Building Champions: From the Derby Dynasty to the NFL Combine
Inside the Culture of Kansas High School Football and Local Legends Dreaming of the Pros
In the latest episode of the Verbal Commitment Podcast on the KCSN Varsity channel, Kevin Flaherty and Ryan Wallace are joined by a true Kansas coaching icon: Derby’s Brandon Clark.
Fresh off his sixth state title, Clark discusses the “unbreakable culture” that transformed an 0-9 program into a perennial powerhouse. The conversation moves from the philosophy of his book, Culture Champion, to his deep ties with Kansas State and his excitement for the future under head coach Avery Johnson and the newly minted K-State leadership.
Beyond the sidelines, the show dives into a massive week for local talent at the NFL Scouting Combine. With a heavy hitting list of prospects like Cashes Howell (Rockhurst/Texas A&M), Dominique Orange (North KC/Iowa State), and small-town hero Miles Kitselman (Lyndon/Alabama), the hosts explore why the Kansas City area is finally shedding its “under-recruited” label.
From the trenches in Derby to the bright lights of Indianapolis, this episode celebrates the grit that defines Kansas and Missouri football.
Key Takeaways for the Recruiting Enthusiast
The Derby Way: Coach Clark emphasizes that “culture isn’t sunshine and rainbows”—it’s about toughness, accountability, and 6:30 AM workouts that create “ownership” among players.
NFL Dreams from Small Towns: Miles Kitselman’s journey from Lyndon (population 1,000) to the Combine serves as a powerful testimony that elite talent can be found in any Kansas zip code.
The “Dogs” of Kansas City: Dominique Orange highlights the “Kansas City grit,” noting that local players have to earn every star and every offer compared to those in traditional hotbeds like Texas.
K-State’s New Edge: Clark, a former Wildcat, shares his fire for the Avery Johnson era and the “passion” he sees in the current coaching staff.
Prospects to Watch: Keep an eye on Derby’s “next men up,” including sophomore linebackers Brody Hopper and Tayen Washington, who are already catching the eyes of East Coast recruiters.