Class of ‘23 Rankings Update: April Additions

Throughout the month of March and a portion of April we featured several prospects in the <i>Community Film Room </i>series that eventually made it into this update. Although this group of players weren’t highlighted during the series, they are also a part of the incoming bunch that increased the rankings from 250 to 275 spots. Six of these players made their debuts inside the Top 200, while three of them have the potential to climb the rankings in the next Class of ’23 update. [player_tooltip player_id="316990" first="Bobby" last="Trujillo"] – Emporia, 6’2”, 210, LB This tackling machine out of <i>Emporia, KS.</i>, saw the highest debut out of this group, as he lands inside the Top 100 at No. 66 and is the 9th ranked backer in the class. Trujillo was quietly one of the better linebackers out of Class 5A during the ’21 season. He ended his junior campaign with 111 total tackles, 14 being for a loss, a pair of sacks and interceptions, and three forced fumbles. His standout play would earn him a <i>5A All-State Honorable Mention</i> nod and a <i>1st Team All-League</i> selection. Trujillo is a backer that brings high intensity to the table, and is a prospect that recruiters need to have on their radar. [player_tooltip player_id="317805" first="Artavistus" last="Ware"] – Free State, 5’8”, 180, RB [player_tooltip player_id="317805" first="Artavistus" last="Ware"] is the second newcomer to crack the Top 100 in this April update. He checks in as the 14th ranked running back in the class and 87th ranked prospect overall. Ware played the change of pace back role during the ’21 season, as [player_tooltip player_id="35595" first="Jet" last="Dineen"] and Dash Cleveland were the primary ball carriers for Free State. Despite having a limited role, Ware put together some solid film, with a few of his best runs coming against notable programs. He’s a back with a nice blend of power and shiftiness that can rack up yards after contact. Remember his name this year, because this young man is due for a big season. [player_tooltip player_id="325670" first="Carson" last="Spray"] – Hays, 6’0”, 260, DL Spray now becomes the 5th prospect from Hays to make it into the Class of ’23 rankings, and the 4th Hays player to crack the Top 150. The defensive tackle makes his debut as the 16th ranked defensive lineman after a <i>1st Team All-League</i> season. He wreaked havoc on interior offensive linemen all year. Spray does a great job of getting off the ball quick and is consistent with maintaining a low pad level. Although he doesn’t have a long reach, Spray still manages to control the line of scrimmage by quickly shooting his hands. He is sure to be a key defender for the Indians this fall, and should be in line for another All-League selection. [player_tooltip player_id="317216" first="Jason" last="Parrish"] – Olathe North, 5’7”, 140, DB The name Parrish might ring a bell to some folks who have followed Olathe North football the last few years. They’re more than likely familiar with standout athlete, [player_tooltip player_id="113615" first="Jacob" last="Parrish"]. But they will soon know of his younger brother, Jason. In a class that is loaded with talent in the secondary, [player_tooltip player_id="317216" first="Jason" last="Parrish"] is an underrated corner that makes his debut as the 13th ranked defensive back in the class. In his first season starting, Parrish racked up 29 solo tackles, two interceptions, five pass breakups, and one forced fumble. What he lacks in size he makes up for with his athleticism and fearlessness. [player_tooltip player_id="317347" first="Gatlin" last="Samuel"] – Blue Valley, 6’3”, 220, TE [player_tooltip player_id="317347" first="Gatlin" last="Samuel"] adds to another position group that is filled with impressive prospects. The Blue Valley product cracks the Top 200, as he comes in at No. 168 and is the 9th ranked tight end in the class. Samuel’s receiving numbers may have been limited, but his production goes beyond the box score. He came up with some key blocks during the ’21 campaign, and proved to be a reliable option in the passing game. The Tigers liked to utilize his skills on designed screens, and looked to him as a big target in the red zone. Look for his role to expand as a senior. [player_tooltip player_id="317360" first="Louis" last="Traglia"] – Kapaun Mt. Carmel, 6’4”, 210, LB [player_tooltip player_id="317360" first="Louis" last="Traglia"] enters the rankings after a strong showing during his junior campaign. He was a key piece to one of the top defensive units in all of Class 5A, as the Crusaders held opponents to just 15 points per game. The junior finished the ’21 season with 66 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss, six sacks, and two forced fumbles. His efforts would earn him an <i>All-League Honorable Mention</i> selection. Traglia is a rangy edge rusher that will make offenses pay if left unaccounted for. He makes his debut just inside the Top 200 at No. 185, but could very well move up with another good season. [player_tooltip player_id="248943" first="Coltin" last="Myers"] – Atchison County, 6’4”, 220, ATH Myers is a physically gifted athlete from the 2A ranks that could intrigue some recruiters this season. His solid play on both sides of the ball brings him into this update as the 35th ranked athlete in the class and the 202nd ranked prospect overall. The big man accumulated 482 yards of total offense with five touchdowns, and piled up 47 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks. Myers would end his junior year with two <i>2nd Team All-League </i>selections. He’s a prospect that could transition to tight end at the next level, or he could be used as an edge defender. While he has plenty of room to improve, Myers is still a prospect with a promising future. [player_tooltip player_id="317218" first="CJ" last="Leonard"] – Shawnee Mission East, 6’3”, 180, WR [player_tooltip player_id="317218" first="CJ" last="Leonard"] is a wideout that could quickly climb the rankings this coming season. But for now, he makes his debut just outside the Top 200 as the 204th ranked prospect overall. Leonard will be looking to build off his <i>All-Sunflower League Honorable Mention</i> year during the ’22 campaign. He’s a possession receiver that presents a big target in the passing game, and can go up and out muscle defensive backs for 50/50 balls. Leonard also isn’t afraid to run routes over the middle, and shows off his physicality when he puts his shoulder down to gain extra yards. He’ll be an under the radar receiver to watch out of Class 6A. [player_tooltip player_id="317201" first="Luke" last="Gebhardt"] – SE of Saline, 6’0”, 175, QB Wrapping up this newcomer article is a gunslinger out of Class 3A that had a ridiculous first-year under center. [player_tooltip player_id="317201" first="Luke" last="Gebhardt"] took the reigns of the Trojans’ offense during the ’21 season, and helped orchestrate one of the most explosive offenses in the state. He’d help lead them to an 11-1 record, while completing 70% of passes and throwing for over 2,300 yards with 31 touchdowns and only five interceptions. Those are very impressive numbers for a first-year starter regardless of classification level. With one year now under his belt, expect for the <i>All-State</i> quarterback to elevate his game during his senior season.