Kansas Pregame 8-Man Top 8: Eli Hurley

Kansas Pregame polled 8-Man coaches earlier this month who voted for the top four seniors they coached against this season. Kansas Pregame staffers then used those votes to develop a Top 8 list of seniors for each division. Check out several more Top 8 capsules below, and find the complete list of Top 8 selections, and the honorable mention list, here for 8-Man I and here for 8-Man II. 

Central Plains senior Eli Hurley ended his high school football career by leading the Oilers to an 8-Man Division I state runner-up. The versatile fullback and linebacker was a critical piece of Central Plains’ success, contributing in every phase of the game as the team posted an 10-3 record. Known for his physicality, leadership, and work ethic, Hurley led the Oilers to thrilling playoff victories before the team’s run ended in the state title game against undefeated Hoxie.

“Eli is an extremely hard worker on the field and in the weight room,” Central Plains head coach JD Johnson said. “He’s a great role model and leader for the younger athletes to look up to. Eli was involved in all aspects on the field—offense, defense, kickoff, kick return, etc. He made his presence felt whenever he was on the field, and whenever he was off the field, his absence was noticeable.”

Hurley’s 2024 statistics reflect his impact on the field. Offensively, he rushed for 791 yards and 24 touchdowns on 128 carries while adding 196 yards and four touchdowns on 21 receptions. Defensively, he registered 102 total tackles. His versatility extended to special teams, where he was a Second Team All-League selection as a kick returner. A finalist for the Sports in Kansas 8-Man Division I Defensive Player of the Year, Hurley’s hard-hitting style stood out throughout the season.

“Eli absolutely loves to hit,” Johnson said. “Whether it’s as a lead blocker at fullback or blowing up a play at linebacker, he takes a huge amount of pride in dishing out big hits and tackles.”

One of Hurley’s signature performances came in the second round of the playoffs against Chase County. Trailing 46-36 early in the fourth quarter, Hurley sparked the Oilers’ comeback with a 73-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. Moments later, he helped force a fumble on defense, which set up his go-ahead touchdown run. Hurley found the end zone one more time in the fourth quarter to seal a dramatic 58-52 victory.

“Things were beginning to look very bleak for the Oilers,” Johnson said of the moments leading up to Hurley's play.

Hurley brought Central Plains back to life with his kickoff return and followed it up with a strong defensive effort and capped off the comeback with two touchdowns in the final quarter.

Hurley carried his momentum into the next week, rushing 31 times for 198 yards and four touchdowns in a semifinal win over Little River. His all-around contributions continued in the state championship game, though the Oilers fell short against a dominant Hoxie team.

Hurley’s career at Central Plains was defined by consistency and excellence. Over four seasons, he accumulated 2,413 all-purpose yards and 308 total tackles, including 70 tackles as a sophomore, 79 as a junior, and 102 as a senior. His accolades include First Team All-State Linebacker honors in 2024 and a unanimous First Team All-League Utility Back and Linebacker selection.

Hurley plans to play football at the collegiate level while continuing his education, though he has not yet decided where. A standout in multiple phases of the game, he leaves Central Plains as one of the program’s most impactful players in school history.