Class of ‘24: Strength of the Class Part III

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Before we shift our focus to the next class update in the state, it's a must that we highlight the top position group from the Class of '24. Through the first two parts of this series we've raved about the athletes and defensive backs from this upcoming senior class. However, the top position group without a doubt hails from the trenches. Specifically on the offensive side of the ball. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There's been some exceptional offensive line prospects in the state over the past few years, but there hasn't been a class this loaded at the position. Out of the 22 offensive linemen ranked, 16 of them are 6-foot-4 or taller, and there isn't a significant drop in talent throughout the group. There's already quite a few D-I caliber players in this group, but recruiters will find that there are plenty of hogs with next-level potential. Here are four prospects that help make this position group the best in the class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["262782"],"_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: 400u0022u003eIt's only been a few weeks since the Class of '24 rankings were published, but [player_tooltip player_id='262782' first='Brett' last='Carroll'] of Olathe East has already made a case for a higher ranking. Carroll's put together a great junior year to this point, and as a result, his stock is beginning to soar. The 6-foot-4, 285-pound tackle is on the verge of becoming a Top 50 prospect after recently picking up two D-I offers from u003cemu003eColorado Stateu003c/emu003e and the u003cemu003eUniversity of South Dakotau003c/emu003e. He heads into his senior year as a two-time u003cemu003eAll-Sunflower Leagueu003c/emu003e performer on the gridiron, and he's now a u003cemu003e6A state championu003c/emu003e on the mat after finishing wrestling season with a record of 49-1.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["270336"],"_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: 400u0022u003eThe Chanute Blue Comets' offense will feature a few new faces this fall. But one player folks will be familiar with is [player_tooltip player_id='270336' first='Augustus' last='Thuston']. He's one of the more experienced linemen in this class, and is arguably one of the best right tackles. Thuston made significant strides during his junior year, which led to yet another u003cemu003e1u003csupu003estu003c/supu003e Team All-Leagueu003c/emu003e selection, and the Blue Comets' offense averaged more points per game. The big man looked more polished as a pass blocker, and he was quicker off the line in the run game. He's sure to keep the momentum going heading into his senior year, and could potentially be in the running for au003cemu003e 1st Team 4A All-Stateu003c/emu003e selection.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["414948"],"_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: 400u0022u003eLawrence Free State has been a hotbed for offensive linemen these past two years. Their program has produced next-level prospects such as Tyler Gourley, [player_tooltip player_id='127699' first='Calvin' last='Clements'], [player_tooltip player_id='510987' first='Spencer' last='Doan'], and [player_tooltip player_id='246109' first='Kaden' last='Lonard']. Up next for the Firebirds is [player_tooltip player_id='414948' first='Hank' last='Fuchs']. Lining up next to a D-I talent like [player_tooltip player_id='127699' first='Calvin' last='Clements'] is always helpful, but Fuchs held his own at left guard throughout the '22 campaign. Two of Fuchs' strongest assets are his quickness and athleticism. His ability to fire off the line helps seal off defenders, and he possesses the athleticism to work his way to the second level with ease. With Free State graduating three starters up front, Fuchs could be asked to fill in at different positions this season, which will a be great opportunity to showcase his versatility.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["334730"],"_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: 400u0022u003eThis season there will be multiple players from this position group that become three-year starters. One player that falls into this category is [player_tooltip player_id='334730' first='Sam' last='Lough'] of Basehor-Linwood. Lough's play hasn't been highlighted nearly as much as it should be. The 6-foot-4, 285-pound junior put together another u003cemu003e2u003csupu003endu003c/supu003e Team All-UKCu003c/emu003e season in 2022, and was also named a u003cemu003e4A All-State Honorable Mentionu003c/emu003e pick. He'll have a great opportunity to generate some buzz in his recruitment this off-season, as he's received u003cemu003eJunior Dayu003c/emu003e invitations from u003cemu003eAugustana Universityu003c/emu003e, u003cemu003eBethel Collegeu003c/emu003e, and u003cemu003eDrake Universityu003c/emu003e. Look for Lough to go for a third straight u003cemu003eAll-UKCu003c/emu003e season during the '23 campaign, but this time as a u003cemu003e1u003csupu003estu003c/supu003e Teamu003c/emu003e selection.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":4,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-641a06cbf3b5a"} /-->