Class of 2021 Ranked Players Contribute In Sunflower Showdown

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When Prep Redzone Kansas launched just prior to the 2020 high school season I was fortunate to rank the first class ever which was the Class of 2021.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I have always been a small college guy. I covered Division II Pittsburg State when I was in college. I covered Washburn and other NAIA and JUCO programs while working for the Topeka Capital-Journal. I worked in the Emporia State Athletic Department and helped stat their football games, and this fall I covered the University of Saint Mary an NAIA program for the Leavenworth Times.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I can't remember the last time I watched the Sunflower Showdown, but that's what I found myself watching on November 18.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Much to my delight I recognized several names from my that initial class of 2021.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I truly believe it is important that even after graduation as scouts we continue to follow our Kansas athletes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In this edition of “Prep Redzone Alumni” here is a look at the homegrown talent that played in Kansas State's 31-27 win over the Jayhawks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Devin Neal</strong>, RB, Kansas, Lawrence, ‘21</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Neal was the No. 2 ranked player in the very first-ranked class of Kansas players on Prep Redzone. The former Lawrence Lion is having an outstanding season and played a significant role for the Jayhawks against the Wildcats. He rushed for 138 yards and three touchdowns in the loss.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Damian Illalio</strong>, DE, Kansas State, Manhattan, ‘21</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hometown product Illalio was the No. 1 ranked defensive lineman in Kansas in the class of 2021. He was the sixth-ranked player overall. He is listed as a sophomore for the Wildcats and he registered one tackle in the game against Kansas and has registered half a sack this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Desmond Purnell</strong>, LB, Kansas State, Hayden, ‘21</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Purnell was ranked No. 19 in the Kansas Class of 2021 while attending Hayden in Topeka. I remember how athletic the young Wildcat was in high school, but also remember being unsure what position he would play in college. Purnell is playing linebacker for KSU and recorded five total tackles against the Jayhawks, four of which were solo tackles. The former Hayden product now has 40 total tackles, one forced fumble, and one interception in the 2023 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Chris Tennant</strong>, K, Kansas State, Mill Valley, ‘21</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mill Valley's Tennant was the No. 1 ranked kicker in the inaugural Kansas rankings for the Class of 2021. He was ranked No. 107. Tennant has kicked in games since his freshman season in 2021. He kicked three extra points in the win over the Jayhawks. He has registered 73 points this season for the Wildcats and has been successful on 9 of 12 field goal attempts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Other ranked alumni on the two rosters from the Class of 2021 include <strong>Jake Eisenhauer</strong>, KSU, Salina Central; <strong>Titus Tuiasosopo</strong>, KSU, Wamego; <strong>George Traglia</strong>, KSU, Kapaun Mt. Carmel; <strong>Drew Schmelzle</strong>, KSU, Sabetha; and <strong>Cole Mondi</strong>, KU, Lawrence.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->