Eight Seniors That Turned Heads On Offense

We're continuing the coverage of the recent Class of '23 Player Rankings update by taking a more in-depth look at the rankings. It's that point in the year when All-State and All-League teams have been announced, and players around the state are receiving their postseason accolades. While a majority of the high-profile players in the state headline these lists, there are plenty of other seniors deserving of recognition as well.   This first in-depth look at the recent update for the senior class will be highlighting the offensive side of the ball. These are eight under the radar seniors in our rankings that impressed during the '22 campaign. Also, with recruiting season in full swing, these are some prospects that recruiters should consider reaching out to.   <h2>Quarterbacks: </h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='317210' first='Luke' last='Niggemann'] – Girard, 6'3”, 205   When folks have conversations about the top dual-threat quarterbacks in this senior class, they likely mention [player_tooltip player_id='87642' first='Avery' last='Johnson'], [player_tooltip player_id='122493' first='Hayden' last='Oviatt'], [player_tooltip player_id='244922' first='Mason' last='McGavran'], and [player_tooltip player_id='166967' first='Malachi' last='Berg']. Well, It's time that Girard product, [player_tooltip player_id='317210' first='Luke' last='Niggemann'], enters that conversation. Niggemann once again helped lead the Trojans to a 10-1 record with a second straight trip to the Sectional Round. His efforts this season earned him a <a href="https://twitter.com/girardtrojans/status/1592255048989696001?s=61&t=JaYzNhE1PSEC2JNljKE7Kg">1st Team All-CNC</a> selection, and he's been recognized as a 3A All-State pick by <a href="https://twitter.com/girardtrojans/status/1599540445293387777?s=61&t=JaYzNhE1PSEC2JNljKE7Kg">Sports in Kansas</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/kshsaa/status/1601303963978153984?s=61&t=JaYzNhE1PSEC2JNljKE7Kg">KSHSAA</a>. Niggemann's physical running and strong arm has even caught the attention of the Washburn Ichabods. He's still raw as a passer, but more recruiters should be intrigued with his natural ability.   [player_tooltip player_id='124494' first='Logan' last='Ladish'] – Piper, 6'2”, 190   Not many quarterbacks in the Class of '23 have faced the challenges [player_tooltip player_id='124494' first='Logan' last='Ladish'] has in his career. Ladish split time under center as a sophomore, and just when it looked like he was on his way to a breakout junior year, Ladish suffered a season-ending knee injury. Fast forward to the '22 campaign, Ladish helped lead Piper to a 7-4 record, and showed no limitations from the injury he sustained. The senior came just shy of throwing for over 1,400 yards and had 13 touchdown passes with only four interceptions. Ladish also rushed for 740 yards on 123 carries with 11 scores. His playmaking ability is undeniable, and with the right situation at the next level, he could reach his full potential.   <h2>Running Backs: </h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='246352' first='Antonio' last='Harrison'] – Sumner, 6'0”, 200   There isn't a running back more slept on in this senior class than Sumner's [player_tooltip player_id='246352' first='Antonio' last='Harrison']. He was a breakout player during the '21 season, and he built off that success to have a phenomenal senior year. Harrison was the leader of Sumner's 7-3 squad, and he'd earn <a href="https://twitter.com/sabres_football/status/1599844599815868416?s=61&t=JaYzNhE1PSEC2JNljKE7Kg">1st Team All-League</a> honors, with a nomination for <a href="https://twitter.com/sabres_football/status/1598837993254813696?s=61&t=JaYzNhE1PSEC2JNljKE7Kg">Class 5A Offensive Player of the Year</a>. The senior finished the season with 194 carries and rushed for over 1,800 yards and punched in 24 scores. Harrison ended his high school career with several accomplishments, and could have had even more had Sumner competed in 2020. He's proven he has next level talent; he just needs a program to take a chance on him.   [player_tooltip player_id='511710' first='Brice' last='Johnson'] – Bishop Ward, 5'7”, 170   Another very underrated running back out of the Kansas City, KS., area is Bishop Ward's, [player_tooltip player_id='511710' first='Brice' last='Johnson']. His impressive senior year earned him a spot in the Top 200 in the recent Class of '23 rankings update. After a bit of a slow start to the season, Johnson went on a tear with four straight games with over 120 yards rushing. He'd end the season with 1,052 yards on 149 carries with 11 touchdowns, and he accumulated an additional 509 yards as a receiver and return man. His outstanding all-around play would earn him multiple Class 3A All-State selections. Johnson's versatility could be a valuable asset to several collegiate programs.   <h2>Wide Receivers:</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='254415' first='Chase' last='Cottam'] – Wamego, 6'0”, 160   Much of Wamego's success this season should be credited to their talented senior class. While [player_tooltip player_id='122493' first='Hayden' last='Oviatt'] and [player_tooltip player_id='394722' first='Colin' last='Donahue'] were key leaders for the Red Raiders on their state title run, [player_tooltip player_id='254415' first='Chase' last='Cottam'] was an unsung hero for their offense. Cottam was previewed as Wamego's top wideout during preseason coverage, and he maintained that reputation this year. The senior was a <a href="https://twitter.com/coachletsgo/status/1597258019855011843?s=61&t=K50ZsBZgrRU758gFvf_fCQ">1st Team All-NCKL </a>selection after posting over 1,200 yards receiving and 12 touchdowns. In addition to this, he was recognized as a Class 4A All-State pick by <a href="https://twitter.com/coachletsgo/status/1599816831232983040?s=61&t=K50ZsBZgrRU758gFvf_fCQ">Sports in Kansas</a>. Cottam also cracked the Top 150 in the recent update to become the 139th ranked prospect overall. He's one of the top vertical threats in the state, and any collegiate program would be lucky to land him.   [player_tooltip player_id='511688' first='Griffin' last='Eaton'] – Labette County, 5'9”, 150   This senior class is deep at the receiver position, and players like [player_tooltip player_id='511688' first='Griffin' last='Eaton'] exemplify that. Eaton is another prospect that made his debut in the recent update after putting together a strong senior campaign. He debuted inside the Top 200 after reeling in 60 catches for 972 yards and 12 touchdowns, which earned him a Class 4A All-State selection. Eaton's fantastic season and career will get overlooked because of the Grizzlies' struggles, but he's been one of the better wideouts from the 4A ranks over the past two seasons. He now has 115 career receptions, and this was his second year in a row with over 500 yards receiving. Eaton may be a bit undersized, but he has the potential to be a very solid slot receiver in college.   <h2>Athlete: </h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='123604' first='Malachi' last='Rogers'] – Wellington, 6'0”, 195   The development of [player_tooltip player_id='123604' first='Malachi' last='Rogers'] has been interesting to see. Most of his time at the varsity level has been spent under center for Wichita West and Wellington. But this season he switched positions to become the feature back for the Wellington Crusaders. Changing positions can be a learning curve for some. However, this wasn't the case for Rogers. He flourished at running back in his final high school season, as he'd rush for 1,427 yards on 220 carries with 19 touchdowns. This switch helped Rogers pick up a <a href="https://twitter.com/cjcarey6/status/1597324404152995840?s=61&t=K50ZsBZgrRU758gFvf_fCQ">1st Team All-League</a> selection and a <a href="https://twitter.com/elboese15/status/1599564476981706753?s=61&t=K50ZsBZgrRU758gFvf_fCQ">Class 4A All-State</a> selection. Rogers hasn't announced a verbal commitment yet, but he has earned offers from Butler Community College and Independence Community College.   <h2>Offensive Line: </h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='129521' first='Conner' last='McVicker'] – McPherson, 6'1”, 265   With the amount of D-I level talent in this graduating class of offensive linemen, prospects like [player_tooltip player_id='129521' first='Conner' last='McVicker'] tend to get overlooked. But he's another quality player that needs to be recognized for the season he had. His versatile play along the offensive line was a big reason why the Bullpups were able to improve offensively this season. McVicker helped the Bullpups average four more points per game, and he helped manufacture nearly 850 more yards of offense compared to the 2021 squad. He went on to earn a <a href="https://twitter.com/mhsbullpups/status/1594032689006403584?s=61&t=dzl_vH6tEnbyVSFtXAN1VA">1st Team All-AVCTL D-III</a> selection, and he'd be recognized as a Class 4A All-State pick by the <a href="https://twitter.com/mcphersonhsfb/status/1599874687688839169?s=61&t=dzl_vH6tEnbyVSFtXAN1VA">KFBCA</a>.

We're continuing the coverage of the recent Class of '23 Player Rankings update by taking a more in-depth look at the rankings. It's that point in the year when All-State and All-League teams have been announced, and players around the state are receiving their postseason accolades. While a majority of the high-profile players in the state headline these lists, there are plenty of other seniors deserving of recognition as well.