Class of ’22 Rankings Update: Rising Up

The ’21 season was one of the last opportunities for prospects in the senior class to raise their stocks heading into the recruiting and signing portion of the year. But earning All-State and All-League honors is another way to raise a prospect’s stock and to get the attention of recruiters. These 10 players did just that, and they now sit higher in the rankings. [player_tooltip player_id="209225" first="Erwin" last="Nash"] – Olathe South, 6’3”, 205, WR Nash has gone from being a newcomer in the November update, to now being one of the highest climbers in this February update. Erwin moves all the way up to No. 65 in the rankings and is now the 9th ranked wide out in the class. We mentioned back in November the potential that Nash has and how the young man just needed an opportunity. Well, Nash now has a chance to truly prove himself as he accepted a PWO from Kansas State and will join the Wildcats this fall. [player_tooltip player_id="159184" first="Vincent" last="Smith"] – Manhattan, 6’0”, 190, RB Smith absolutely shined during his final season at Manhattan High. The Indians were a very talented team during the ‘21 campaign, and Smith was the star of the show. He finished the year with nearly 1,700 all-purpose yards and 26 trips to the end zone. This earned him the Centennial League Offensive Player of the Year award and a 6A All-State Honorable Mention selection. Smith’s accomplishments have moved him up to No. 67 in the rankings and he is now the 8th ranked back in the class. [player_tooltip player_id="207148" first="Brody" last="Gormley"] – Seaman, 6’7”, 220, TE In the first article covering this update, we mentioned how [player_tooltip player_id="289661" first="Chants" last="Nelson"] could possibly be the most athletic tight end in the class. But [player_tooltip player_id="207148" first="Brody" last="Gormley"] should also be in consideration for this title. The rangy tight end was explosive this past season, and he showed off his big play ability any chance he got. Gormley ended his senior year with 30 receptions for 735 yards and 10 touchdowns. The South Dakota State commit is now the 69th ranked prospect in the class. [player_tooltip player_id="206702" first="Baylor" last="Bowen"] – Lawrence, 6’4”, 185, WR Bowen was one of the most impactful first-year starters in the state this past season. We mentioned back in September how he could become the Lions’ top target in their passing game, and he did exactly that. Bowen went on to rack up 40 catches for 788 yards and eight scores, which led to a 1st Team 6A All-State selection. He currently remains unsigned, but does hold a PWO from the University of Kansas. [player_tooltip player_id="113294" first="Brandon" last="Kerr"] – Maize, 6’1”, 260, OL Kerr was an intricate piece on Maize’s offensive line during their deep playoff run last year. He moves up 52 spots in this update, and is now the 10th ranked offensive linemen in the class and 98th ranked prospect overall. This huge boost comes after Kerr was named a 1st Team All-State and All-League selection, and he was picked to compete in the Kansas Shrine Bowl. Fort Hays State is getting an athletic left guard that can be affective in the ground game and in pass protection. [player_tooltip player_id="117499" first="Will" last="Gavin"] – St. Thomas Aquinas, 6’1”, 165, DB Gavin nearly cracks the Top 100 in this update. He’s been a player that’s quietly put together a solid career and was one of the Saints’ top defensive backs. During the course of his three seasons at the varsity level, Gavin racked up 67 solo tackles, three interceptions, and 20 pass breakups. Gavin was a 2nd Team All-EKL selection this past season, and he earned a trip to Gowans Stadium where he’ll also compete in the Kansas Shrine Bowl this summer. [player_tooltip player_id="109955" first="Joshua" last="Seudass"] – Goodland, 6’6”, 245, DL Moving inside the Top 150 is an exciting prospect that could turn several heads at the collegiate level. Seudass may not have received much exposure during his time at Goodland, but that could change once he steps on the field at Butler Community College. Joshua decided to bet on himself to possibly land some big time offers. Recruiters will immediately be drawn to Seudass’ massive frame, but they will quickly notice just how athletic he is once he lines up. [player_tooltip player_id="215852" first="Sam" last="Elliot"] – Buhler, 5’7”, 160, RB Elliott has been one of the most successful multi-sport athletes in the state over the past few years, and he closed out his high school football career with an amazing season. The Buhler product nearly rushed for 2,300 yards, which earned him the 4A Offensive Player of the Year award. He also broke the Crusaders’ school record for career rushing yards, as he finished with 5,172. Elliott now sits inside the Top 150 as the 146th ranked prospect in the class. [player_tooltip player_id="91396" first="Matthew" last="Potucek"] – Hillsboro, 6’0”, 200, QB Potucek has been one of the most overlooked dual-threat quarterbacks from this class, and he significantly raised his stock during his senior year. The signal caller was more efficient this season compared to his junior year and the Trojans improved by three wins. He’d finish the year completing 67% of his passes while throwing for 1,797 yards with 19 touchdowns, and he rushed for 930 yards on 97 carriers with 19 scores. Potucek’s special season moves him up 67 spots to No. 157 in the class. [player_tooltip player_id="35586" first="Cruz" last="Blair"] – Frontenac, 6’1”, 235, DL Wrapping up this final article on the Class of ’22 is one of the most talented two-way linemen in the state. Blair capped off his impressive career with yet another All-State performance during the ’21 season. This moves him up 16 spots to No. 175 in the rankings. The level of intensity Blair brings to both sides of the ball is unmatched. If given an opportunity, Cruz could provide versatility and nastiness to just about any defensive line at the next level.