Class of ’24 Rankings Update: Prospects on the Rise

For some players in this class, the 2020 season was their first taste of varsity action. For others, it was a year to grow and develop. That developmental year was very beneficial for them, as many sophomores made an impact at the varsity level during the ’21 season. That was the case for a few of these prospects. Each of them stepped up during their sophomore year and played key roles for their teams. This earned them a boost in the rankings, and they’ll be players to keep an eye during the ’22 season. [player_tooltip player_id="146115" first="Cencere" last="Thompson"] – Wichita NW, 5’9”, 190, RB Before the ’21 season began, Thompson was highlighted as an offensive sleeper from the Class of ’24, and in this update he went from sleeper to the 10th ranked prospect in the class. He was a part of a dominant three headed rushing attack for the Grizzlies this past season. Although he had the least amount of carries from that backfield; Thompson still made a huge impact. He would turn 129 attempts into 1,180 yards and 12 scores, leading to a 5A All-State Honorable Mention nod and 1st Team All-City League honors. Thompson already looks like a back that has played at the varsity level for a few years now. He has excellent vision paired with good footwork. Thompson’s lower body is also very strong, allowing him to keep his balance and to move piles. His breakout year moves him up 35 spots in this update and he is now the 3rd ranked back in the class. [player_tooltip player_id="146143" first="Adrion" last="Seals"] – Eudora, 5’10”, 150, ATH Seals went from being a speedy prospect as a freshmen to one of the Cardinals’ best players during the ’21 season. The sophomore shined on both sides of the ball, as he was recognized as a 1st Team 4A All-State defensive back and he earned a 4A All-State Honorable Mention selection for his play at receiver. He’d finish his sophomore season hauling in 30 catches for 757 yards and 10 touchdowns. He is a legitimate deep threat, and his 25 yards per catch can back that claim up. Opposing teams would focus so hard on slowing down Eudora’s run game that they’d leave their corner on an island with Seals. This tended to be a bad decision because he thrives against single coverage. More impressive aspects of Seals’ game include his blocking fundamentals and his ability to adjust to the ball in the air. [player_tooltip player_id="176606" first="Wyatt" last="Potter"] – St. Thomas Aquinas, 5’10”, 185, LB Potter checks in as the new No. 1 ranked linebacker and 17th ranked prospect overall in this update. He played lights out during the ’21 season, which moves the sophomore up 18 spots. Potter finished his sophomore campaign second on his team in total tackles with 84 on the year, and he made plays behind the line of scrimmage, racking up 11 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. It’s not very often a sophomore finishes the season as one of the leading tacklers for a 5A program. But Potter played beyond his years in his first varsity season. He constantly has active feet and has his head on a swivel at all times. Potter shows discipline by not getting fooled on fakes and he takes the right angels of pursuit. The top backer may not have earned any All-League honors in 2021, but expect for him to be a 1st Team candidate in 2022. [player_tooltip player_id="145601" first="Ashton" last="White"] – Wichita East, 5’9”, 160, WR The Blue Aces of Wichita East continue to produce quick-shifty wideouts with big play ability. White was one that showed a lot of promise during his first season at the varsity level. He’s now the 2nd ranked receiver in the class and 22nd ranked prospect overall after putting together an All-City League Honorable Mention year. White was also named a member of the talented Wichita Wheat 7-on-7 team that will begin competition this spring. White proved to be a reliable target throughout the season. The Aces’ coaching staff was able to move him around to different spots, and White would come up with some impressive catches. With [player_tooltip player_id="91385" first="Caquoy" last="Patterson"] graduating this May, he’ll have the opportunity to potentially become the top target in the Aces’ passing game during the ’22 season. [player_tooltip player_id="81145" first="Tate" last="Deever"] – Wabaunsee, 6’0” 205, LB The tackling machine from Wabaunsee is now inside of the Top 50 and is the 5th ranked backer in the class after his incredible sophomore campaign. The Class 1A product made his presence felt at the varsity level as a freshmen, but he really stood out during his second varsity season. His play earned him a 1st Team All-Flint Hills selection and he picked up a 1A All-State Honorable Mention nod. Deever once again managed to lead the Chargers in total tackles with 118 on the year. The sophomore can clearly cover a lot of ground and is a sure tackler. He is another prospect that will be competing in 7-on-7 tournaments as a member of 785 Elite. [player_tooltip player_id="146119" first="Demaria’e" last="Baker"] – Derby, 6’0”, 185, DB Baker has maintained his status as one of the top defensive backs in the class after a solid first season starting in Derby’s secondary. The sophomore lined up next to [player_tooltip player_id="224764" first="Brian" last="Murph"] in the back end of the Panthers’ defense, forming a talented safety duo. Baker would go on to rack up 41 total tackles, two interceptions and 10 pass break ups. This would earn him a 6A All-State Honorable Mention selection and a 2nd Team All-AVCTL DI selection. He excels at reading a quarterback’s eyes and can quickly break on the ball. Baker also runs the alley well and doesn’t shy away from coming down to stop the run. However, one of the best parts about Baker’s game is his effort. He doesn’t give up on plays and he always flies to the football. His play this past season moves him up to No. 14 in the class.