Seven Class of ’24 Newcomers Crack the Top 100

With each Class of '24 Player Rankings update we continue to discover more and more talented prospects across each classification level from around the state. This August edition welcomes in 25 newcomers, which increases the class from 125 ranked prospects to 150.     This incoming group is made up of multiple returning starters, and many potential first-year starters with lots of upside. Out of the 25 players that debuted in this update, seven of them joined elite company, as they managed to crack the Top 100. These seven prospects have shown a ton of promise, and could be potential stock risers in the next update.   [player_tooltip player_id='405858' first='Trey' last='Thomas'] – Blue Valley SW, 6'1”, 165, DB   [player_tooltip player_id='405858' first='Trey' last='Thomas'] of Blue Valley Southwest earned the highest debut in this update, as he not only cracked the Top 100, but he made the Top 50 as well. Thomas comes in at No. 40 overall and is the 7th ranked defensive back in the class. This comes after an impressive sophomore season where he racked up 30 total tackles, four interceptions, and 10 pass breakups. He was an All-EKL Honorable Mention pick last season, but could be in the conversation for a 1st Team selection in year two as a starter.    [player_tooltip player_id='415256' first='Jack' last='Baird'] – Bishop Miege, 5'9”, 170, DB   Class 4A powerhouse Bishop Miege is set to have a loaded secondary this season. It's headlined by a few talented seniors, but folks need to remember [player_tooltip player_id='415256' first='Jack' last='Baird'] as well. The playmaking corner enters a few spots behind [player_tooltip player_id='405858' first='Trey' last='Thomas'] at No. 43 overall, and he is the 8th ranked defensive back in the class. Baird simply does not back down against bigger competition, and has the ball skills to contest several passes. He's been getting after it in the weight room this offseason, which could pay dividends this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='414952' first='Ben' last='Wheeler'] – St. James Academy, 6'1”, 180, QB   [player_tooltip player_id='414952' first='Ben' last='Wheeler'] of St. James Academy is the third prospect in this update that made the Top 50, as he debuts at No. 44 overall and is the 6th ranked signal caller in the class. Wheeler will be one of many first-year starters under center during the '22 campaign. However, some pressure comes along with this, as the Thunder will be eyeing a third-straight state title this season. The junior looks to be up for the challenge though, and he'll have key returning starters to help him lead the way. Wheeler already holds a D-I offer from UTEP, and could possibly earn more offers with a strong first year as the starter.   [player_tooltip player_id='415415' first='Elijah' last='Porter'] – Gardner-Edgerton, 5'8”, 155, DB   With 15 prospects now ranked inside the Top 100; it's safe to say the secondary is one of the deepest position groups in the Class of '24. [player_tooltip player_id='415415' first='Elijah' last='Porter'] is another great addition to this position group, as he checks in at No. 82 overall and is the 14th ranked defensive back in the class. Porter heads into year two as a starter after a solid sophomore campaign. During his sophomore year, Porter proved he could be trusted in single coverage, and was a reliable open field tackler. He and his twin brother, [player_tooltip player_id='335901' first='Cameron' last='Porter'], look to be one of the top corner duos in Class 6A this season.   [player_tooltip player_id='415285' first='Blake' last='O'Brien'] – St. Thomas Aquinas, 5'11”, 175, LB   Top ranked linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='176606' first='Wyatt' last='Potter'] made a name for himself last season, but he wasn't the only backer on Aquinas' roster that impressed in 2021. [player_tooltip player_id='415285' first='Blake' last='O'Brien'] also made an impact as a sophomore; finishing third on the team in total tackles with 68, and also had one interception, five pass breakups, and one forced fumble. His strong play brings him into the rankings at No. 89 overall, and he is the 8th ranked backer in the class.    [player_tooltip player_id='358820' first='Braden' last='Hales'] – Olathe North, 6'5”, 300, OL   There are multiple offensive linemen in the Class of '24 rankings that have D-I level size, and [player_tooltip player_id='358820' first='Braden' last='Hales'] is yet another to make the Top 100. Hales enters the rankings at No. 97 overall and is the 13th ranked offensive lineman in the class. He's had a summer filled with standout performances at college camps such as Kansas, Kansas State, Lindenwood, and Nebraska. Hales will likely anchor one of the tackle positions for the Eagles, and could have an All-League caliber season.   [player_tooltip player_id='414948' first='Hank' last='Fuchs'] – Free State, 6'3”, 265, OL   [player_tooltip player_id='414948' first='Hank' last='Fuchs'] just makes it inside the Top 100, and comes in a few spots behind Hales as the 14th ranked offensive lineman in the class and the 99th ranked prospect overall. The Free State Firebirds are poised to have one of the best offensive lines in the state this season. While [player_tooltip player_id='127699' first='Calvin' last='Clements'] and [player_tooltip player_id='246109' first='Kaden' last='Lonard'] headline the group, folks shouldn't forget about Fuchs. He held his own in his first varsity season in 2021; primarily lining up at right guard. Several recruiters are sure to be in attendance for some of Free State's games, which could be a golden opportunity for Fuchs to showcase his talent.

With each Class of '24 Player Rankings update we continue to discover more and more talented prospects across each classification level from around the state. This August edition welcomes in 25 newcomers, which increases the class from 125 ranked prospects to 150.