Class of ‘24 Rankings Update: Stocks on the Rise
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We’re moving along with continued coverage over the recent Class of ’24 Player Rankings update. The focus is now shifting to the stock risers in the rankings. There weren’t many prospects that saw a drastic jump in their rank, but there…
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Continue ReadingWe’re moving along with continued coverage over the recent Class of ’24 Player Rankings update. The focus is now shifting to the stock risers in the rankings. There weren’t many prospects that saw a drastic jump in their rank, but there were some that did manage to have a respectable increase. These are the six players that moved up the most since the January update.
Packson Bettis Packson Bettis 6'3" | 230 lbs | DL Washburn Rural | 2024 State KS – Washburn Rural, 6’3”, 225, DL
Bettis has gone from being a newcomer in the previous update, to now having the highest increase in rank, as he moves into the Top 25 at No. 18 in the class. Since making his debut, Bettis has added size, and has started gaining interest from recruiters. He recently picked up his first D-II offer from his hometown Washburn Ichabods. The 3rd ranked defensive lineman is sure to earn more offers if he can replicate his numbers from his sophomore year.
Jeron Askren Jeron Askren 6'3" | 220 lbs | TE Maize South | 2024 State KS – Maize South, 6’3, 195, WR
Askren is most notably known for his play on the hardwood, but his development on the gridiron deserves more recognition. Despite not having much production during the first half of the ’21 season, Askren came on strong toward the end of his sophomore campaign. In mid-October he flashed the potential of being a No. 1 receiver in a tough matchup against Hays High School, where he found the end zone multiple times. This could be a preview of what’s to come for the now 7th ranked wideout during the ’22 campaign.
Noah Gunion Noah Gunion 6'0" | 175 lbs | ATH Shawnee Mission West | 2024 State KS – Shawnee Mission West, 6’0”, 160, ATH
With a conference loaded with talent like the Sunflower League, there are prospects like Gunion that can get overlooked by recruiters. He was a bright spot on a struggling offense, as he was able to manage four yards per rush, and he accumulated over 500 all-purpose yards on the season. Gunion would be recognized as an All-Sunflower League Honorable Mention pick for his play at running back. The Shawnee Mission West product moves up nine spots in this update, and is now the 16th ranked athlete in the class.
Cortez Velasco Cortez Velasco 6'2" | 265 lbs | DL Shawnee Mission West | 2024 State KS – Shawnee Mission West, 6’2”, 265, DL
Velasco joins his fellow SMW teammate as a stock riser in this May update. He was recently highlighted for his standout performance at the KC Varsity Combines earlier this month, and he followed that performance up with another strong showing at the second-leg of the combine. These performances have really helped his stock, as he’s now the 6th ranked defensive lineman in the class and 37th ranked prospect overall. Expect for Velasco and Gunion to be key leaders for the Vikings this season.
Brett Carroll Brett Carroll 6'4" | 285 lbs | OL Olathe East | 2024 State KS – Olathe East, 6’4”, 285, OL
Carroll moves up four spots in this update to become the 45th ranked prospect overall. He lined up at one of the most important positions in football during the ’21 season, and came away with an All-Sunflower League Honorable Mention nod for his play at left tackle. The football field hasn’t been the only place Carroll has shined during his sophomore year. He also finished as a State Runner-Up during the 6A State Wrestling Tournament. Carroll is a physical prospect with next level size, and should draw some serious interest over the next few years.
Caiden Hoffman Caiden Hoffman 6'4" | 310 lbs | OL Hoisington | 2024 State KS – Hoisington, 6’3”, 310, OL
This huge right guard out of Hoisington inched closer to the Top 50, as Hoffman is now the 55th ranked prospect overall and the 9th ranked offensive lineman in the class. He turned some heads this spring while competing at the Sharp Performance Combine at the end of April. He looked just as impressive as he did during the ’21 campaign. Hoffman is explosive for his size, and he is an absolute bully on both sides of the ball. He’s a prospect that will only continue to climb the rankings, and has the potential to be an All-State player this season.