Top 5 Prospects in the Class of ‘23

The 2023 senior class has put on a show throughout the '22 campaign. There's been a number of players that have stood out this season, but none bigger than these five prospects. It's been quite some time since we last checked in on this talented bunch, and with the season nearing it's conclusion; now is a perfect time to see their progress.   This November Top 5 isn't too different from the previous one back in July, as the top four players in the class have continued to showcase their elite talent all season long. There is however a new member that rounds off this prestigious group. Take a look at the top seniors in the state, and be sure to check out the rest of the rankings.   No. 1: [player_tooltip player_id='87642' first='Avery' last='Johnson'] – Maize, 6'2”, 175, QB   After an offseason of impressive showcase performances, and multiple tours of Power 5 programs; folks were very eager to see Johnson put on a show in his final season at Maize High. The 4-Star quarterback has done that and more. Johnson and the Eagles have looked like a team on a mission this season. They currently sit at 11-0 and are now just one win away from their second straight 5A State Championship Game appearance.   Johnson's been extremely efficient this year, completing 70% of his passes, and has only thrown one interception. On top of that, Johnson has been responsible for over 3,000 yards of total offense and over 40 total touchdowns. The Kansas State commit also added another accolade to his résumé by recently being selected to play in the <a href="https://twitter.com/usarmybowl/status/1591170826329812992?s=61&t=KzD9rqqdZPqO76FlvDepIQ" data-type="URL" data-id="https://twitter.com/usarmybowl/status/1591170826329812992?s=61&t=KzD9rqqdZPqO76FlvDepIQ">U.S. Army All-American Bowl</a>. It will be interesting to see if Johnson can cap off his incredible career with a state title.   No. 2: [player_tooltip player_id='87649' first='Dylan' last='Edwards'] – Derby, 5'9”, 165, RB   No surprises at the No. 2 spot, as [player_tooltip player_id='87649' first='Dylan' last='Edwards'] stays within the Top 2 through yet another update. While the Notre Dame commit is ranked No. 2, he and Johnson truly are 1A and 1B in this recruiting class. Edwards has put together yet another dominant season as the feature back for the Derby Panthers, and his explosive running has helped lead Derby to a 9-2 record with another Sub-State appearance.   Even after Derby graduated three All-State offensive linemen, Edwards has still managed to put up some ridiculous numbers. He hasn't received the heavy workload that some backs in the state have, but he's been just as effective. Edwards has rushed for 1,764 yards on 170 carries with 29 touchdowns, and he set a career-high in receiving yards with 205 yards on the season. He could hit some more career milestones if the Panthers are able to advance to Championship Saturday.   No. 3: [player_tooltip player_id='35665' first='Joe' last='Otting'] – Hayden, 6'4”, 270, OL   The top-ranked offensive lineman in the Class of '23 has been a problem in the trenches this season. Otting is widely known for his play on the offensive side of the ball, but he's also shined on defense, and the big man has even found himself in the end zone a few times. His all-around play has helped Hayden reach the Sub-State round with a 10-1 record.   Hayden's offense favors a run first approach, which means Otting gets to display his athleticism and physicality. The Notre Dame commit has helped clear the way for some major holes, and that's led to the Wildcats averaging 40 points per game. His play style will translate well to the collegiate level, and he definitely has the potential to be an impact player for the Fighting Irish one day.   No. 4: [player_tooltip player_id='35641' first='John' last='Randle II'] – Wichita Heights, 6'0”, 185, RB   [player_tooltip player_id='35641' first='John' last='Randle II'] is the next big-time recruit in the state that fans are eagerly waiting to see a commitment from. The 2nd ranked running back in this senior class has yet to announce his top choices, which has left many fans and recruiters around the country anxious. Randle II most recently took official visits to the <a href="https://twitter.com/randlej5_/status/1582379836512739328?s=61&t=KzD9rqqdZPqO76FlvDepIQ" data-type="URL" data-id="https://twitter.com/randlej5_/status/1582379836512739328?s=61&t=KzD9rqqdZPqO76FlvDepIQ">University of Utah </a>in October, and to Kansas State earlier this month. With 27 Power 5 offers, Randle will have a lot to think over.   His season unfortunately came to an end during Week 9 when Wichita Heights fell to Lawrence during the opening round of the playoffs. Although it was a roller coaster season for Heights, Randle still managed to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark for a third straight year. He finished his senior season rushing for a career-high 1,227 yards on 118 carries and hit pay dirt 15 times.   No. 5: [player_tooltip player_id='127724' first='Jordan' last='Allen'] – Olathe South, 6'4”, 240, DL   Coming in at No. 5 in our Class of '23 Player Rankings is standout defensive end, [player_tooltip player_id='127724' first='Jordan' last='Allen']. There were several prospects deserving of this spot, but Allen was undeniably one of the Top 5 players in this senior class. Time and time again the Kansas State commit proved he is one of the best two-way players in the state. His stellar play at tight end and defensive end helped the Olathe South Falcons finish with a 7-3 record and a Regional Round appearance.   Not only was Allen Olathe South's top edge rusher, but he was also their leading receiver. On defense, Allen piled up 64 total tackles, two sacks, one forced fumble, seven deflected passes, and one blocked field goal. At tight end he'd haul in 30 catches for 600 yards and he scored 10 total touchdowns. Allen is still verbally committed to the Wildcats, but the senior did receive offers from the <a href="https://twitter.com/jordanallen2005/status/1576273813800505345?s=61&t=KzD9rqqdZPqO76FlvDepIQ" data-type="URL" data-id="https://twitter.com/jordanallen2005/status/1576273813800505345?s=61&t=KzD9rqqdZPqO76FlvDepIQ">Tennessee Volunteers</a> and the <a href="https://twitter.com/jordanallen2005/status/1586534907270266880?s=61&t=KzD9rqqdZPqO76FlvDepIQ" data-type="URL" data-id="https://twitter.com/jordanallen2005/status/1586534907270266880?s=61&t=KzD9rqqdZPqO76FlvDepIQ">Oklahoma Sooners</a> back in October. He could be a prospect to watch with National Signing Day coming up in February.   These are the five other prospects that make up the top of this senior class. No. 6: [player_tooltip player_id='35662' first='Wesley' last='Fair'] – Wichita Collegiate (ATH), No. 7: [player_tooltip player_id='229736' first='Andre' last='Davis'] – Blue Valley (WR), No. 8: [player_tooltip player_id='35681' first='Tre' last='Richardson'] – Highland Park (ATH), No. 9: [player_tooltip player_id='122458' first='Jaden' last='Hamm'] – Eudora (TE), and No. 10: [player_tooltip player_id='87669' first='Will' last='Anciaux'] – Kapaun Mt. Carmel (TE).

The 2023 senior class has put on a show throughout the '22 campaign. There's been a number of players that have stood out this season, but none bigger than these five prospects. It's been quite some time since we last checked in on this talented bunch, and with the season nearing it's conclusion; now is a perfect time to see their progress.