Class of ‘24: From Watch List to the Rankings
In this article:
Normally we begin every update by checking in with the top players in the class. But the coverage for the latest Class of ’24 rankings update will be a bit different this time around. Since the Top 10 is still…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingNormally we begin every update by checking in with the top players in the class. But the coverage for the latest Class of ’24 rankings update will be a bit different this time around. Since the Top 10 is still relatively the same since the previous update, the coverage for this May update will kickoff by highlighting the latest newcomers.
With an incoming group as talented as this one, it was impossible to only increase the class to 200 ranked players. Over 25 prospects cracked the rankings in this update, which increased the upcoming senior class from 185 ranked players to 210. Several of the newcomers were featured throughout this spring, but there are still a few that need a proper introduction. Despite not being featured during the Watch List series, these six prospects have been on our radar, and we’ve kept a close eye on their progress over the past few months.
The highest debut in this update comes from a high-profile transfer to the Sunflower State. Martell Buchanan Martell Buchanan 6’2″ | 180 lbs | DB Blue Valley | 2024 State KS of Blue Valley adds to an already loaded position group, as he enters at No. 41 overall, and is the 7th ranked defensive back in the class. Much like many of the top defensive backs from this class, Buchanan has also drawn interest from multiple D-I and D-II programs. The 6-foot-2, 180-pound safety currently holds offers from the University of North Dakota and Northwest Missouri State.
There are only a few programs in the state that consistently develop standout defenders year in and year out. Wichita Northwest is one of those programs, and Jeremiah Harris Jeremiah Harris 5’11” | 160 lbs | DB Wichita NW | 2024 State KS becomes the latest Grizzly defender to make his debut in our rankings database. Harris recorded 32 total tackles and three pass breakups in nine games during the ’22 campaign, which led to a 6A All-State Honorable Mention nod and a 1st Team All-League selection. He’s now the eighth Wichita Northwest player to crack the Class of ’24 rankings, as he checks in at No. 111 overall.
One defensive unit folks should look out for this season is Blue Valley’s. They’re set to have playmakers at every level of their defense, especially in the secondary. Martell Buchanan Martell Buchanan 6’2″ | 180 lbs | DB Blue Valley | 2024 State KS headlines this group, but the Tigers also have this key starter returning for them. Robert Marshall Robert Marshall 6’0″ | 170 lbs | DB Blue Valley | 2024 State KS makes his debut at No. 120 overall, and comes in behind Jeremiah Harris Jeremiah Harris 5’11” | 160 lbs | DB Wichita NW | 2024 State KS as the 16th ranked defensive back in the class. Marshall earned All-EKL honors after collecting 48 total tackles and five interceptions during his junior year.
Prospects from the lower classification levels turned heads this spring. We’ve highlighted a number of them during the recent 7-On-7 season, but we’ve yet to introduce folks to Loden West Loden West 6’2″ | 210 lbs | LB Ellsworth | 2024 State KS . Not only did he have a productive spring, but he was very impressive last fall as well. The Ellsworth product racked up 95 total tackles, and showcased his athleticism by also rushing for over 500 yards. He’s since received offers from Friends University and Northwestern Oklahoma State. West comes in a few spots behind Marshall at No. 123 overall, and is the 17th ranked linebacker in the class.
There were a total of eight defensive backs to crack the rankings in this May update, and Zion Wayne Zion Wayne 5’10” | 165 lbs | DB Olathe North | 2024 State KS of Olathe North was yet another that debuted inside the Top 150. Wayne takes over the 135th ranked spot, and is the 17th ranked defensive back in the class. He’s set to see a much larger role this season with the Eagles graduating key starters from their secondary. He’ll need to elevate his game this summer, and will have several opportunities to do so after receiving multiple college camp invitations.
Highlights
Specialist don’t receive the attention they truly deserve. At times the work they do goes unnoticed, but they are without a doubt the backbone of a team. Braeden Gorby Braeden Gorby 6’1″ | 215 lbs | LS Olathe NW | 2024 State KS is a great example of this, and he becomes the first long snapper to debut in the Class of ’24 rankings. Earlier this month he impressed while at the second KC Varsity Combines, and he intends to compete at more showcases this summer. Gorby rounds off this group as the 207th ranked prospect in the class.