbs and has no problem pulling and getting to the second level. Will Christian has produced several D-1 linemen, Culp is next up.
Alex Gaskill
, 6’2, 185, WR/DB, 2019, Webb City
Instinctually, he’s the most gifted player in Southwest Missouri; he just makes plays that most kids can’t. He’s a standout receiver, but his future is on the defensive side of the ball where he had 87 tackles and six interceptions as a junior. Gaskill continues to pack on weight and could potentially be an outside linebacker fit in certain schemes. Southwestern Oklahoma State offered during the summer. Expect D2s and maybe some FCS programs to be lining up by February.
Caleb Gouge
, 6’5, 300, OL, 2019, Lamar
He’s a big, counter kid that loves to hit, what’s not to love about his profile. He’s also nasty and it all comes in a 6-foot-4, 305lb package. Gouge really put in time during the off-season to improve his craft, so you should see improve footwork in the run and pass. He’s on several radars at various levels.
Joe Kennedy, 6’1, 185, QB, 2019, Carl Junction
He’s a candidate for a position change in college, but you can’t ignore what he’s done as a quarterback. As a junior he passed for more than 2,000 and rushed for 1,100 more, being the epitome of a dual-threat. He’s developed as a passer, using improved footwork to make him more accurate. He may be the single most important player to any offense in Southwest Missouri.
Tre’von Letts, 6’2, 225, LB, 2019, Neosho
He’s about as violent of a football player as you’ll find. A 6-foot-1, 230lb powder keg that explodes to the ball, Letts totaled 119 tackles and four forced fumbles as a junior. He has a relentless motor and loves hitting things which is a dangerous combination. Central Missouri has already offered, expect more MIAA schools to follow. Could develop into an FCS guy. Also plays some tight end. Here’s proof of some of that athleticism.
