Updated 2024 Rankings: Fastest Stock Risers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Thursday we released the upgraded 2024 rankings. Here are the Fastest Stock Risers (listed in alphabetical order):</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='590700' first='Jesse' last='Armendariz'], Artesia</strong>: Armendariz was one of the sparkplugs for Artesia's underrated defense in 2022. He finished with 60 tackles and 6 interceptions in 12 games, effectively shutting down his side of the field. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='590528' first='Isaac' last='Foutz'], Farmington</strong>: Foutz emerged in 2022 as one of the top linebackers in Class 6A. He finished with 129 tackles, second highest in Class 6A. He'll be the top returning tackler in 6A in 2023. He'll anchor what could be a very stout Scorpions defense. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='274791' first='Trel' last='Griego'], Farmington</strong>: Another reason for optimism by Farmington next season? Their QB is back. Griego threw for almost 3,000 yards and 31 TD as a junior last season. He also rushed for 526 yards and 10 TD, making him a legitimate threat running the football, especially in the red zone.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='340297' first='Daniel' last='Hernandez'], Centennial</strong>: Utilizing his dual threat skills, Hernandez led Centennial to a district championship, a top four seed in the 6A playoffs and a spot in the semifinals. Only a heartbreaking loss to a Cueva at Field of Dreams kept Hernandez and the hawks out of the title game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='274790' first='Jackson' last='Hix'], La Cueva</strong>: After making 27 receptions as a sophomore in 2021, Hix elevated to La Cueva's No. 2 receiver in 2023 following the sudden departure of Exodus Ayers for a New England prep school. His responded with 66 receptions for 1,040 yards and 4 TD, including 8 catches for 151 yards in the 6A championship game. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='275207' first='Dean' last='Marquez'], Atrisco Heritage</strong>: Marquez led the way as Atrisco amassed nearly 4,000 yards in total offense this past season. Marquez threw for 2,190 yards and 30 TD. Most of Atrisco's key pieces on offense return in 2023, so if they can improve the defense, watch out.   </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='340311' first='Ricky' last='Martinez'], West Mesa</strong>: Martinez was part of one of the most talented receiving corps in the state last season. Out of the Mustangs' top four receivers in 2022, only Martinez returns, offering him an opportunity to become a No. 1 WR.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Marquis Renfro, Atrisco Heritage</strong>: When it came to catching AND running the football in 2022, few players were better than Renfro. He had 44 receptions for 535 yards and 9 TD as well as 423 yards rushing on a team-high 78 carries. He'll be one of the top all-around offensive players in 67A next season. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='274702' first='John' last='Sierra'], Centennial</strong>: Sierra combines great size (6-2, 210 pounds),s peed and athleticism and has become one of the top linebackers in Class 6A. He's been First-Team All-District for to years. This past season he made 90 tackles (5 solo) with 22 TFL.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='275063' first='Aidan' last='Thomas'], St. Pius X</strong>: An outstanding &nbsp;two-player with great size (6-5, 250 pounds) and skills. Thomas earned First-Team All-State honors at offensive line. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='590673' first='Diego' last='Wesson'], Artesia</strong>: While Artesia's high scoring offense was registering points at a prolific rate this past season, the Bulldogs' defense was pretty good too. After seeing part-time duty with the varsity in 2021, Wesson led the Artesia defense with 107 tackles and 7 TFL in 2022.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/TreGriego/status/1592314806371225601","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/TreGriego/status/1592314806371225601 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> &nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/hix_jackson/status/1611222944604119043","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/hix_jackson/status/1611222944604119043 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/johnsierra2024/status/1599527014037233664","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/johnsierra2024/status/1599527014037233664 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Diegowesson54/status/1601303614794137600","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Diegowesson54/status/1601303614794137600 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed -->