Class of ‘25: Strength of the Class Part III
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We’re wrapping up the Strength of the Class series with one last look at the top position groups from the recent Class of ’25 rankings update. If folks enjoyed Parts I & II, then they’ll really like this group featured in Part…
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Continue ReadingWe’re wrapping up the Strength of the Class series with one last look at the top position groups from the recent Class of ’25 rankings update. If folks enjoyed Parts I & II, then they’ll really like this group featured in Part III. While the first two parts in this series primarily focused on specific positions, this last group is made up of versatile prospects with game-changing ability.
To be categorized as an “Athlete” in our rankings, it means a prospect is capable of being position-less on the gridiron. They’re players difficult to game plan for, and they have the potential to effect a game in multiple ways. We’ve already highlighted a few of the top athletes from this class, with prospects such as Brandon Schmelzle Brandon Schmelzle 6'2" | 190 lbs | ATH Axtell | 2025 State KS and Jayden Lang Jayden Lang 6'0" | 170 lbs | ATH De Soto | 2025 State KS . But there are many more that make this position group the third strongest in the class. Here’s a look at five of them that had success during the ’22 campaign.
Making an impact on both sides of the ball the way Errol Siemon Errol Siemon 6’1″ | 180 lbs | ATH Eudora | 2025 State KS did in 2022 is rare for a sophomore. Siemon became a key two-way starter for the Eudora Cardinals, and his standout play helped Eudora reach eight wins this past season. Offensively, Siemon contributed to the Cardinals’ flexbone rushing attack with 795 yards on 107 attempts and punched in eight scores. On the other side, he’d rack up 76 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, and he came away with two defensive scores. His All-League season brings him all the way up to No. 12 overall, and he is now the 2nd ranked athlete in the class.
This next prospect is one of the highest ranked newcomers in the January update. Brody Weir Brody Weir 6’3″ | 230 lbs | ATH Wellington | 2025 State KS of Wellington came into the rankings at No. 31 overall after an impressive year at defensive end and tight end. The 6-foot-3, 220-pound prospect was arguably one of the Crusaders’ best players in his first season starting. Weir would tie for first on the team in receptions with 15, and he led the Crusaders in sacks by a wide margin; accumulating 11.5 on the season. He’d be recognized for his play on both sides of the ball, as he’d earn 2nd Team All-League honors for both positions. He has tremendous upside and should be an All-State player once again this season.
We highlighted Talon Langford Talon Langford 6’2″ | 180 lbs | ATH Tonganoxie | 2025 State KS a few times throughout the ’22 campaign, but now we can recap his first season as a starter for the Chieftains. Langford did a little bit of everything for Tonganoxie this past fall. He was a 2nd Team All-League punter and corner back, but one position he hasn’t received enough praise for is quarterback. Langford took over the starting job after Tongie’s season opening starter went down in Week 1. He experienced growing pains, but it was really encouraging to see him handle adversity, and have some success along the way. He’d finish the season with over 1,100 yards of total offense, three interceptions, and 15 punts pinned inside the 20-yard line.
One of the more slept on players from this position group is Colter Oldham Colter Oldham 6’1″ | 210 lbs | ATH Lakin | 2025 State KS of Lakin. The varsity stage was nothing new for Oldham, but his role significantly expanded this past season. Oldham went from being a rotational player as a freshman, to arguably becoming Lakin’s top player as a sophomore. He’d lead the team in rushing and total tackles, as he rushed for over 1,110 yards and piled up 80 total tackles. This would earn him a 2A All-State Honorable Mention nod at running back, and he was the only sophomore named to the Western Kansas All-Area 11-Man Team.
Highlights
The 2023 Wichita County Indians will look a tad bit different this season. They’ll be graduating 8-Man D-I Offensive Player of the Year, Erhik Hermosillo Erhik Hermosillo 5’8″ | 150 lbs | ATH Wichita County | 2023 State KS , but a player that can fill that void is Erhik’s younger brother. Khris Hermosillo Khris Hermosillo 5’10” | 175 lbs | ATH Wichita County | 2025 State KS ‘s production skyrocketed this past season, and he was a key contributor on Wichita County’s 2022 state title team. The sophomore finished second behind his brother for the team lead in rushing yards, as he’d amass over 1,200 yards and found the end zone 23 times. On defense, Hermosillo finished second on the team in total tackles, but would lead the Indians in tackles for loss and sacks. He has the potential to be a star this year.