Seven Sophomores Looking to Make an Impact

Kickoff for the 2022 season is now only three days away, which means it's time to wrap up our preseason coverage. We've highlighted several upperclassmen over the past few weeks, and now it's the Class of 2025's turn. Typically sophomore year is a developmental season spent at the junior-varsity level with a few appearances on varsity. But for some prospects, it's a time when they begin their career under the bright lights. This group of seven from the Class of '25 rankings will be looking to make an impact under the lights during the '22 campaign. A few of them had limited varsity action in 2021, while the others are ready to earn playing time this season.   Offense:   [player_tooltip player_id='281973' first='Zahmere' last='Parks-Jackson'] – Wichita West, 6'0”, 175, QB   Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/jacksonzahmere?s=21&t=UPfyWpaeWXYFqgLWSnkCEw" data-type="URL" data-id="https://twitter.com/jacksonzahmere?s=21&t=UPfyWpaeWXYFqgLWSnkCEw">@JacksonZahmere</a>   The Wichita area has some talented signal callers this season such as [player_tooltip player_id='87642' first='Avery' last='Johnson'], [player_tooltip player_id='146114' first='DaeOnte' last='Mitchell'], and [player_tooltip player_id='170133' first='DJ' last='Dingle']. While those three are some of the more notable quarterbacks, folks should also be aware of [player_tooltip player_id='281973' first='Zahmere' last='Parks-Jackson']. He's a sophomore that's improved tremendously this offseason. Parks-Jackson has gotten stronger, his mechanics look cleaned up, and he's been a good decision maker during padded scrimmages. The sophomore has the talent to help lead the Pioneers to more wins this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='352469' first='Mario' last='Ruiz'] – Garden City, 5'7”, 185, RB   Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/ruizmario21?s=21&t=UPfyWpaeWXYFqgLWSnkCEw" data-type="URL" data-id="https://twitter.com/ruizmario21?s=21&t=UPfyWpaeWXYFqgLWSnkCEw">@RuizMario21</a>   Garden City is a squad that typically favors a running back by committee approach, which could open the door for [player_tooltip player_id='352469' first='Mario' last='Ruiz'] to get some carries this season. The sophomore back would be a solid option, as he's put in some serious work ahead of the '22 campaign. Ruiz has killed it in the weight room; benching 225 pounds 10 times, and squatting 405 pounds five times. On top of this, Ruiz has improved his 40-yard dash time from a 5.0 to a 4.7, and he nearly hit a 34-inch vertical this offseason. The stocky running back will be ready for an increased workload.   [player_tooltip player_id='351577' first='Desmon' last='Williams'] – Bonner Springs, 5'10”, 155, WR   Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/disthatguy?s=21&t=UPfyWpaeWXYFqgLWSnkCEw" data-type="URL" data-id="https://twitter.com/disthatguy?s=21&t=UPfyWpaeWXYFqgLWSnkCEw">@disthatguy</a>   After graduating three of their leading receivers from last season, the Braves' coaching staff will be looking for their young players to step up. One young wideout they should be able to count on is [player_tooltip player_id='351577' first='Desmon' last='Williams']. He was first discovered back in May as a Top Performer at the KC Varsity Combines, but he was also a playmaker during his freshman year. Williams displayed strong hands, great leaping ability, and toughness after the catch. He averaged 14 yards per catch in his limited varsity action last year, but he has the potential to be the Braves' most explosive receiver as a sophomore.   [player_tooltip player_id='351914' first='Jacob' last='O'Donnell'] – Shawnee Mission NW, 6'5”, 275, OL   Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/jacobodsmnw?s=21&t=UPfyWpaeWXYFqgLWSnkCEw" data-type="URL" data-id="https://twitter.com/jacobodsmnw?s=21&t=UPfyWpaeWXYFqgLWSnkCEw">@JacobODsmnw</a>   Much has been made about the Cougars' impressive sophomore class, but one prospect that hasn't been highlighted enough is big man [player_tooltip player_id='351914' first='Jacob' last='O'Donnell']. It's been said time and time again; size simply cannot be taught. O'Donnell has plenty of that, as he already possesses D-I level size at 6-foot-5, 275 pounds. However, his massive frame shouldn't overshadow his skill set. He's worked very hard to sharpen his fundamentals this offseason, and it should show this fall. O'Donnell may start off the season as a backup, but he could possibly work his way into a starting job at some point during his sophomore year.   Defense:   [player_tooltip player_id='285538' first='Cole' last='Pladson'] – Clay Center, 5'11”, 175, LB   Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/colepladson?s=21&t=UPfyWpaeWXYFqgLWSnkCEw" data-type="URL" data-id="https://twitter.com/colepladson?s=21&t=UPfyWpaeWXYFqgLWSnkCEw">@ColePladson</a>   [player_tooltip player_id='285538' first='Cole' last='Pladson'] heads into the 2022 season with the most experience from this group. Through seven appearances on varsity last season, Pladson racked up 37 total tackles, three sacks, and one blocked punt. One of his best games of the '21 campaign came against Chapman late in the season, where he put together a multi-sack performance and had eight total tackles. That performance really showed his potential, and it was definitely an encouraging sign for the coaching staff. Pladson will be a key defender for the Tigers this season.   [player_tooltip player_id='352457' first='Julian' last='Marks'] – St. Thomas Aquinas, 6'7”, 255, DL   Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/juju45738?s=21&t=UPfyWpaeWXYFqgLWSnkCEw" data-type="URL" data-id="https://twitter.com/juju45738?s=21&t=UPfyWpaeWXYFqgLWSnkCEw">@juju45738</a>   Aquinas continues to be a factory for massive defensive linemen. Over the past few years they've produced Missouri commit Jalen Marshall, emerging prospect [player_tooltip player_id='145607' first='Kian' last='Payne'], and now, sophomore, [player_tooltip player_id='352457' first='Julian' last='Marks']. He's an athletic defensive lineman most notably known for his play on the hardwood, but this year he'll be looking to make a name for himself in the trenches. His size has already earned him slight interest from a few collegiate programs, and the 11th ranked prospect could receive even more with a solid first year on varsity.   [player_tooltip player_id='284899' first='Mencali' last='En'] – Wichita West, 5'10”, 190, LB   Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/mencalien?s=21&t=UPfyWpaeWXYFqgLWSnkCEw" data-type="URL" data-id="https://twitter.com/mencalien?s=21&t=UPfyWpaeWXYFqgLWSnkCEw">@MencaliEn</a>   Another prospect that can help turn the Wichita West program around is top ranked linebacker, [player_tooltip player_id='284899' first='Mencali' last='En']. He enters the '22 season as arguably the Pioneers' top returning defender after a strong freshman year. En is a good open-field tackler that brings high-intensity to West's defensive unit. The sophomore has an athletic frame and possesses the strength to fight off offensive linemen. Look for him to lead the Pioneers in total tackles in year two as a starter.

Kickoff for the 2022 season is now only three days away, which means it's time to wrap up our preseason coverage. We've highlighted several upperclassmen over the past few weeks, and now it's the Class of 2025's turn. Typically sophomore year is a developmental season spent at the junior-varsity level with a few appearances on varsity. But for some prospects, it's a time when they begin their career under the bright lights. This group of seven from the Class of '25 rankings will be looking to make an impact under the lights during the '22 campaign. A few of them had limited varsity action in 2021, while the others are ready to earn playing time this season.