Class of ‘25: Summer Newcomers Part I

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's been a little over a week since the recent Class of '25 rankings update was released, but there's some bonus coverage that needs to be highlighted. By now folks are aware of the latest top prospects and stock risers from the June update. However, they haven't been properly introduced to the newest additions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Some of the newcomers from this update were revealed prior to the release, but there's still 14 that have yet to be featured. In Part I of <em>Class of '25: Summer Newcomers</em>, we'll be breaking down five of the highest debuts. This talented group consists of four prospects that cracked the Top 100, and one that came into the rankings just outside the Top 100. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["868978"],"_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: 400u0022u003eWe've spoke quite a bit about the state of the tight end position in Kansas this off-season. It's recently become one of the premier position groups in the state, and it's only continuing to grow. [player_tooltip player_id='868978' first='Quentin' last='Wallace'] of Blue Valley North is one of the latest tight ends that joined our player database, and he has the potential to breakout this fall. Wallace entered the Class of '25 rankings at No. 65 overall, and he's the 3u003csupu003erdu003c/supu003e ranked tight end in the class. The 6-foot-3, 225-pound prospect was used sparingly as a pass-catcher in 2022, but that's likely to change this season. He possesses the physicality to rack up yards after the catch, as well as handle business in the trenches. Look for him to be an u003cemu003eAll-Leagueu003c/emu003e performer once again as a junior.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["868979"],"_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: 400u0022u003eAs we have done for the tight ends in the state, we've also spoken very highly about the wide receivers from this upcoming junior class. In this recent update, three more wideouts joined the loaded group, and [player_tooltip player_id='868979' first='Jace' last='Kerley'] of Paola came away with the highest debut of the trio. Kerley checked in at No. 76 overall and he's the 12u003csupu003ethu003c/supu003e ranked receiver in the class. He quietly put together a strong sophomore campaign in 2022. Kerley hauled in 39 receptions for 406 yards and two touchdowns, which led to a u003cemu003e2u003csupu003endu003c/supu003e Team All-Leagueu003c/emu003e selection. He's proven to be a reliable target that displays great focus and can make tough catches through contact.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["868977"],"_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: 400u0022u003eUp next is one of the most well-rounded prospects from this upcoming junior class. Many players from the Class of '25 became key contributors as sophomores, and one that deserves more recognition is [player_tooltip player_id='868977' first='Keveon' last='Ruiz'] of Medicine Lodge. Folks likely aren't familiar with the Class 1A product, but he was arguably one of the most impactful sophomores in the state last season. Offensively, Ruiz filled in at just about every skill position in 2022, as he accumulated nearly 1,200 yards of total offense and nine total touchdowns. Ruiz shined on defense as well, finishing third on the team in total tackles with 61, and he recorded one sack and one interception. The 93u003csupu003erdu003c/supu003e ranked prospect has the potential to be one of the top two-way players out of Class 1A this season.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["866505"],"_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: 400u0022u003eFor some sophomores, fighting for varsity playing time can be an uphill battle. It's not always because of their skillset either. The Louisburg Wildcats fielded a tough 8-2 squad during the '22 campaign, which resulted in a prospect like [player_tooltip player_id='866505' first='Conlee' last='Hovey'] having to wait his turn. Hovey's patience is likely to payoff during his junior year though. He joined the rankings just inside the Top 100 at No. 99 overall, and he's the 16u003csupu003ethu003c/supu003e ranked defensive lineman in the class. Recruiters are sure to be intrigued by this 6-foot-5, 220-pound edge rusher. His older brother developed into a D-I prospect over his high school career, and Conlee also has the potential to reach that level in the future. Don't be surprised to see him rack up double-digit tackles for loss as a junior.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["873161"],"_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: 400u0022u003eAs it was mentioned in the introduction, there was one player from this group that just missed a Top 100 debut in the recent update. However, it won't be long before [player_tooltip player_id='873161' first='Caden' last='Huffman'] of Blue Valley Southwest is a Top 100 prospect. Huffman put together an impressive season in the slot at the junior varsity level in 2022. His sophomore tape showcases his solid route running, speed, and excellent hands. He's kept the momentum going this summer as well. Last month Huffman stood out at u003cemu003eWestern Kentucky'su003c/emu003e prospect camp, as he posted a 4.59 40, a 35-inch vertical, and a 4.34 pro agility time. Given BVSW's pass-heavy approach, Huffman could see some targets come his way this fall.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64a6fc495fff0"} /-->