Class of ’25 Rankings Update: Top Freshmen in the State

Photo: Prep Sportsnetwork

Santino Bernal February 8, 2022 @ 04:39 PM

There’s been much anticipation of this update since the ’21 season was completed, and the time has now come to official unveil the latest recruiting class in the state of Kansas. This first ever Class of ’25 rankings update features 50 prospects ranging from Class 6A all the way to the 8-Man ranks. There’s some serious talent from this first wave of prospects making their debuts, but the Class of ’25 is without a doubt headlined by these five players. It’s still very early in their careers, but there is great potential from each of these individuals. Be sure to see the rest of the prospects that entered the rankings, and stay up to date on additional coverage about the update. No. 1: Carlos German Carlos German 5'7" | 175 lbs | RB McPherson | 2025 State KS – Maize, 5’7”, 160, RB Checking in at the top spot in the class is a transfer that will be making his debut in the Sunflower State this season. It won’t take long for German to put fans and recruiters on notice, as he adds more explosiveness to an already impressive Maize offense. German is making his way from Seacry, Arkansas, where he amassed over 700 all-purpose yards and eight touchdowns during his freshman season. He’s a back that already displays great vision and has solid footwork in the hole. German isn’t easy to track down in the open field either. Once he passes through the second level he shifts into another gear and blows past defenders in the secondary. He’ll be a nice addition to the Eagles’ backfield this fall. No. 2: Tate McNew Tate McNew 6'1" | 185 lbs | QB Maize South | 2025 State KS – Maize South, 6’1”, 165, QB This young gunslinger is making his debut at No. 2 and is the top quarterback prospect in the class after stepping up in the playoffs this past season. Maize South usually favors their ground game, but McNew made some big throws when his number was called. The highlight of McNew’s freshman season was helping lead Maize South to a huge win over Wichita Heights in the opening round of the playoffs. One of the biggest take aways from McNew’s freshman campaign is that he now has playoff experience, which will greatly benefit him moving forward. He proved he can make on time throws under pressure and can pull the ball down to run when needed. With some significant snaps now under his belt, expect for McNew to elevate his game as a sophomore. No. 3: Brandon Schmelzle Brandon Schmelzle 6'2" | 190 lbs | ATH Axtell | 2025 State KS – Axtell, 6’1”, 175, ATH Up next at No. 3 in the rankings is arguably the most versatile athlete in the class. Most fans around the state might not be familiar with Axtell High School, or if they are, then they’ve probably heard of . Well, fans and recruiters need to remember the name during the ’22 season. He was a standout player on both sides of the ball during Axtell’s perfect season. During his freshman year, Schmelzle accumulated over 1,400 yards of total offense with 32 total touchdowns, and on defense he racked up 59 total tackles with 10 interceptions, five pass breakups and one forced fumble. Schmelzle does an excellent job of high pointing the football and he is an absolute playmaker with the ball in his hands. No. 4: Koby Le Koby Le 6'1" | 240 lbs | DL Emporia | 2025 State KS – Emporia, 6’1”, 215, DL The Spartans had their struggles this past season, but Le was a player that stood out along their defensive line. He enters the rankings at No. 4 and is the top ranked defensive lineman in the class after his All-Centennial League Honorable Mention season. Le may not have put up big numbers in his first varsity season, but his play went beyond the box score. The freshman showed that he could get pressure on the quarterback and fly to the football. Le already displays some traits of being a solid 5-Tech at the next level. He is good about extending his arms first to control the line of scrimmage and has quick hands to fight off blocks. The freshman also has a quick first step and possesses a high motor. He’ll be a key defender for Emporia during the ’22 season. No. 5: Caden Estrada Caden Estrada 6'1" | 270 lbs | OL Washburn Rural | 2025 State KS – Washburn Rural, 6’2”, 260, OL Capping off this elite group is another prospect from the trenches hailing from the Centennial League. Estrada may not have been an All-League selection as a freshman, but don’t be surprised to see him earn one as a sophomore. He played well during his first varsity season and was a part of an offensive line that helped Rural’s offense average 35 points per game. His strong freshman campaign brings him in as the top ranked offensive lineman in the class. Estrada proved to be a valuable asset for the Junior Blues in 2021. The freshman stepped up and filled in at left guard and right tackle, and he looked impressive at both positions. Estrada already displays good hand placement and can handle one-on-one matchups. While he’ll more than likely project as interior offensive lineman at the next level, it’s encouraging to see his versatility at a young age.