Updated 2024 Rankings: New Additions (Part 1)
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We released the updated 2024 prospect rankings last week. In Part 1 of a two-part series, here are 10 New Additions (listed in alphabetical order): Mason Espinda-McChriston Mason Espinda-McChriston 6'2" | 175 lbs | ATH Bernalillo | 2024 State NM…
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Continue ReadingWe released the updated 2024 prospect rankings last week. In Part 1 of a two-part series, here are 10 New Additions (listed in alphabetical order):
Mason Espinda-McChriston Mason Espinda-McChriston 6'2" | 175 lbs | ATH Bernalillo | 2024 State NM , Bernalillo: The 6-foot-2 Espinda-McChriston has good size and, as we saw last summer during 7-on-7 and again during the season, excellent leaping ability. He nearly tripled his output from his sophomore season with 47 receptions for 712 yards and 4 TD in 2022. He’ll be one of the top receivers in Class 4A next season.
Nye Estrada Nye Estrada 5'10" | 170 lbs | QB Artesia | 2024 State NM , Artesia: Estrada wrote one of the best stories of the 2022 season. He began the season as Artesia’s backup QB but quickly showed he deserved the opportunity to lead the Bulldogs’ offense. He did that and more, throwing for 3,425 yards and 42 TD while completing 69 percent of his passes. His dynamic performance led the Bulldogs to the Class 5A title.
Harris Mbueha Harris Mbueha 5'11" | 190 lbs | RB Cleveland | 2024 State NM , Cleveland: Some might view Mbueha as a one-hit wonder for the 2022 season as he rushed for 108 yards on 16 carries and scored 4 TD in the 6A championship game filling in for the injured Josh Perry Josh Perry 5'10" | 185 lbs | RB Cleveland | 2023 State NM . But Mbueha was a solid backup all season long and now he’ll get his chance to become Cleveland’s No. 1 RB in 2023.
T.J. McCarthy, Albuquerque High: Possessing a 6-foot-3, 295-pound frame and quick feet, McCarthy first came to our attention at last June’s Eastern New Mexico camp in Albuquerque. ENMU coaches were quickly intrigued watching McCarthy work. He’ll be one of the top offensive line prospects in the state next season.
Xavier Provencio Xavier Provencio 5'10" | 250 lbs | DL Rio Rancho | 2024 State NM , Rio Rancho: Provencio emerged this past season as one of the top interior defensive linemen in the state with 37 tackles, 7.5 sacks and 15 QB hurries. He earned 6A First-Team All-State honors and All-Metro accolades. Provencio is as strong as they come, and he’ll get only stronger before next season.
Isaiah Quintana Isaiah Quintana 6'0" | 145 lbs | DB Moriarty | 2024 State NM , Moriarty: Quintana made his mark for the Pintos in 2022 as a kick returner and ballhawking defensive back. He finished tied for 8th in the state with six interceptions and had 15 passes defended and two forced fumbles. He’s a DB to watch in 2023.
Rayce Ramirez Rayce Ramirez 5'10" | 170 lbs | RB Rio Rancho | 2024 State NM , Rio Rancho: As expected, Rio Rancho’s ground game took a step back in 2022 following the loss of First-Team All-State and FB S caliber RB Zach Vigil after the 2021 campaign. But the Rams offensive backfield duo of Ramirez and dual threat QB JJ Arellano hold plenty of promise for 2023. Expect a big year from both.
Joshua Ray Joshua Ray 6'3" | 285 lbs | OL Hobbs | 2024 State NM , Hobbs: We first saw the 6-foot-3 285-pound Ray last summer when he excelled at the Elite 150 Combine. Ray went on to have an outstanding season for the Eagles, earning Second-Team All-State honors. He could become a coveted prospect this fall.
Ulysses Mendoza Ulysses Mendoza RB Carlsbad | 2024 State NM , Carlsbad: Mendoza was a very capable No. 2 RB behind Eli Asay Eli Asay WR Carlsbad | 2023 State NM for Carlsbad in 2022 as he finished with 684 yards on 172 carries. He had three games of 100+ yards in a four-week span b riding Sept. and Oct. Mendoza should get his chance at being the No. 1 RB in 2023.