Elite LBs and WRs Among The ’27 Top 30

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Continuing to move down the new Class of 2027 Kansas rankings, this report features players debuting in the rankings in the 21-30 positions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One key issue I always stress with athletes is the slot you are ranked in is not nearly as important as just making the rankings. Numerous subscribers to Prep Redzone from all over the nation will now be exposed to the athletes in our rankings. Please keep in mind that these athletes have three years of high school ball left ahead of them. The players in the 2027 rankings could take many different paths as their academic and athletic careers unfold.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Four of the athletes among this group are linebackers and four others are early threats to catch a boatload of balls for their respective teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1113159' first='Nolan' last='Nash']</strong>, WR, 6'0”, 155, Labette County</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nash unofficially led all freshmen in Kansas with 256 receiving yards. He is initial ranking is in the No. 21 slot. He caught 13 balls during his freshman campaign including two touchdown catches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1113257' first='Gavin' last='Larson'],</strong> LB, 5'9”, 165, Hesston</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Larson finished among the freshman tackle leaders. The Swather prospect is ranked No. 22. He finished with 40 total tackles in seven games and had one tackle for loss.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='936547' first='Malachi' last='Brunk']</strong>, QB, 5'11”, 150, Inman</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Inman's Brunk posted solid numbers during his freshman season and is ranked No. 23. He completed 25-of-61 pass attempts for 375 yards and three touchdowns. Brunk also carried the ball 30 times gaining 145 yards. He could continue to play quarterback or move positions based on Inman's future needs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='933824' first='Coy' last='Barta']</strong>, ATH, 5'11”, 140, Seaman</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Barta is a sneaky quick athlete who is ranked No. 24. He has football smarts and could play multiple positions for the Vikings moving forward. His older brother Callen was among the state leaders in receptions and is headed to Kansas State University to continue his career.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='933826' first='Cooper' last='Ohnmacht']</strong>, ATH, 6'0”, 155, Great Bend</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ohnmact is a versatile athlete who contributed to the Panthers' offense in 2023. He is ranked No. 25 overall. Ohnmacht could be the quarterback of the future for Great Bend, but as a freshman, he was utilized as a receiver. He caught 17 balls for 119 yards. Defensively he registered 23 tackles during varsity action.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='563267' first='Grant' last='Westphal']</strong>, WR, 6'1”, 165, Blue Valley</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Westphal is a wideout with some nice size. He debuts in the No. 26 position. He made 15 receptions good for 210 yards for the Tigers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='945007' first='Cash' last='Barrientos']</strong>, LB, 6'0”, 170, Eisenhower</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Barrientos is a talented young athlete for the Eisenhower Tigers. He is ranked No. 27 in the initial Class of 2027 rankings. The Eisenhower freshman also plays baseball. Which sport he decides to specialize in will probably determine his future movement in the rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1113258' first='Logan' last='Turner']</strong>, LB, 5'11”, 160, Burlington</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tuner unofficially led all freshmen in tackles during the '23 season. He enters the rankings in the No. 28 slot. He racked up 61 total tackles for the Burlington Wildcats. Turner had three tackles for loss and recorded one quarterback sack.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1113170' first='Jameson' last='Miles']</strong>, TE, 6'0”, 170, Peabody-Burns</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Miles had an impressive freshman season finishing with 18 touchdown catches. He is ranked No. 29 by Prep Redzone Kansas. He caught 31 balls and gained 844 yards. He also had 10 total tackles playing defensive end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='934982' first='Blake' last='Berry']</strong>, LB, 5'8”, 175, Blue Valley Northwest</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Berry just looks like a football player, but he is a three-sport prospect. The Husky freshman rounds out the Top 30. He also wrestles and plays baseball. Linebacker appears to be his best position, but he could see time at running back and has the frame and the speed to be an edge-rushing defensive end at some point.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->