2023 Rankings – Athlete Breakdown

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>Get 25% off your subscription by entering Knight25 in the coupon code area. Enjoy!</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Throughout the month of October, we had an update to our prospect rankings. Three weeks ago, we released our first&nbsp;<strong><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://prepredzone.com/oklahoma/rankings/2026-rankings/" target="_blank">watch list for the 2026 class</a></strong>. The first rankings for that class will come out in January. Two weeks ago, it was all about the 2025 class. We've updated those rankings to feature the top 75 sophomores in the state. You can check out the full rankings&nbsp;<strong><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://prepredzone.com/oklahoma/rankings/2025-rankings/" target="_blank">RIGHT HERE</a></strong>. Last week, we took a look at some of the top juniors in Oklahoma with an update to the 2024 rankings. You can check out the full rankings&nbsp;<strong><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://prepredzone.com/oklahoma/rankings/2024-rankings/" target="_blank">RIGHT HERE</a></strong>. This week, we finish up the ranking breakdowns with a look at the 2023 rankings. You can check out the Top 200 Seniors&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/oklahoma/rankings/2023-rankings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RIGHT HERE</a></strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In this post, we're taking a look at some of the top prospects that are some of the more versatile athletes in the state's 2023 class. Some of these prospects are offensive athletes, some are defensive, and some could play on either side of the ball. Stay tuned throughout the week for more 2023 prospect breakdowns.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_6362ce147afa5","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["99770"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Our first standout athlete is McLoud senior [player_tooltip player_id='99770' first='Clint' last='Campbell'], who has been an outstanding running back and linebacker for the last few seasons. We've seen quite a bit of Campbell between film, camps and spring drills over the last few years and every time we see him, we come away a little more impressed. Campbell looks to be leaning to the defensive side of the ball as a linebacker and has committed to play college football at Navy. Campbell first stood out to us a few years ago as a young running back. But he's using that athleticism and size to stop opposing running backs and make plays in the open field on the defensive side of the ball. Campbell has been a very good and productive high school football player. Even if McLoud has struggled in the win-loss column, Campbell has routinely been a bright spot for the Redskins.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"edit","anchor":"acf-block-649a0231677ac"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_6362ce427afa6","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["197183"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Bixby senior [player_tooltip player_id='197183' first='Connor' last='Kirby'] is one of the more intriguing 2023 prospects in the state right now. Last season, he had a breakout year as a junior where he was used almost exclusively as a running quarterback. This season, he's split time with fellow senior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='51037' first='Austin' last='Havens'] but has become much more than just a running threat. He's become a much more efficient and effective passer within the Bixby offense. We saw the beginning of this coming throughout the offseason while Kirby was playing in 7v7 tournaments with Sooner 7. So what he's done this season as a passer is no surprise. But when it comes down to his recruitment, what is he at the next level? Is he a quarterback? Is he somewhere else on offense? He also plays linebacker for the Spartans, maybe defense is the spot for him. There's so much potential there.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"edit","anchor":"acf-block-649a0231677e8"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_6362ce587afa7","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["155258"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"We've written this about a few prospects in the 2023 class but injuries suck. Lincoln Christian lost senior [player_tooltip player_id='155258' first='Easton' last='Rogers'] earlier this year and they are hopeful to get him back before the end of the season. Now, a lot depends on how far the Bulldogs go in the playoffs but the top-ranked team in Class 3A appears to be ready for a deep run so we're hoping we get to see Rogers on the field at least a few more times. On offense, Rogers is an outstanding running back but it appears that his calling will be on the defensive side of the ball at the linebacker position. His physical frame and athleticism is the thing that really jumps off the page at us when evaluating him. He can do so many things well on the football field. The knee injury has hurt what could have been a special senior season but Rogers could return to help Lincoln to a state title.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"edit","anchor":"acf-block-649a023167811"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_6362ce787afa8","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["116023"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Speaking of athleticism and physical frame, there aren't many better that check those boxes than Bixby standout [player_tooltip player_id='116023' first='Joshua' last='Newkirk']. The second Bixby Spartan on this breakdown, and let's face it, Bixby's won 58 straight games, they have some dudes. Newkirk is one of them. We've watched Newkirk develop over the last two years into a really solid piece that has helped Bixby on both sides of the ball. Whether it's on offense as a rangy wide receiver or on defense as a lockdown cornerback, Newkirk has the ability to help a program at the next level on either side of the ball. We think that based on his recruitment and his production this season, we might see Newkirk end up on defense as a corner but we're also not eliminating the potential for a different position either. His long arms and quick feet become a real problem for receivers to get separation.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"edit","anchor":"acf-block-649a02316783e"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_6362ce927afa9","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["157516"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Every year, there's a few prospects who are just off the charts when it comes to their size and athleticism. Edmond Memorial senior [player_tooltip player_id='157516' first='Markell' last='Johnson'] is one of those prospects with the 2023 class. A little over a year ago, Johnson was playing quarterback as Edmond Memorial's top athlete. But with the emergence of 2025 quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='209872' first='David' last='McComb'], that has opened Johnson up to playing a variety of positions, especially on the defensive side of the ball and he's made an instant impact. We're projecting Johnson on the defensive side of the ball and he has a few options on the position that he would play, depending on the scheme and fit at the next level. We could see Johnson being a safety or coming down into the front seven as a linebacker. Speed, size and strength are the name of the game for Johnson and the ceiling is very high with him.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"edit","anchor":"acf-block-649a023167877"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_6362ceb37afaa","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["219074"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"The Coweta Tigers have emerged this season as the top team in Class 5A and they've stayed in the top spot despite losing senior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='51055' first='Carson' last='Laverty'] earlier in the season to a broken collarbone. However, fellow senior [player_tooltip player_id='219074' first='Na'Kylan' last='Starks'] has moved over to the quarterback spot and has been outstanding and the Tigers haven't missed a step. At wide receiver, Starks was truly dynamic and at quarterback, he's had some of his best performances in Coweta's biggest games this season. He absolutely torched McAlester in a huge district clash earlier this year. He then followed that up last week with clutch play down the stretch against Del City to lock up the district crown. Starks is listed as an athlete because he can play a few different positions at the next level. But we have to tip our cap to him for what he's done this season as a quarterback.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"edit","anchor":"acf-block-649a0231678b0"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_6362cee27afab","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["155875"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Coming into this season, we knew that Heritage Hall senior [player_tooltip player_id='155875' first='River' last='Faulkner'] was one of the better two-way players in the state. However, just look at Heritage Hall in the first few weeks without Faulkner versus when he returned to the lineup and you can see the impact he truly has on this team. As a running back, Faulkner flew under the radar last season because of star receiver Gavin Freeman. But Faulkner was a touchdown machine. Nothing has changed this season as he combines with junior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='207182' first='Andy' last='Bass'] to make up one of the best backfields in Class 3A. Then he turns around and is absolutely lights out on the defensive side of the ball. Like a lot of the prospects on this breakdown, we're leaning to defense for Faulkner at the next level but we're looking forward to seeing where he and the Chargers go with the playoffs around the corner.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"edit","anchor":"acf-block-649a0231678d9"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_6362cefc7afac","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["115684"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"As we've mentioned with a few other prospects, we normally have a lean one way or the other when it comes to offense or defense but when it comes to Edmond North standout [player_tooltip player_id='115684' first='Sedrick' last='Frazier'], it's a bit tougher. This kid is absolutely electric on the football field and the speed will absolutely translate to the next level. If we had to pick one side, we'll take the offensive side of the ball just because we've seen a little more production from him as a wide receiver, but Frazier is another speedy prospect that has a very high ceiling. Similar to a few other guys on this list, it doesn't make much sense to us why more schools aren't coming after the Edmond North product a little harder. But as we always say when it comes to those schools, they'll miss out on a good prospect and if it might end up costing them on Saturday if they play against him.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"edit","anchor":"acf-block-649a0231678ff"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_6362cf3c7afad","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["204031"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"We made this comparison over the weekend during our weekly u0022Top Performeru0022 feature but when we look at Norman senior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='204031' first='Tias' last='McClarty'] and we see the impact he has, specifically in the run game, we see former Moore standout Deuce Hishaw, who's now a standout running back at Kansas. Maybe McClarty isn't as big as Hishaw physically but the production has been outstanding and it hasn't been just this season. He has a few years of production to go back and look at. And the thing that puts it over the top for us when it comes to him is his drive to be the best. He's participated in a few of our camps and always done well but more importantly, it seems like some of his best performances are against the toughest teams that Norman faces. We don't know where McClarty will wind up, but he'll be incredibly productive.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"edit","anchor":"acf-block-649a023167925"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_6362cf587afae","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["150089"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"A lot of the prospects on this breakdown are more on the defensive side of the ball when it comes to the next level but not Lawton standout [player_tooltip player_id='150089' first='Tyron' last='Amacker']. This kid will more than likely be a wide receiver at the next level but we have him listed as an athlete because of his versatility and production offense as well as his abilities on the defensive side of the ball. Amacker is one of the leading tacklers for the Wolverines this season. On offense, he's their leading wide receiver and is also a threat in the running game. The QB-WR duo of him and fellow senior [player_tooltip player_id='241236' first='Devarius' last='Hardy'] has been a fun one to watch over the last two seasons and they've reached new heights this season as seniors. Amacker and the Wolverines are hungry to not only make it back in the 6A-2 playoffs, they want to make plenty of noise once they get there and get back to contending.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"edit","anchor":"acf-block-649a02316794b"} /-->