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Another Kansas recruit emerges

The area near Wichita, Kan., has become a must-stop spot for college recruiters. With players like Bryce Brown and Arthur Brown carrying the city's banner as elite prospects the past two seasons, schools have come to the city looking for other players.
And coaches are finding one just to the North on Interstate 135.
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That's where Hesston, Kan., offensive tackle Riley Spencer is at.
The 6-foot-6, 263-pounder is getting plenty of attention from college coaches. He is expected to receive a written scholarship offer in the mail this week from Miami and other schools across the area are very interested in him.
So why are they looking hard at him?
"I have a great bunch of coaches that gave me a great opportunity when I was younger," Spencer said. "I've been starting varsity since my sophomore year, and now I get to work out with Brian Butler and all the trainers there are really great. They're all a great bunch of guys, that have a really good work ethic. I really like working out with guys like Jaydan Bird, Bryce, Huldon Tharp.
Spencer was a key reason why Hesston went 10-1 last season. He's also hoping he's a key reason why they go deeper in the playoffs in 2008.
"We were undefeated league champs, and had a really good start," he said. "We made it to the districts where we ran into Garden Plain and they beat us. I was definitely able to notice an improvement over my sophomore year in my game. A lot of that has to do with more knowing what I'm doing. I have a much better sense for the game and I know what's coming and what to expect."
Both on and off the field, Spencer said he's taken a bigger leadership role for Hesston.
"I'm definitely quite a bit different on the field and in training sessions than when I'm off of it," he said. "I definitely try to push everyone else and keep them up and excited. But sometimes I'm kind of reserved around other people. Around my teammates and friends, I'm not afraid to push them and get after it. That's just how I am.
"We did lose quite a few guys, but we have a great class coming in and we should be able to fill their positions. We feel we can aim for league title and see what happens from there."
Spencer said he is excited about where he's at with the recruiting process.
Miami seems to be the school most interested at this point. The Canes have indicated to Spencer's coaches that a written offer should be coming this week. When Spencer talked to the Miami coaches on Tuesday, he got a good impression.
"I was able to talk to coach Jeff Stoutland," Spencer said. "We mainly discussed the college as well as he was trying to just learn about me, my school and my community. I have had talked to several other schools and several schools have visited my school. There's been Miami, Kansas State, Kansas, Iowa State, TCU, Colorado State. I've had a chance to also talk on the phone with KU, TCU, Iowa State and that's about it."
Spencer looks like he'll enjoy the recruiting process somewhat.
"I have not narrowed the field at all yet," he said. "I'm still kind of trying to get recognized. Growing up, I was probably a KU and K-State fan, but I never watched that many sports until junior high. I was just always the kid that would rather be playing it instead of watching it."
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