Rising Prospects From the Class of ‘24
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Now that we’ve established the top-ranked players and the top newcomers from this latest class update, it’s time to highlight the prospects on the rise heading into next year. The junior class as a whole had much success this past…
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Continue ReadingNow that we’ve established the top-ranked players and the top newcomers from this latest class update, it’s time to highlight the prospects on the rise heading into next year. The junior class as a whole had much success this past season, as several prospects earned an increase in rank. Which explains why there were 17 prospects that rose over 20 spots in the rankings. Of those 17 players, five of them saw an increase of 40 or more spots, making them the highest stock risers in this December update. Class 6A is known to produce some of the best talent in the state, and these are five of the top up-and-coming prospects to watch out for in the division in 2023.
Bryce Noernberg Bryce Noernberg 5’10” | 160 lbs | ATH Olathe South | 2024 State KS of Olathe South starts us off, as he earned the highest increase in rank during this December update. Noernberg was a newcomer in the preseason update for the Class of ’24, and now he climbs 62 spots to crack the Top 50. After showing flashes of his potential late in the 2021 season, Noernberg earned the starting quarterback job as a junior, and what a year he had. He helped lead Olathe South to a 7-3 record, and received 6A All-State and All-Sunflower League honors. His dual-threat ability was key for the Falcons, as he’d be responsible for over 2,300 yards of total offense and 31 total touchdowns. Noernberg was one of the most exciting players out of the Sunflower League this past season, and he should be once again during his senior year.
The success Geremiah Moore had in 2021 looked to be a tough act to follow. But junior quarterback, Jayce Glasper Jayce Glasper 6’2″ | 185 lbs | QB Wichita NW | 2024 State KS , rose to the occasion for Wichita Northwest, and performed well in his first season starting under center. After showing glimpses of his talent over the summer, Glasper’s ability was on full display during the ’22 campaign. He moves up 59 spots in this update to become the 55th ranked prospect overall, and the 7th ranked quarterback in the class. Glasper earned the second highest increase after taking home a 1st Team All-League selection, and a 6A All-State Honorable Mention nod. Even in a run-heavy offense, Glasper still managed to throw for over 1,600 yards and 18 touchdowns. He also contributed to Northwest’s elite ground game with 668 yards and nine scores.
Typically whenever Wichita East is highlighted, it’s for their dynamic quarterback and talented receiving core. While the Blue Aces do boast an impressive passing game, the season their starting running back put together hasn’t been talked about enough. It could be argued that Rayvelle Leak Rayvelle Leak 5’11” | 180 lbs | RB Wichita East | 2024 State KS was East’s unsung hero on offense this past season. He took pressure off DaeOnte Mitchell DaeOnte Mitchell 5’11” | 195 lbs | QB Wichita East | 2024 State KS , and provided a spark whenever the Blue Aces needed it. Leak moves inside the Top 50 and is now the 7th ranked back in the class after exploding for 1,500 yards and 26 touchdowns during his junior campaign. His performance this year earned him a 6A All-State Honorable Mention nod and a 2nd Team All-League selection. Leak may not have been a 1st Team All-State selection, but he is likely to be in the running for it next year.
The prospect that saw the fourth highest increase in this update was Max Stanard Max Stanard 5’11” | 185 lbs | DB Manhattan | 2024 State KS of Manhattan. Stanard solidified himself as one of the top safeties in the class this past season, as he climbed 54 spots to become the 30th ranked prospect overall and the 5th ranked defensive back in the class. Manhattan’s state championship roster was loaded with impact players, and Stanard was one of the main leaders for their stout defense. He finished the season second on the team in total tackles with 92, and came away with three interceptions, one forced fumble, and 11 pass breakups. Stanard’s big season would earn him a 6A All-State Honorable Mention nod, and some interest from a few collegiate programs as well.
We first discovered Brady Whitman Brady Whitman 6’3″ | 220 lbs | LB Blue Valley North | 2024 State KS this past off-season, and his potential as a tight end caught our eye. But it would be his play at line backer this season that earned him a significant boost in rank. The position change benefited Whitman mightily, as he became a key leader for the Mustangs in his first season starting. Whitman debuted just outside the Top 100 in the May update, but this time, he nearly cracks the Top 50 as he now sits at No. 57 overall and is the 7th ranked linebacker in the class. This move comes after Whitman corralled 71 total tackles, 4.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. The physical backer would be recognized as an All-EKL Honorable Mention pick in a league rich at the line backer position.