5 New Additions In The 2025 Rankings Update

<p>We're taking a look at 5 new players who were just added to the 2025 rankings and why they were!</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1039865' first='Malachi' last='Walden'] - Tri-West - QB - 6'1" 195lbs</h2>   <p>Coming off of his best season by a mile, Walden put himself on my map at the very least. He's an incredibly dynamic dual-threat QB who is just as dangerous with his legs as he is with his arms. The offense has been built around him and the skillset he has, which is pretty unique if we're being honest. His lengthy frame and speed alone could make him an interesting WR if he went down the route. Nonetheless, he's always making magic happen with the ball in his hands. This year he put up 1650 passing yards, 18 TDs on 56% completion, and then added 1800 rushing yards and 22 TDs on the ground. With over 3400 scrimmage yards and 40 total TDs, it's easy to see why he made the list. But, he also helped them win games and a Sectional championship.</p>   <p>Twitter: <strong>@Malachi_Walden</strong></p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='732652' first='Parker' last='Knott'] - Westfield - WR - 6'2" 185lbs</h2>   <p>Westfield very well may have the best 3-headed tandem in the state at WR heading into next year. All being Seniors, Aramboles, Braun, and Knott have all been fantastic for Westfield and developing along the way, but today we focus on what Parker brings. He's got the length and height you want outside along with decent top-end speed. He's aggressive at the point of the catch and will go up after it and bring down the contested catch when needed. He's been able to get behind the defense, but he's also worked underneath and helped just move the chains. He presents a big target for the QB and always does a good job flashing his numbers. 27 receptions, 324 yards, and 1 TD on the year is what he put up, but with a loaded WR room, they spread the ball around quite a bit and Knott is more talented than those numbers represent because of that very reason.</p>   <p>Twitter: <strong>@Parker21K</strong></p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='949699' first='Levi' last='Chaney'] - Garrett - ATH - 6'1" 225lbs</h2>   <p>Right up the road from me is an unknown small school stud who should get some love. Chaney is a versatile 2-way player for the Railroaders who does a good job at using his strength at the point of attack on defense. He transitioned mainly to defense this year, and I think it was for the best. He's got a high motor, is willing to run plays down from behind, and is creative with his pass-rushing moves. He's got a nice frame that seems bigger and taller than his listed H/W. If not, I feel like he's still got some room to grow. He's an impressive build the way it is, so down the road, he should only chisel out. This season he put up 43 tackles, 2 TFLs, 1 sack, 4 hurries, and 1 pass deflection. For me, it was how the season went along for Chaney, and seeing the confidence build is exactly what you want to see. Chaney isn't the flashiest name out there, but he's the type of name who helps you win games and makes the silent plays on Saturdays, which are just as valuable.</p>   <p>Twitter: <strong>@LeviChaneyy</strong></p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='852480' first='Dallas' last='Freeman'] - Greenfield Central - QB - 6'3" 180lbs</h2>   <p>Freeman is someone I covered very early in the season because he started hot. Well, he never cooled down and the confidence and command he showed with the offense this year was undeniable. Last year for Freeman was all about getting his feet wet and proving to himself that he could be a starting QB. He worked out the kinks and came out and took a massive jump this season. His completion % jumped from 56% to 63% and nearly tripled his TD output. 19 passing TDs compared to 8 the year before as well. He was quick making his reads and getting the ball out, which is why the offense took off. When you add in what he did in the running game, 761 yards and 8 TDs in 2023 alone, you can see why he's on the list for me. Helping guide Greenfield Central to a 9-1 regular season, I was fairly impressed with the efficiency of Freeman and everything he left on the field.</p>   <p>Twitter: <strong>@DallasFree15</strong></p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1114345' first='Silas' last='Laidig'] - Bremen - QB - 6'1" 205lbs</h2>   <p>Laidig is going to be an interesting prospect to watch over the next year. He's got a really good arm, but may be hard to pull off the diamond unless his football traction picks up. He's a pretty solid infielder and the same quick-release throws he makes on the diamond is what he does on the football field. When he's making quick reads and getting the ball out quickly, that's where he's at his most dangerous. He can get into a rhythm and once he catches fire, he can be lights out. He's also aggressive with the ball and will take his shots downfield. Personally, I appreciate a QB who is at least willing to attempt some aggressive throws from time to time. Yes, take your check-downs and move the chains, but sometimes you also need to know what throws you can and can't make. This year Laidig put up 2400 passing yards on 57% completion, and 18 TDs. He did throw 10 interceptions, but some of those were more or less punts downfield testing the throws because other than that he's pretty consistent in making the right read and taking the easy completion.</p>   <p>Twitter: <strong>@SilasLaidig</strong></p>

We're taking a look at 5 new players who were just added to the 2025 rankings and why they were!