Class of ‘25: Strength of the Class Part I
In this article:
During the coverage of the recent Class of ’25 rankings update, we’ve highlighted the top prospects, the newcomers, and the stock risers. But in this bonus coverage, we’ll be switching things up a bit. This class as a whole is…
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Continue ReadingDuring the coverage of the recent Class of ’25 rankings update, we’ve highlighted the top prospects, the newcomers, and the stock risers. But in this bonus coverage, we’ll be switching things up a bit. This class as a whole is filled with promising talent from top to bottom. However, there were certain position groups that stood out over the others during the evaluation process.
In this ‘Strength of the Class’ series, we’re going to be taking a look at the top three position groups in the sophomore class. The first group that kicks off this series will be the defensive line. With two prospects ranked in the Top 3, and nine inside the Top 50, it’s hard to deny that this group isn’t the best in the Class of ’25 rankings. Here are five prospects we’ve yet to highlight in this update that make up this loaded position group.
This piece begins with one of the newest additions to the Top 10 from the recent update. Next to Jayden Woods Jayden Woods 6’3″ | 235 lbs | DL Mill Valley | 2025 State KS and Julian Marks Julian Marks 6’7″ | 275 lbs | DL St. Thomas Aquinas | 2025 State KS , there might not have been a more impactful first-year defender than Charlie Woleben Charlie Woleben 6’5″ | 215 lbs | DL De Soto | 2025 State KS . He stepped in at defensive end and was arguably the Wildcats’ top pass-rusher this past season. Woleben climbed 26 spots in this January update after piling up 42 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, six sacks, and two forced fumbles. His tremendous year would earn him a 1st Team All-UKC selection, and he was a 5A All-State Honorable Mention pick as well. Given Woleben’s early success and rangy frame, he could start to draw next-level interest this year.
Highlights
Koby Le Koby Le 6’1″ | 240 lbs | DL Emporia | 2025 State KS of Emporia is one of the original members from the very first Class of ’25 rankings update. While there were a few defensive linemen that moved in front of him this time around, he is still very much so one of the best at the position. Le made significant strides in his development last off-season, and it was evident his game had improved during his sophomore campaign. His play has already drawn interest from a few NAIA programs, and he was even invited to the National Combine in San Antonio earlier this month, where he’d be recognized as an Honorable Mention performer by 247Sports.
Highlights
This position group boasts multiple edge rushers that are 6-foot-4 or taller, and one that hasn’t been talked about enough is Kyle Keya Kyle Keya 6’5″ | 205 lbs | DL Kapaun Mt. Carmel | 2025 State KS of Kapaun Mt. Carmel. Keya enters the rankings as the lengthiest player of this group; standing at 6-foot-5, and he made his debut at No. 32 overall. What Keya lacks in strength, he makes up for with his range and athleticism. He flew under the radar as a first-year starter, but with the Crusaders’ graduating prospects like Nathan Fury and Louis Traglia Louis Traglia 6’4″ | 215 lbs | LB Kapaun Mt. Carmel | 2023 State KS , Keya will have the opportunity to become one of Kapaun’s top defenders next season. He’s a prospect with tons upside and lots of room to grow.
The Council Grove Braves went on an unbelievable run in 2022; posting their highest win total since 2016, and their defense improved tremendously. The Braves’ defense allowed 473 points in nine games during the ’21 campaign, and this past season they only surrendered 146 points through 10 games. One of the reasons for their impressive turnaround was the breakout play of Holden Ziegler Holden Ziegler 6’3″ | 260 lbs | DL Council Grove | 2025 State KS . He made a splash in 2022; leading the team in tackles for loss with 14, and he also finished first on the team with six sacks. The Class 2A Honorable Mention pick moved up to No. 43 overall in this recent update.
Highlights
Chase Campbell Chase Campbell 6’4″ | 215 lbs | DL Olathe West | 2025 State KS was one of the recent additions to this deep position group during the January update. Campbell made his debut closely behind Ziegler as the 46th ranked prospect overall, and the 9th ranked defensive lineman in the class. In his first varsity season, Campbell managed to contribute 18 total tackles and came up with multiple pressures as well. He stepped in and displayed a high motor, and matched the physicality of his older counterparts. Campbell has the intangibles to be an impact defender for the Owls as a junior, and he has the potential to be an All-League performer this fall.