Updated 2024 Rankings: Fastest Stock Risers (Part 2)
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We released our updated 2024 prospect rankings on Monday. In Part 2 of a series, here are 12 more of the Fastest Stock Risers (listed in alphabetical order): Charles Lopez-Burton Charles Lopez-Burton 6'0" | 205 lbs | RB Valley |…
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Continue ReadingWe released our updated 2024 prospect rankings on Monday. In Part 2 of a series, here are 12 more of the Fastest Stock Risers (listed in alphabetical order):
Charles Lopez-Burton Charles Lopez-Burton 6'0" | 205 lbs | RB Valley | 2024 State NM , Valley: Lopez-Burton wasn’t just one of the top running backs in Class 5A, he shined as a two-way standout. Lopez-Burton rushed for 1,832 yards and 22 TD while making 89 tackles, 5.0 sacks, 6.0 TFL and 4 forced fumbles on defense. Named District Offensive Player of the Year.
Hunter Maldonado Hunter Maldonado 5'9" | 150 lbs | DB Sandia | 2024 State NM , Sandia: Maldonado was one of the top players on arguably 6A’s most surprising team. Taking advantage of his sub-4.5 speed, Maldonado fueled the Matadors’ ground game and contributed as a receiver. He also had a major role on Sandia’s defense. Two-way standout.
Kani Mathis Kani Mathis WR Tularosa | 2024 State NM , Tularosa: According to MaxPreps, Mathis was one of just six receivers in the state to finish with 1,000+ receiving yards. He finished the season with 52 receptions for 1,109 yards and a state-leading 21 TD. Tularoada advanced as far as the 2A semifinals.
Zaeden McPherson Zaeden McPherson 5'11" | 190 lbs | LB Hobbs | 2024 State NM , Hobbs: After Kenyon Singleton graduated in May, McPherson knew he would be counted on to become a defensive leader. He finished the 2023 season with 96 tackles, 4.0 TFL and 4 QB hurries. He combined with juniors Tristsn Davis and Gustavo A Diaz Castro to form one of the top LB corps in Class 6A.
Josiah Mitchell Josiah Mitchell 6'0" | 155 lbs | WR Eldorado | 2024 State NM , Eldorado: The Eagles didn’t qualify for the playoffs but few receivers in the Albuquerque Metro Area were more dynamic or elite than Mitchell. He finished with 68 receptions for 948 yards and 13 TD. He totaled 1,183 all-purpose yards.
Josh Nieto Josh Nieto WR Manzano | 2024 State NM , Manzano: The last few years have been difficult for Manzano, so much so the Monarchs have chosen to play down at the 4A level for 2024-25. Nieto, though, was superb in 2023 with 49 receptions for 768 yards and 10 TD.
Julian Richard Julian Richard 6'2" | 150 lbs | WR Silver | 2024 State NM , Silver: A 6-foot-3, 160-pound frame with excellent athleticism and speed makes Richard one of the elite players in the state, even if many don’t know him due to geography. Richard has been offered by Eastern New Mexico and hometown Western New Mexico.
Bryce Sanchez Bryce Sanchez 5'10" | 195 lbs | RB Roswell | 2024 State NM , Roswell: Sanchez is a powerful 5-foot-10, 220-pound running back who finished with 1,563 rushing yards on 199 carries to spearhead a Roswell team that didn’t lose a game until the Class 5A state championship game. New Mexico Highlands has offered.
Demarcus Thompson Demarcus Thompson 6'0" | 175 lbs | ATH Lovington | 2024 State NM , Lovington: Lovington roared to the Class 4A title with Thompson playing an integral role on both sides of the ball. Who led the state in receiving yards? Thompson with 1,179 as he averaged an eye-opening 19.02 yards per catch and scored 18 TD. Defensively, he collected 71 tackles, a staggering 37.5 TFL and 18.5 sacks from his defensive end spot. Two-way superstar. Thompson has been offered by Eastern New Mexico, New Mexico Highlands, Adams State, Bethel College and Wayland Baptist. FCS Montana has expressed interest.
Kian Vander Wilt Kian Vander Wilt 6'2" | 230 lbs | LB Volcano Vista | 2024 State NM , Volcano Vista: The 6-foot-1, 230-pound Vander Wilt first captured the attention if many folks when he had an outstanding summer camp season in which he displayed his impressive speed (4.53). He followed up with a solid senior campaign in which he made 73 tackles and 6.0 TFL. He earned 2nd Team All-Metro honors. Eastern New Mexico and Western New Mexico have offered.
Nehemiah Yorfee Nehemiah Yorfee 6'1" | 180 lbs | DL Portales | 2024 State NM , Portales: Yorfee helped Portales reach the Class 4A state championship game with an outstanding season. He finished with 56 tackles, 11.5 TFL and 4.0 sacks. Hometown Eastern New Mexico has offered.
Kyler Young Kyler Young 6'2" | 205 lbs | LB Los Alamos | 2024 State NM , Los Alamos: Arguably the top defensive player in northern New Mexico this season. The 6-foot-2, 225-pound Young finished 3rd in the state with 150 tackles, including 26 against Valley in October. He added 12 TFL and 5 forced fumbles.