Class of ’22 Rankings Update: Final Additions

Santino Bernal February 23, 2022 @ 01:59 PM

The final group of newcomers for the Class of ’22 rankings is filled with prospects that put together great high school careers and are considered some of the best players from their respective classification levels. This incoming group increases the rankings from 300 to now 325 spots. Here’s a look at eight of the incoming prospects that are making their debuts inside the Top 150. [player_tooltip player_id="289667" first="Michael" last="Allen"] – Blue Valley, 5’9”, 180, DB Starting off this piece is arguably the best safety from Class 6A. Allen makes his debut at No. 49 and is the 3rd ranked defensive back in the class after a dominate senior campaign. He was Blue Valley’s top defender this past season, and he has the hardware to prove it. Allen took home the EKL Defensive Player of the Year award and was a 1st Team 6A All-State selection. Some how he’s still unsigned, which is absolutely mind blowing. Several collegiate programs could use Allen’s services. [player_tooltip player_id="289661" first="Chants" last="Nelson"] – Basehor-Linwood, 6’5”, 210, TE Nelson is quite possibly the most athletic tight end in the class, and he comes into the rankings at No. 74. The dynamic tight end will be heading to Hutchinson Community College where he’ll have a great opportunity to turn some heads because of his size and playmaking ability. He’s coming off a strong season where he hauled in 24 receptions for 469 yards and nine touchdowns. This led to a 4A All-State Honorable Mention nod and a 1st Team All-UKC selection. [player_tooltip player_id="289669" first="Ethan" last="Schultze"] – De Soto, 6’0”, 185, ATH Ethan joins his twin brother [player_tooltip player_id="35577" first="Tyler" last="Schultze"] in this update and is now the second prospect from De Soto to be ranked in the Top 100. Being a Swiss Army knife type of player must be in the Schultze DNA. Similar to his brother Tyler, Ethan’s versatility was also heavily utilized during the ’21 campaign. He finished the season with 973 yards receiving and 10 touchdowns, and rushed for 365 yards with six scores. Both brothers could make an immediate impact for Emporia State as freshmen. [player_tooltip player_id="289660" first="Derek" last="Larison"] – Riverton, 6’0”, 210, LB Coming in at No. 91 is the now 8th ranked backer in the class. Even though Larison’s season was cut short, he still managed to put together some impressive film and solid numbers. Through six games he racked up 40 total tackles, two interceptions; one being returned for a touchdown, and two forced fumbles. His standout play earned him a 2A All-State Honorable Mention selection and he was 2nd Team All-CNC League selection. The talented backer will be heading to Northeastern State in Oklahoma this fall. [player_tooltip player_id="289659" first="Avion" last="Nelson"] – Lawrence, 6’2”, 195, DB Rounding off the Top 100 is the 9th ranked defensive back in the class. Nelson was another safety from Class 6A that had an impressive year. His standout play in the backend of Lawrence’s defense earned him a 6A All-State Honorable Mention nod and a 2nd Team All-Sunflower League selection. In addition to this, Nelson was also recognized for his play on special teams, as he was a 2nd Team All-Sunflower League returner. Washburn’s coaching staff should be eager about landing this speedy playmaker. [player_tooltip player_id="289664" first="Brecken" last="Troike"] – Girard, 6’0”, 220, LB Next up is the first of two Pitt State commits that are featured in this piece. Troike comes in as the 11th ranked backer in the class and 103rd ranked prospect overall. This comes after he helped lead Girard to a 10-1 record this past season, as he manned the middle of a defense that only allowed 12 points per game. He was rewarded with a 1st Team 3A All-State selection, and he was picked to compete in the Kansas Shrine Bowl. [player_tooltip player_id="289657" first="Lane" last="Franklin"] – Frontenac, 6’2”, 280, DL Franklin is the second defensive prospect in this piece that inked his letter of intent to the Gorillas. Lane brings boatloads of experience to the table, as he’s played a significant amount of snaps at the varsity level since his freshman year. He’s been a key piece to the Raiders’ stout defensive line over the last few seasons, and his play has earned him a spot at No. 127 in the rankings. He and Troike add to an impressive recruiting class for Pitt State. [player_tooltip player_id="289658" first="Andrew" last="Long"] – Blue Valley, 6’0”, 270, OL Long not only joins Allen in this rankings update, but he is now the third offensive linemen from Blue Valley to be ranked inside the Top 150. The Emporia State commit is making his debut as the 19th ranked offensive linemen and 142nd ranked prospect overall. His solid play at center earned him a 6A All-State Honorable Mention nod and a 2nd Team All-EKL selection. The Hornets are getting a strong center that could be the anchor of their offensive line over next few years.