Class of ‘24: Strength of the Class Part III
In this article:
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…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingBefore 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.
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.
It’s only been a few weeks since the Class of ’24 rankings were published, but Brett Carroll Brett Carroll 6’4″ | 285 lbs | OL Olathe East | 2024 State KS 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 Colorado State and the University of South Dakota. He heads into his senior year as a two-time All-Sunflower League performer on the gridiron, and he’s now a 6A state champion on the mat after finishing wrestling season with a record of 49-1.
Highlights
The Chanute Blue Comets’ offense will feature a few new faces this fall. But one player folks will be familiar with is Augustus Thuston Augustus Thuston 6’5″ | 285 lbs | OL Chanute | 2024 State KS . 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 1st Team All-League 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 a 1st Team 4A All-State selection.
Highlights
Lawrence Free State has been a hotbed for offensive linemen these past two years. Their program has produced next-level prospects such as Tyler Gourley, Calvin Clements Calvin Clements 6’7″ | 295 lbs | OL Free State | 2023 State KS , Spencer Doan Spencer Doan 6’8″ | 280 lbs | OL Free State | 2023 State KS , and Kaden Lonard Kaden Lonard 6’5″ | 295 lbs | OL Free State | 2023 State KS . Up next for the Firebirds is Hank Fuchs Hank Fuchs 6’3″ | 285 lbs | OL Free State | 2024 State KS . Lining up next to a D-I talent like Calvin Clements Calvin Clements 6’7″ | 295 lbs | OL Free State | 2023 State KS 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.
This season there will be multiple players from this position group that become three-year starters. One player that falls into this category is Sam Lough Sam Lough 6’4″ | 285 lbs | OL Basehor-Linwood | 2024 State KS 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 2nd Team All-UKC season in 2022, and was also named a 4A All-State Honorable Mention pick. He’ll have a great opportunity to generate some buzz in his recruitment this off-season, as he’s received Junior Day invitations from Augustana University, Bethel College, and Drake University. Look for Lough to go for a third straight All-UKC season during the ’23 campaign, but this time as a 1st Team selection.