Class of ’23 Rankings Update: Top of the Class

Santino Bernal July 20, 2021 @ 10:02 AM

The top four prospects in the class remained consistent since the last update, as each of them continue to draw major Division I interest heading into a much-anticipated 2021 season. Rounding off the Top 5 is a rising quarterback prospect that makes his debut in this elite group, as he has shined throughout this summer. Look for these prospects to dominate during their junior year. No. 1: Dylan Edwards Dylan Edwards 5'9" | 165 lbs | RB Derby | 2023 State KS – Derby, 5’9”, 165, RB The most explosive player in the state holds on to his top rank after showcasing his abilities throughout June and early July. Edwards reminded folks why he is the top player in this class, showing off his quick footwork and his 4.4 40 speed while attending a camp at TCU and competing in the Sharp Top Prospect Combine. More Power 5 programs should come calling as he and the Derby Panthers look to win yet another 6A state title this fall. No. 2: John Randle II John Randle II 6'0" | 180 lbs | RB Wichita Heights | 2023 State KS – Wichita Heights, 6’0”, 185, RB It’s tough to rank either of these backs higher than the other because of how talented they are. But in this update, Randle continues to be on Edwards’ heels for the No. 1 spot. The Wichita Heights product is now up to 24 Division I offers after the Florida State Seminoles reached out to him in early June. Good luck to defenses trying to contain him this year, as he can spring loose on any given play, and his 9.9 yards per carry as a sophomore can attest to this. No. 3: Avery Johnson Avery Johnson 6'2" | 175 lbs | QB Maize | 2023 State KS – Maize, 6’2”, 175, QB The top ranked quarterback in the state for the Class of 2023 is starting to gain national recognition. Johnson was recently listed as the 2^nd ranked dual-threat quarterback in the country by ESPN and is ranked 99 out 300 in the 2023 graduating class. He boasts multiple Power 5 offers, but he will be a highly sought-after prospect if he can help lead Maize to a deep postseason run this year. No. 4: Jaden Hamm Jaden Hamm 6'6" | 225 lbs | TE Eudora | 2023 State KS – Eudora, 6’6”, 220, TE This small-town prospect is also receiving coverage on a larger scale now. Hamm made his way into the ESPN Top 300 as well, and is the 8^th ranked tight end prospect in the class. He’s been on the radar of multiple Big XII programs, but now he is drawing interest from more Power 5 schools. Hamm went on unofficial visits to Missouri and Arkansas last month, and has also picked up offers from Penn State, Michigan, and Colorado. No. 5: Parker Leise Parker Leise 6'2" | 215 lbs | QB Shawnee Mission East | 2023 KS – Shawnee Mission East, 6’2”, 210, QB From cracking the Top 10 in the previous update, to now making his debut in the Top 5. Leise has been putting in serious work this summer, and he is motivated to continue moving up in the rankings. In June, Leise attended 17 camps throughout the country, and was named a Top Performer at the Rise and Fire Camp in Chicago. He’s a rising prospect in the state, and he will be an exciting player to watch in his first year under center for the Lancers. Following these five to round off the Top 10 are (ATH) , Wichita Collegiate; (OL) , Hayden; (DB) , Blue Valley North; (TE) , Kapaun Mt. Carmel; and (LB) , Washburn Rural.