4 breakout candidates in Washington high school football ready to lower the boom in 2023
Last season, some players had all-area and all-state campaigns while others were just getting started.
SBLive WA spoke to coaches about four breakout candidates - players who have been waiting in the wings - for the 2023 season.
Criteria:
* Was a part-time or low-key starter last fall.
* Was not selected to an all-state team, or voted to an all-league first team in 2022.
* Created buzz during the offseason at camps or combines.
Here are the four players ready to bust out:
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Photo courtesy of Landon Biglin
OL LANDON BIGLIN, Kamiakin, 6-2, 250, jr.
Not that long ago, Biglin went to his dad and coach, Scott Biglin, unsure of himself. Two seasons ago when the Braves were making a deep run into the playoffs, Landon got a chance as a ninth grader to work against the top lines during practice.
It didn’t go as well as he’d have liked, his dad said. But a year ago, the younger Biglin set a goal of playing college football, no matter at what level. And with a big summer, he’s established himself as one of the top offensive centers in the state going into the 2023 season.
Biglin has come to love the weight room, but arguably his best asset is his football acumen, having been around his father/coach all his life and having played quarterback as a youngster.
Why he’ll break out: "He had to dedicate himself to all the bad stuff," Kamiakin coach Scott Biglin said. "The weight room every day. He’s taken a real ownership of that."
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RB CHRISVN BONSHE, Glacier Peak, 5-10, 180, sr.
The Grizzlies heir apparent at running back after sitting behind Trey Leckner (WSU) and Ryan King earned most valuable players honors at the Central Washington team camp this summer after more than solid performances at a couple other showcase camps (prompting a few onlookers to ask coach Shane Keck, 'Where has this guy been?")
A standout youth soccer player, Bonshe didn't even come to football until his ninth-grade season. But he saw varsity carries the past two seasons
Why he’ll break out: "He’s a touchdown waiting to happen," Glacier Peak coach Shane Keck said. "He had some explosive plays as a junior but obviously just didn’t get the carries."
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RB LANCE MCGEE, 6-0, 200, Davis, soph.
McGee showed his potential even as a ninth grader by earning the starting spot for the Pirates last fall, and took a fumble recovery back 98 yards for a touchdown in one game.
His spring and summer development have coaches looking to him as a marquee player on a young Davis squad, possessing a combination of speed, power and skills that could make him one of the better class-of-2026 recruits. He will again start at running back, but could move into roles at tight end and as a special-teams returner.
McGee also plays basketball, and is the son of ex-Davis basketball coach and former UW player Shag Williams.
Why he’ll break out: "He has loads of potential and he has the support to help him reach it," Davis coach Jay Dumas said.
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TE KAYDEN STUIT, Lynden Christian, 6-4, 220, sr.
Just what kind of summer did Stuit enjoy? His rapid development has changed the offensive sets the Lyncs plan on running this fall. They didn't have a tight end in the offense a year ago - but will in 2023.
Stuit gave up his "second love" of basketball to focus his efforts on football. His performance at the Eastern Washington University camp led to a scholarship offer from the Eagles. He was also the positional MVP at the Avery Strong camp at UPS.
Why he’ll break out: “He just took his set of skills and broadened them,” Lynden Christian coach Greg Terpstra said. “He’s the kind of guy, if you had 11 of of, you’d be winning state with a running clock.”
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(Featured photo by Ellen Hawley)
