Maize wide receiver Pearce George believes the Eagles have developed the chemistry and commitment needed to make a deep postseason run.
George said the excitement surrounding this season comes from the combination of new faces and returning players who have embraced the program’s expectations.
“I’m excited about the team all in all,” George said. “We lost some seniors last year and gained a bunch of new players, and this new group has all been bought in to the process. We’re all ready to get out there.”
George is also looking forward to showing the results of the work he has put in during the offseason. After a standout junior season, the senior wide receiver has continued to develop his game while preparing for a bigger role.
“I’m very excited to show my talents and how much work I’ve put in and have a breakout year,” George said.
That preparation has included training five to six days a week with his trainer, focusing on multiple areas of his game. George has worked on speed, agility, strength training, yoga, route running and game situations to become a more complete receiver.
Along with his individual training, George spent the offseason building relationships with college programs. He worked out for eight Division I colleges, gaining exposure and helping with his recruiting process.
George has focused on improving the details that can separate good receivers from great ones, including sharper routes, better hands and increased speed.
“I’ve worked on improving on my routes, catching and speed, getting out of routes faster,” George said. “I’ve been doing hand-eye and stretching drills every day, just trying to be the best version of myself right now.”
George enters the season coming off an impressive junior campaign. He recorded 1,008 all-purpose yards and scored 24 total touchdowns. He finished with 707 receiving yards on 46 receptions, averaging 96 yards per game, while adding 17 receiving touchdowns, five rushing touchdowns, one kick return touchdown and one interception returned for a touchdown.
With those numbers as a foundation, George has set lofty goals for his senior season.
“I’m going to try and break the record for most receiving yards and touchdowns for the school, while also going for 2K yards, and win Offensive MVP of the Year in Kansas and WR of the year,” George said.
While individual accomplishments are important, George’s biggest goal remains helping Maize compete for a championship.
“The end goal is a state championship, and I know we all want that,” George said. “But also making a good run to know the caliber of our team in the regular season. I feel we have a good shot at the state championship.”
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