Senior Adrion Seals has solidified himself as one of the best football players in the state after he was selected to play in the Kansas Shrine Bowl.
“It means a lot,” Seals said. “They pick guys from all over, and it’s the top people. I’m blessed and thankful, and I can’t wait to represent.”
Seals was among a list of 457 nominees determined by coaches across Kansas. The selections are the result of statewide media votes and Shrine Bowl coaching staff selections, according to a Shrine Bowl press release. The teams are divided by region, east and west, and each team has 44 members ranging from 6A players to players on six-man squads.
Seals is the third Cardinal to be voted into the Shrine Bowl in the past few years as Brayden Beerbower was selected in 2022 and Kale Hammerschmidt was selected in 2023.
Head football coach Drew Steffen said the honor for Seals is well deserved.
“He’s one of the best ones I’ve coached,” Steffen said. “He definitely has the skills and the ability, but also those intangibles to be a really good representation of Eudora and what the Shrine Bowl is all about.”
Steffen said what separates Seals from other great players is Seals’ attention to detail and his work ethic off the field.
“When I think of some of the best football players, like if you watch the NFL they say, ‘He’s a coach’s kid,’ and Adrion is that,” Steffen said. “He puts the time in when we’re here for football, but outside of that with playing the seven-on-seven stuff he did to make his skillset even better, and the ability to watch film, and do all those little things that sets you apart and makes you an authentic football player.”
Even though Seals played in all three phases for the Cardinals, he will play safety at the Shrine Bowl.
Seals recorded 73 total tackles and five interceptions at safety during his senior season, and as a result was named to the Sports in Kansas First Team All-State Defense.
As a wide receiver, Seals had 869 all-purpose yards and nine total touchdowns.
Seals was a First Team All-Frontier League player at both positions as well. He was also the Cardinals’ kickoff and punt returner, totaling 251 return yards.
Seals said he is setting some high goals for himself at the Shrine Bowl since he is only playing one side of the ball.
“It’d be nice to get some good tackles. A couple picks. I’m excited. I’m not playing receiver, so I’m excited to see what I do on defense,” he said.
Seals committed Wednesday to Baker University. He also had offers from the University of North Alabama, Emporia State University, Hutchinson Community College and Butler Community College.
The Shrine Bowl takes place June 29 at Welch Stadium in Emporia.
Reach reporter Jack Denebeim at [email protected].
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