Class of ’23 Watch List: Part V

Santino Bernal December 7, 2021 @ 06:19 PM

Coming back at you with the fifth edition of the Class of the ’23 Watch List series. With more postseason honors being announced, more prospects continue to bolster their resumes for a potential spot inside the rankings. We’re looking at another group of five candidates in this one, which features two small school playmakers on offense, a couple of standout defenders from the 6A ranks, and a kicking prospect that can do it all. Stay up to date to find out where these prospects will debut in the next update. [player_tooltip player_id="244924" first="Kenton" last="Simmons"] – Lawrence, 6’3”, 225, LB The Chesty Lions were led by a strong group of seniors this season. However, this junior became one of the main leaders for them on defense. Simmons was the only junior from Lawrence High to earn a 1st Team All-Sunflower League selection, and he was also recognized as a 6A All-State Honorable Mention selection. Simmons displays many qualities, but his best one is his vision. He excels at reading pulling guards and doesn’t get fooled by misdirection plays. He’ll be a great addition to an already loaded group of linebackers in this class. [player_tooltip player_id="244920" first="Elijah" last="Clarke-Boyd"] – Junction City, 6’1”, 215, DL This second candidate is another defensive prospect that earned some postseason honors. Clarke-Boyd had a standout year in the Centennial League, as he was a 1st Team selection for his play at defensive end. The junior also earned a 6A All-State Honorable Mention nod. He was a key component to a Blue Jays’ defense that only allowed 16 points per game this season. Elijah does a nice job of getting his arms extended first to gain control of offensive linemen, and he has a few pass rushing moves at his disposal. [player_tooltip player_id="246116" first="Erhik" last="Hermosillo"] – Wichita County, 5’8”, 150, ATH The season that Hermosillo put together hasn’t been talked about enough. He was one of the best dual-threat players from the 8-Man ranks this season, and his play earned him a 2nd Team All-Hi-Plains League selection. Hermosillo finished his junior campaign completing 130 of 202 passes for 1,771 yards with 24 touchdowns and rushed for 1,450 yards on 245 carriers with 25 scores. He ended the season amongst the leaders for passing yards in the 8-Man Division and could potentially do it again in 2022. [player_tooltip player_id="243346" first="Isaac" last="Saye"] – Andover Central, 6’1”, 180, K Kickers deserve recognition too, and this is one that did everything for Central during the ’21 season. Saye earned two All-League selections for his outstanding special teams play this year. He was a 1st Team All-AVCTL DII punter and a 2nd Team All-AVCTL DII kicker. Saye booted 22 kickoffs for touchbacks, had nine punts land inside of the 20-yard line, went 56 of 60 on extra points, and went 4 of 9 on field goals with a 38-yarder as his longest. [player_tooltip player_id="237218" first="Ty" last="Leedy"] – Chanute, 5’8”, 160, RB Leedy is a 4A prospect that had a huge breakout year. The Chanute product improved tremendously from his sophomore season and earned some major accolades for his play on both sides of the ball this year. He earned the SEK Offensive Player of the Year award and was a 1st Team 4A All-State selection for his play at linebacker. Leedy is an explosive athlete that packs a punch for his size. His debut would make it three Chanute players inside the rankings.