Class of ‘24 Rankings Update: New Look Top 5
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The Class of ’24 has developed at such a high-rate since the previous update in August. Especially at the top of the class. These top prospects burst onto the scene as sophomores, and a few even saw the varsity stage…
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Continue ReadingThe Class of ’24 has developed at such a high-rate since the previous update in August. Especially at the top of the class. These top prospects burst onto the scene as sophomores, and a few even saw the varsity stage as freshmen. But they took their game to a whole new level as juniors, and they’ll look to continue that progression as they prepare for their senior year this off-season.
This new look Top 5 saw some shuffling around from spots two through five, as two newcomers joined this elite group, and one current member earned a new rank. Each of these prospects have become leaders for their respective teams, and they’re each beginning to draw D-I interest. They’ll be an exciting group of players to watch in 2023.
Also, while you’re checking out the new look Top 5, don’t forget to take a look at the rest of the changes made in this December update.
The top prospect in this recruiting class continues to reside from Wichita East High School. After claiming the No. 1 ranking back in May, DaeOnte Mitchell DaeOnte Mitchell 5’11” | 195 lbs | QB Wichita East | 2024 State KS has made sure not to let up. He’s performed at a high-level since making his varsity debut in 2020, so Mitchell’s third year under center came with some high expectations. It’s safe to say he lived up to the preseason hype. Mitchell helped lead East to another 6-4 record, but orchestrated an offense that averaged 40 points per game. The junior had a monster season, as he completed 76% of his passes while throwing for over 2,200 yards with 24 touchdowns and only two interceptions. He also added 862 yards on the ground with seven scores. Mitchell’s progression and numbers should have D-I recruiters calling this off-season.
Coming in at the No. 2 spot in this latest Class of ’24 rankings update, is Junction City product, Michael Boganowski Michael Boganowski 6’2″ | 195 lbs | ATH Junction City | 2024 State KS . He’s one of the prospects making his debut inside the Top 5 after climbing all the way from No. 71 overall in the previous update. This huge increase comes after Boganowski became a D-I prospect during the ’22 campaign. Boganowski not only was one of the top breakout players in the state this season, but in the whole country as well. He’s been touted as a 3-Star recruit by 247Sports, and has received offers from Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma State, and Washington. He stuffed the stat sheet on defense this season, as he posted 123 total tackles, three tackles for loss, four interceptions and one forced fumble.
Highlights
The 3rd overall spot in the Class of ’24 rankings now belongs to standout running back, Omari Elias Omari Elias 5’10” | 200 lbs | RB Kapaun Mt. Carmel | 2024 State KS . He’s been a Top 5 prospect since making his debut this past January, but the season he put together earned him an increase in rank to become a Top 3 prospect. Elias came from out of nowhere as a sophomore with over 2,100 yards rushing, and heading into this season, many wondered if he could come close to that mark as a junior. He not only reached that mark again, but he surpassed that total by a significant margin. Elias finished his junior year with 2,534 yards rushing on 293 carries. Those are absolutely unreal numbers. Eclipsing 2,500 yards again will be a tall task, but Elias will look to make it three straight 2,000-yard seasons in 2023.
Following Elias in the rankings is the second prospect in this update to join the Top 5. Cencere Thompson Cencere Thompson 5’9″ | 190 lbs | RB Wichita NW | 2024 State KS moves up to No. 4 overall after holding down the 8th ranked spot in the previous update. Next to Elias, Thompson was one of the best running backs out of the Wichita area this past season. Even while splitting carries with LJ Phillips LJ Phillips 5’9″ | 200 lbs | RB Wichita Northwest | 2023 State KS , Thompson still managed to pick up 1st Team All-League and 6A All-State honors. Thompson carried the ball 159 time this year and he turned those carries into 1,262 yards and 17 touchdowns. He added 11 receptions for 212 yards receiving as well. His impressive junior season also earned him his first D-I offer from Northern Iowa. It’ll be interesting to see what Thompson can do as the feature back during the 2023 season.
BJ Canady BJ Canady 6’5″ | 250 lbs | DL Topeka | 2024 State KS of Topeka High rounds off the Top 5 in this December update. An injury prevented Canady from completing his junior season, but his play through four games was enough to maintain his status as a top-ranked prospect. Despite the limited action, Canady still wreaked havoc on opposing offenses. Similar to his sophomore season, offensive tackles had trouble blocking the 6-foot-5, 245 pound edge rusher. Canady’s play has now earned him nine Power 5 offers, with the University of California and Tennessee being the most recent programs to recruit the 4-Star prospect. With plenty of time to heal before the ’23 campaign, expect to see Canady bounce back in a big way next year.
The rest of the top prospects in this update consists of, No. 6: Hudson Ferralez Hudson Ferralez 6'1" | 205 lbs | QB Wichita Collegiate | 2024 State KS – Hesston (QB), No. 7: Kaiden Seamster Kaiden Seamster 6'3" | 205 lbs | ATH Chanute | 2024 State KS – Chanute (ATH), No. 8: Trey Ridley Trey Ridley 6'1" | 195 lbs | DB Blue Valley NW | 2024 State KS – Blue Valley NW (DB), No. 9: Jeremy Schleicher Jeremy Schleicher 6'3" | 275 lbs | OL Bishop Miege | 2024 State KS – Bishop Miege (OL), and No. 10: Kian Payne Kian Payne 6'4" | 260 lbs | DL St. Thomas Aquinas | 2024 State KS – St. Thomas Aquinas (DL).