Class of ‘23 Rankings Update: Up-and-Coming Prospects
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When covering class updates we try to plan the order of articles based on engagement. The trend has shown that the Stock Risers piece has become a fan favorite. Which makes sense, because everyone wants to know, “Who moved up…
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Continue ReadingWhen covering class updates we try to plan the order of articles based on engagement. The trend has shown that the Stock Risers piece has become a fan favorite. Which makes sense, because everyone wants to know, “Who moved up this time?”. So, we saved the best for last in this coverage of the Class of ’23 April update.
Multiple prospects throughout the rankings saw an increase this time around. But these seven players really stood out during the evaluation process. Some of these prospects have been drawing serious next level interest, while others are poised to have a promising 2022 season.
Lafayette Washington Lafayette Washington 5'10" | 165 lbs | ATH Wichita Heights | 2023 State KS – Wichita Heights, 5’10”, 165, ATH
It’s been far too long since Washington was last highlighted. He was mentioned during the Program Profiles series last summer as a junior to watch from Wichita Heights, and he proved to be a dynamic playmaker during the ’21 season. Washington’s touches slightly increased from his sophmore year, but he was much more effective as a junior. He accumulated over 500 all-purpose yards on just 37 touches and scored seven total touchdowns. He’s a special talent, and he saw the highest increase from this group as he moves up 31 spots in this update. Washington and John Randle II John Randle II 6'0" | 180 lbs | RB Wichita Heights | 2023 State KS should once again be an exciting one-two punch for the Falcons this fall.
Jack Bauer Jack Bauer 6'4" | 270 lbs | OL Olathe South | 2023 State KS – Olathe South, 6’4”, 295, OL
The strides that Jack Bauer Jack Bauer 6'4" | 270 lbs | OL Olathe South | 2023 State KS has made haven’t been talked about enough. Bauer saw the second highest increase from this group, as he now sits at No. 60 overall and is the 8th ranked offensive lineman in the class. The junior finished the ’21 campaign with an All-Sunflower League Honorable Mention selection, and has gained the attention of D-I programs such as Kansas, Northern Iowa, South Dakota, and South Dakota State. He is one of the more skilled guards in the state, and has the athleticism and strength to go along with his skill set. Bauer is sure to pick up another All-League selection this year, but he also has the potential to be an All-State candidate.
Bryce Cohoon Bryce Cohoon 6'3" | 185 lbs | WR Maize | 2023 State KS – Maize, 6’3”, 185, WR
Cohoon has steadily climbed the rankings the last few updates, and he’s done it once again in this April edition. He now sits inside the Top 50 after previously being ranked No. 64 in the December update. Cohoon is now the 4th ranked receiver in the class and 38th ranked prospect overall. This huge leap comes after Cohoon’s 5A All-State Honorable Mention season, where he hauled in 40 catches for 804 yards and seven touchdowns. In addition to his standout play during the ’21 season, Bryce has also posted a very impressive 10.66 100-meter dash time during track. Cohoon and Maize’s offense are going to be exciting to watch during the ’22 campaign.
Jordan Allen Jordan Allen 6'4" | 240 lbs | DL Olathe South | 2023 State KS – Olathe South, 6’4”. 240, DL
Bauer wasn’t the only Olathe South Falcon to move up in the rankings. Jordan Allen Jordan Allen 6'4" | 240 lbs | DL Olathe South | 2023 State KS has officially become one of the top prospects in the Class of ’23 rankings, as he moves up 25 spots to become the 12th ranked player overall and the 2nd ranked defensive lineman in the class. Allen has transformed himself into a D-I target, and he showed that during the ’21 season. He took home a 6A All-State Honorable Mention nod and 1st Team All-League honors. The standout edge rusher currently holds offers from Iowa, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, New Mexico State, South Dakota, Vanderbilt, and Washington. Look for him to have another dominant season this year.
Malachi Berg Malachi Berg 6'3" | 200 lbs | QB Topeka West | 2023 State KS – Topeka West, 6’3”, 200, QB
Berg is going to be a signal caller to watch this fall. He finished the ’21 season with an All-Centennial League Honorable Mention nod, but has the potential to earn 1st Team honors as a senior. Berg saw the highest boost in ranking amongst the quarterback position, as he moves into the Top 100 as the 85th ranked prospect overall. He played with a lot of confidence during his junior year, and has carried that over into 2022. Berg’s looked poised during 7-on-7 competitions, and was named a Top Performer at the QB Universe showcase earlier this month. He’s also drawn some interest from MidAmerica Nazarene, Kansas, Kansas State, and Missouri.
Luke McLaughlin Luke McLaughlin 6'2" | 185 lbs | ATH Rose Hill | 2023 State KS – Rose Hill, 6’2”, 185, DB
McLaughlin is an under the radar prospect from Class 4A that has quietly been on the rise. He’s a prospect that’s started to come into his own, and it showed during his junior year. He looked sharp at corner this past season, displaying solid coverage in zone and man. The Rose Hill product also showed flashes of being a vertical threat at receiver. McLaughlin’s size and skills have caught the attention of programs such as Bethel College, Coffeyville Community College, Missouri Southern, Presentation College, and Southwestern Oklahoma State. His hard work is paying off, as he moves up 17 spots in this update to become the 130th ranked prospect in the class.
Amr Sabbarini Amr Sabbarini 6'0" | 180 lbs | WR Washburn Rural | 2023 State KS – Washburn Rural, 6’0”, 185, WR
Capping off this Up-and-Coming Prospects piece is a wideout that’s primed to have a big season out of the Centennial League. Sabbarini is a player that hauled in some impressive catches for the Jr. Blues last season. He finished his junior year with 37 receptions for 511 yards and seven touchdowns. He’s set to have a busy summer, receiving camp invitations from Drake University, Kansas State, Pennsylvania, and South Dakota State. These will be great opportunities for Sabbarini to continue to get his name out in the recruiting world and to put his skills to the test. He’s now the 9th ranked receiver in the class and the 62nd ranked prospect overall.