Rockhurst vs SLUH: Top Prospects & Performers

The past Friday there was a first time meeting of cross-state storied Catholic high schools as Kansas City Rockhurst traveled to St. Louis to face off against St. Louis University High. It was a great atmosphere and a hard fought game that went to overtime and SLUH lost a heartbreaker on a Rockhurst field goal to make the final 17-14. I was there and had the following observations on some of the top prospects and performers during the game.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>   ROCKHURST   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>   [player_tooltip player_id='218447' first='Andrew' last='Sprague'] 6'8" 270 | OT | 2024 |   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/10/SLUH-vs-Rockhurst-208.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-481505"/></figure>   Big time heavily recruited left tackle prospect was on his game Friday night with a dominant performance to help lead his team to victory. Sprague did a great job with his run blocking and pass pro going against another future D1 prospect all evening, and showed his impressive athleticism, coordination and feet in doing so. He has great bend despite his height and explodes off the snap quickly. He uses his reach and quick kick step well in protecting his quarterback. His ability to run allows him to get downfield and block as well. You can see his time on the basketball court has aided in his athletic development and footwork on the football field. It's no wonder he has offers from the likes of Michigan, Missouri, Auburn, Wisconsin, Stanford, Baylor, Iowa State and others.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>   Aidan Ryan 5'11" 190 | RB | 2024 |   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/10/SLUH-vs-Rockhurst-204.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-481508"/></figure>   Ryan is a tough, physical runner who answered the call all game long and was a workhorse for the Hawklets with 31 carries for 141 yards. He runs hard between the tackles and can be hard to bring down but does a nice job bouncing it outside and picking up good chunks of yards. He keeps his legs turning and picks up yards after initial contact. Aidan looks like a complete back with his ability to catch the ball also ( had 4 catches for 31 yards) and with his blocking ability he displays. While he didnt have any scores on the night it was obvious how important he is to the Rockhurst offense with his ability to extend plays and pick up needed first downs. Good athlete with deceptive speed.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>   Thomas Coppinger 6'3" 210 | LB | 2024   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/10/SLUH-vs-Rockhurst-211.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-481512"/></figure>   Coppinger is a big, physical middle linebacker prospect who patrols the middle of the field and sideline-to-sideline. He led his team in tackles on the night with 9.5 and also had an interception and forced fumble as he was seemingly all over the field making play after play. Thomas loves to hit and runs down hill at the point of attack to engage ball carriers with authority. He has good technique and sure tackler. He has good hips, can change direction easily and runs very well and displayed good speed against some fast offensive opponents while showed good overall athleticism to go along with his size. He also did a nice job in pass coverage on the night against some very talented skill players. A prospect with a bright future that college coaches should be starting to show interest in.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>   [player_tooltip player_id='218445' first='Ethan' last='Hansen'] 6'1" 175 | QB | 2024 |   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/10/SLUH-vs-Rockhurst-212.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-481542"/></figure>   The Rockhurst quarterback was consistent in leading his team and was steady leading his team against a tough defense until they were finally able to break through with some scores. Didn't have a big night with his arm completing 9 of 20 for 98 yards and a TD. However, he did a nice job on scrambles and designed runs in keeping drives going and picking up important yards and first downs. He's a nice field general that his teammates have confidence in to move the sticks and lead the offense to score. He does have a nice, accurate arm with his throws and has already picked up a D1 offer from Missouri State.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>   Connor Sexton 6'2" 230 | LB | 2023 |   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/10/SLUH-vs-Rockhurst-215.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-481571"/></figure>   The playmaking senior defender not only did a nice job on defense in where he had 7 total tackles, 3 tackles for loss and 3 pressure, but he also played a big role from his offensive guard spot next to Sprague along the offensive line. Sexton is a very good athlete who could play several positions on the next level. He's strong, explosive and runs very well. He has a very good football IQ and knowledge of the game and his role.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>   Maeson Taylor 6'2" 170 | WR | 2024 |   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/10/SLUH-vs-Rockhurst-214.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-481573"/></figure>   Tunley had the lone Hawklet receiving touchdown of the night and finished with 34 yards on two catches, with his 25-yard reception being the one that tied the game up and allowed it to go to overtime where Rockhurst would eventually win it. Tunley went against big-time defensive backs all night long and battle until he was able to make the all important grab to tie things up.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>   Barrett Brewer 6'4" 260 | OL | 2023 |   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/10/SLUH-vs-Rockhurst-205.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-481579"/></figure>   Brewer is a two-year varsity starter and did a really nice job at center for the Hawklets. He was consistent with his snaps and did a nice jobs sustaining his blocks on both runs and pass plays. He has good size and agility and looks very capable of playing on the next level.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>   Jeb Koetting 5'11" 180 | LB/S | 2025 | Active young defender who is all over the field making plays. Runs down hill and is quick to the ball with the hit and wrap up. Good fundamentals. Had 6 tackles by my count on the night.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>   Mitch Forbes 6'3" 210 | LB/WR | 2024 Two-way starter who played a role on both sides of the ball to help the Hawklets to victory. Caught 2 passes for 28 yards and also contributed 5 tackles from his linebacker position.     <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>   SLUH   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>   [player_tooltip player_id='125255' first='Ryan' last='Wingo'] 6'2" 205 | WR/DB | 2024   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/10/Ryan-Wingo.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-481742"/></figure>   Elite caliber WR had one of SLUH's two scores on his 30 yards TD grab and was their leading receiver with 74 yards on 6 catches while being the primary focus of the Hawklets defense all night long. He also called into action in the ground game with 5 carries for 39 yards, and had a very good game at defensive back with 5 tackles and a sack. Wingo also is featured on special teams and rarely leaves the field. He excels where he is put on the field with his overall elite speed and athleticism. He is one of the top overall prospects in the nation in the 2024 class and has offers from just about everyone.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>   [player_tooltip player_id='126209' first='Marco' last='Sansone'] 6'0" 185 | QB | 2024 |   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/10/Marco-Sansone.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-481743"/></figure>   The junior signal caller was another bright spot for the Jr. Bills with his passing for two touchdowns on 21 of 26 attempts for 236 yards. Sansone has had a very good junior season having thrown for over 1,800 yards and 20 touchdowns through 8 games in the 2022 season. He has a strong arm with nice touch on the ball and did a nice job finding the open receiver and taking what Rockhurst was giving defensively.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>   [player_tooltip player_id='392813' first='Keenan' last='Harris'] 6'1" 186 | S | 2026   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/10/SLUH-vs-Rockhurst-209.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-481744"/></figure>   Just a freshman, but one of the top freshman in the state of Missouri, Harris already has the physical development of a junior or senior, as well as superior speed and athleticism and an advanced football IQ for his age. He is a top flight playmaker at safety or linebacker and has been racking up double digit tackles for the Jr. Bills, is tied for the team lead in total tackles, as well as being among the leaders in total tackles in the St. Louis Metro area. He has good form and technique, is a sure tackler and loves to hit. He also possesses good cover and balls skills.     <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>   [player_tooltip player_id='181558' first='Jacobi' last='Oliphant'] 6'4" 190 | S/ATH | 2024   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/10/Cobi-Oliphant.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-483465"/></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img alt=""/></figure>   Rangy defensive back prospect who can really cover a lot of ground had a big night and contributed 9 tackles and pick using his speed and athleticism to make plays during the game. While Cobi has superior cover skills with his speed, hips and quick twitch athleticism, he also played very physical and likes to hit. He has the ability to be a dangerous 6'4" 200+ pound safety/hybrid defender on the next level. On the season he has 39 total tackles and two picks with one regular season game to go.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>   [player_tooltip player_id='284042' first='Jordan' last='Taylor'] 5'9" 180 | RB/DB | 2026 |   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/10/Jordan-Taylor.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-483473"/></figure>   Another incredibly talented freshman for the Jr. Bills who will be heard from for the next three years. Taylor saw action on both sides of the ball and while he didn't put up a lot numbers wise you can see the ability waiting to be unleashed. He did have four carries at running back, where I think he will burst on to the scene as one of the top running backs in the area in coming years with his 4.5 forty speed combined with his elusiveness and strength after rushing for 144 yards and 3 touchdowns this year, but he also has the potential to be a top defensive back where he has contributed the most as a freshman with 49 total tackles and a fumble recovery.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>   Dillon Ramella 6'2" 209 | LB | 2023 |   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/10/SLUH-Scrimmage-DeSmet-Media-Day-123.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-483478"/></figure>   This senior linebacker is having a monster year and is tied with Harris for the team lead in tackles. The unsung defender had 17 total tackles and a fumble recovery against Rockhurst. Ramella has been on of the top defenders in St. Louis on the season and is among the leaders in the Metro area in tackles with 79 to go along with his 3 sacks, 3 fumble recoveries and 2 interceptions. Dillon was all over the field and in on play after play. He sees the field well and diagnoses plays extremely well. He runs well and means business when he arrives.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>   Joseph Harris 6'0" 165 | WR | 2024 |   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/10/Joe-Harris.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-483479"/></figure>   Harris had one of the Jr. Bills two touchdowns on the evening with a 25-yard reception from Sansone.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>   [player_tooltip player_id='103409' first='Zach' last='Ortwerth'] 6'5" 230 | TE | 2023 |   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/10/Zach-Ortwerth.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-483480"/></figure>   The University of Iowa verbal commit and big-time TE prospect had four receptions for 48 yards on the night. On the season Ortwerth has 11 catches for 194 yards and a TD averaging 17.6 yards per catch.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>   [player_tooltip player_id='233162' first='Landon' last='Pace'] 6'3" 210 | 2025 | TE/DE |   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/10/Landon-Pace.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-483482"/></figure>   Another D1 recruit on the field last Friday night who saw action at both TE and DE. Pace had 3 catches for 25 yards against the Hawklets.

The past Friday there was a first time meeting of cross-state storied Catholic high schools as Kansas City Rockhurst traveled to St. Louis to face off against St. Louis University High. It was a great atmosphere and a hard fought game that went to overtime and SLUH lost a heartbreaker on a Rockhurst field goal to make the final 17-14. I was there and had the following observations on some of the top prospects and performers during the game.