Class of ‘26: Cracking the Rankings Part IV

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we inch closer toward the end of July, we're also nearing the end of the bonus coverage for the recent Class of '26 rankings update. The next 10 prospects we'll be highlighting may have debuted on the outside of the Top 50, but they each have a shot at becoming contributors at the varsity level this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Similar to how there was a theme in Part II of this series, the prospects featured in Part IV also share some things in common. Four of these players have shown early signs of being defensive standouts, and the lone offensive player featured has the potential to be a dangerous weapon in the future. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["904474"],"_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: 400u0022u003eThe first defensive prospect we'll be taking a look at is [player_tooltip player_id='904474' first='William' last='Cooper III'] of Olathe North. Cooper III was the highest-ranked newcomer from this fourth group, as he debuted at No. 53 overall and he's the 8u003csupu003ethu003c/supu003e ranked defensive lineman in the class. This young man is one of the more physically imposing prospects in this class, as he stands at 6-foot-6, 230 pounds. That massive frame could open a door to many possibilities on the gridiron for him. He has the potential to be an absolute game wrecker along the defensive line in the future.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["904447"],"_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 reigning 6A state champions have developed some dynamic athletes in recent years, and a few of them have even gone on to play at the Division-I level. [player_tooltip player_id='904447' first='James' last='Dunnigan'] still has some work to do before he reaches that level, but he has the potential to be Manhattan's next top prospect. Dunnigan debuted behind Cooper III as the 54u003csupu003ethu003c/supu003e ranked prospect overall, and the 8u003csupu003ethu003c/supu003e ranked athlete in the class. He's the type of player that can affect a game in multiple ways. Whether it be in the secondary, lined up at receiver, or returning kicks; Dunnigan is sure to make plays.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["693995"],"_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: 400u0022u003e[player_tooltip player_id='693995' first='Oliver' last='Breuckmann'] of Blue Valley Southwest came in with the third highest debut from this group. Breuckmann cracked the rankings as the 57u003csupu003ethu003c/supu003e ranked prospect overall and the 10u003csupu003ethu003c/supu003e ranked defensive lineman in the class. While he is currently grouped with the defensive line, Breuckmann showed flashes of being one of the better two-way linemen from this class in 2022. He even earned some playoff experience in BVSW's Regional Round matchup against Emporia. Breuckmann seems to be a prospect the Timberwolves' coaching staff trusts, which could lead to more playing time during his sophomore year.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["904449"],"_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 next prospect is one our staff has had an eye on since this past spring. [player_tooltip player_id='904449' first='Tremaine' last='Savage'] of Highland Park was the lone corner to debut in the recent update, and he entered the rankings at No. 58 overall, and he's the 4u003csupu003ethu003c/supu003e ranked defensive back in the class. Savage was one of a few defenders from this class to earn a starting role last season, and in nine games he recorded 27 total tackles, seven pass breakups and one interception. He was also a standout player during the 7-On-7 circuit, which is where our staff first discovered him. Savage has proven to be a scrappy corner that won't back down from a challenge.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["904436"],"_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: 400u0022u003eWe're wrapping up Part IV of this five-part series with one of the latest running backs added in the recent update. [player_tooltip player_id='904436' first='Augie' last='Fast'] of Maize checked in at No. 59 overall and he's ranked 7u003csupu003ethu003c/supu003e at his position. It was mentioned in the introduction that Fast has the potential of being a dangerous offensive weapon in the future, and that's no exaggeration. The 5-foot-11, 175-pound tailback was a problem at the freshman level in 2022. Fast was a difficult runner to bring down, and he displayed great vision in the open field. With the Eagles looking to replace several key starters on offense this season, Fast could have the opportunity to compete for playing time.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64c55bf1c27e0"} /-->