Class of ‘24: Strength of the Class Part I

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another class update means another deep look into the rankings. After highlighting the top three position groups from the Class of '25 in January, the <em>Strength of the Class </em>series is back. In light of the recent Class of '24 rankings update, folks are now aware of the new No. 1 ranked prospect, the latest newcomers, and the highest stock risers. Now it's time to see how the position groups in this upcoming senior class stack up against each other. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This edition of the <em>Strength of the Class</em> will be a bit different from the previous one. Instead of revealing the top position group at the start of the series, we'll be featuring the third best group first. We begin with a group of players capable of filling in virtually anywhere on the field. The athlete group in this class is undoubtedly headlined by D-I target, [player_tooltip player_id='259756' first='Michael' last='Boganowski']. However, this position group is much more than a one man show. Here's a look at five underrated two-way players ranked inside the Top 150. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["81149"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cp style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eOne of the best abilities a prospect can have is unlimited versatility. This not only showcases their athleticism, but it can also lead to multiple offers for different positions. [player_tooltip player_id='81149' first='Damon' last='Mesa'] of Holcomb fits this mold, and he's a small-school prospect that recruiters need to start looking at. Mesa was one of the most impactful juniors in the state during the '22 campaign. He primarily took snaps at quarterback on offense, but he nearly accumulated 1,500 yards of total offense and was responsible for 21 total touchdowns. His game has some similarities to former top prospect, Jaren Kanak. Mesa isn't quite as athletic as Kanak was, but he does display a similar physical running style. Like Kanak, Mesa could also transition to linebacker at the collegiate level. He's likely to once again be one of the top players out of western Kansas this fall.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["334744"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"u003cp style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eAnother Class 3A athlete recruiters will want to take a look at is [player_tooltip player_id='334744' first='Kason' last='Messenger'] of Cheney. The buzz surrounding him is beginning to grow, as he's recently received a number of spring and summer camp invitations from several collegiate programs. This interest comes after the 6-foot-2, 215-pound prospect put folks on notice in 2022. Messenger racked up 61 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss and four sacks; earning him u003cemu003e1u003csupu003estu003c/supu003e Team All-Leagueu003c/emu003e honors and a u003cemu003e3A All-State Honorable Mentionu003c/emu003e nod. Defensive end was where he earned these honors, but he's also shown flashes of being a reliable pass catcher at tight end. The 9u003csupu003ethu003c/supu003e ranked athlete has continued to showcase his versatility during the 7-On-7 circuit as well; making plays at linebacker for the Kansas Colts.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["259784"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"u003cp style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eSeveral prospects in this class elevated their play from their sophomore to junior year in 2022. One player that improved significantly was [player_tooltip player_id='259784' first='Cooper' last='Simmons'] of St. Mary's-Colgan. After being the Panthers' leading tackler in 2021, Simmons took on a new role this past season, as he became the focal point of the Panthers' offense. His emergence was instrumental in the Panthers' offensive success, as they improved their win total by 5 wins and scored 187 more points. From an individual perspective, Simmons rushed for over 1,200 yards on 154 carries and hit pay dirt 20 times. Simmons was still a factor on defense too, as he collected 54 total tackles and came up with two interceptions. He's a rising star in Class 1A, and should be one of the best small-school two-way players in the state this season.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["415335"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"u003cp style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eSome prospects in this class used the '22 campaign as a preview for what's to come this season. [player_tooltip player_id='415335' first='Matthew' last='Magette'] of Eudora is one of those prospects, and he's heading into his senior year with a lot of momentum. He made the most of his new starting role on defense last fall, as he contributed 60 total tackles and nine tackles for loss. While defense was where he earned u003cemu003eAll-Leagueu003c/emu003e honors, Magette proved to be a dynamic runner in Eudora's backfield as well. His rushing numbers are a small sample size, but he did manage to post 14.7 yards per carry. The gridiron isn't the only place Magette has showcased his talent either. The junior became a state champion power lifter in bench press and squat earlier this month. He's currently one of Class 4A's hidden gems, but that likely won't last much longer.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["415286"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"u003cp style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eSpeaking of hidden gems, [player_tooltip player_id='415286' first='Zac' last='Evans'] of Valley Falls is a Class 1A prospect that should draw some attention this year. The 2022 season was one to forget for the Valley Falls Dragons, but Evans managed to put together an u003cemu003eAll-Stateu003c/emu003e caliber year at receiver. Evans ended the '22 campaign as Valley Falls top offensive weapon, as he hauled in 43 receptions for 821 yards and 11 touchdowns. He was also one of the Dragons' top defensive backs with 32 total tackles, two interceptions, five pass breakups, and two forced fumbles. In addition to his success last fall, Evans has shined on the hardwood this off-season as well. He's put together a sensational junior year thus far, and has proved to be one of the most well-rounded athletes in this class.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-640f96b8c4355"} /-->