Class of ’22 Watch List: Part III

Here with the third installment of our watch list series for the Class of 2022. This group features a few studs on the defensive line, some playmakers on offense, and a pass breakup machine in the secondary. Take a look at the five players that made the third watch list for the Class of ’22. <strong>Isaac Sheeran</strong> – Andover Central, 6’4”, 230, DL This defensive end prospect has been gaining some serious interest from Kansas State and other four-year and junior college programs. As a junior, Sheeran accumulated 34 total tackles, 8.5 being for a loss, and two sacks. He uses his length to his advantage, as he’s able to engage offensive lineman first, and he has a long reach to grab ahold of ball carries. Sheeran also has the strength to fight through double teams and he does a great job of running the line of scrimmage to prevent cutback lanes. <strong>Jesse Whitmer</strong> – Russell, 5’11”, 180, ATH Recruiters probably haven’t had the pleasure to know about Whitmer because he is from the small town of Russell, Ks. He will be a name to know this fall though, because this young man can flat out play. Whitmer was a renaissance man for the Broncos in 2020. He racked up over 400 yards of total offense and corralled 78 total tackles with seven sacks, one interception and one forced fumble. Speed is a huge part of his game, and it is a must to know where he is on the field. <strong>Jaden Mayfield</strong> – Blue Valley West, 6’2”, 270, DL Mayfield could be one of the top run stuffing defensive tackles in this upcoming senior class. This 3-Tech is quick for his size. He fires of the line and has the athleticism to make a play in the backfield. Mayfield does a good job of keeping his pad level low, and he uses his strength to beat double teams. If he can add a few more moves to his arsenal, then Mayfield could be in for a big season. <strong>Evan Cantu</strong> – Maize South, 5’10”, 180, RB Cantu filled in nicely after senior running back [player_tooltip player_id="35410" first="Hunter" last="Niemann"] went down due to injury last season. The junior running back went on to have a breakout year; rushing for 1,054 yards, while averaging six yards a carry and scored five touchdowns. He’s an agile back with good balance mixed with power. Cantu can make a defender miss or lower his shoulder and run through them. <strong>Ben Reyes</strong> – Newton, 5’9”, 175, DB Reyes is one of the more versatile defensive backs in the Class of ’22. The Railroaders like to line him up at both corner and safety. He can play both positions well, as he broke up nine passes during his junior year. Reyes excels in zone coverage. He’s quick to react when receivers come into his zone, and he’ll break on a pass in a hurry. He won’t shy away from coming down to stop the run either.