After helping Chanute build one of the most successful stretches in program history, senior Jalen Duncan is ready to make the most of his final season in a Blue Comets uniform.
Duncan enters the season with a new role, a renewed focus and a goal of helping Chanute continue its run of success. After spending much of his career at running back, Duncan will transition to the slot position while also taking on a larger leadership role for a team looking to capture another Southeast Kansas League championship.
“I am excited to be able to go out with my coaches, friends and teammates for my senior year and compete for another league championship,” Duncan said.
Chanute has established itself as one of the top programs in the SEK, and Duncan and his teammates are determined to keep that momentum going. The Blue Comets are aiming to extend their league championship streak to six consecutive seasons while making a deep postseason run.
“As a team we would like to extend our SEK championship to 6 years while making a deep run for state,” Duncan said.
Duncan has put in the work during the offseason to prepare for the challenges ahead. He has consistently attended strength training sessions throughout the week, participated in 7-on-7 competition and taken part in multiple team camps during the summer.
“I have been attending weights 4 days a week (Monday-Thursday) and spending Fridays doing 7 on 7,” Duncan said. “I have also had multiple team camps this summer.”
The move from running back to slot receiver has given Duncan a new area of focus heading into his senior campaign. He is looking to improve his receiving skills while becoming a more complete player on the field.
“This season I am making the change to slot instead of running back, so with that change I am hoping to improve my receiving skills,” Duncan said.
Duncan also understands the importance of his role away from Friday nights. As a senior, he wants to become a stronger voice within the program and help younger players continue the tradition Chanute has built.
“I would like to become a more vocal leader and become a mentor to the younger players in our program to continue on the success of recent years,” Duncan said.
Despite being limited to just over half of the season last year, Duncan made an impact when he was on the field. In five and a half games, he recorded 62 carries for 354 yards, averaging 5.7 yards per carry, while scoring four touchdowns. He also added four receptions for 53 yards, averaging 13.25 yards per catch.
This season, Duncan’s biggest individual goal is simple — staying healthy and being available for his teammates from start to finish.
“As an individual I would like to stay healthy for the entire season,” Duncan said. “I played in only half of the games last season and would like to contribute to the team’s success for an entire season.”
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