WAY Too Early Look At Class 3A

Get 25% off your subscription by entering Knight25 in the coupon code area. Enjoy!   We're still seven months away from the 2024 season kicking off but it's never too early to look ahead. Well, sometimes it is and this is our WAY too early look at Class 3A in 2024. And spoiler alert, out of all the classes, this was without a doubt the toughest one to predict. There are so many unknowns at this point. So much can change between now and when August rolls around. But nevertheless, we're looking into the crystal ball and putting the spotlight on the top teams, players and storylines to watch in 2024. Keep it locked in to Prep Redzone Oklahoma over the next week as we have our “WAY Too Early” Previews for each class dropping each day!   WAY TOO EARLY 3A RANKINGS   1) SULPHUR - Bulldogs have their sights set on contending for the state championship after a deep run in 2023. 2) BERRYHILL - The Chiefs bring back a lot of talent on both sides and will certainly be a team to look out for. 3) CLAREMORE SEQUOYAH - Claremore Sequoyah brings back their three-headed monster running game and will make noise. 4) VERDIGRIS - A young Cardinal team last season is now going to be a team that could be a contender in Class 3A. 5) PLAINVIEW - Plainview is another example of a team that has a history of winning and is ready to win big this season. 6) METRO CHRISTIAN - The Patriots will look different in 2024 but they are still one of the better teams, year in and year out. 7) NORTH ROCK CREEK - Fresh off their first ever playoff appearance, North Rock Creek is going to be hungry for more this fall. 8) MARLOW - The Outlaws have to reload but this has become one of the more consistent programs in the state. 9) CHECOTAH - Checotah has to replace some key producers but bring back one of the best players in the class. 10) McLOUD - The Redskins could make a big jump this season with some significant talent returning in 2024.   3A STORYLINES TO FOLLOW IN 2024   COMPLETELY NEW CLASS 3A THIS FALL The only storyline that has dominated Class 3A over the last five years has been the private schools and how they've dominated the class. Since 2018, only three schools, Heritage Hall, Holland Hall and Lincoln Christian have won the 3A state championship. And since 2020, only private schools have even played for the Class 3A gold ball. Well, that won't be the case in 2024 as the new redistricting cycle, along with their success, has sent Heritage Hall, Holland Hall and Lincoln Christian up to Class 4A. November will look a little different this year.   OPEN TRANSFERS COMING In December, the OSSAA made the announcement that student athletes in Oklahoma will have a one-time transfer without setting up residency or sitting out a year. It was a monumental announcement and in the first two weeks in July, we'll see exactly what kind of impact this decision has. Those two weeks in July is the only time that student athletes are able to make the transfer from one school to another. We've seen plenty of notable players moving schools over the last few years. Only time will tell what impact this rule has on the future of Oklahoma.   UNPREDICTABILITY COULD HEADLINE 2024 Building off the first storyline to follow, we finish off with just how unpredictable the 2024 season could truly be. We've done these previews for each 11-man class and for the most part, we have a good idea who the top teams and players are going to be as we head into the offseason. As we look ahead to 2024 in Class 3A, we truly have no idea. You could make an argument for just about any team in the top ten rankings and we could buy it. You could make an argument for someone out of those rankings and it probably wouldn't be crazy. Anything can happen.   24 PLAYERS TO WATCH IN 2024   [player_tooltip player_id='1161901' first='Austin' last='Boren'] - 2026 Quarterback - Verdigris   Verdigris has a lot of young talent returning this season and quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1161901' first='Austin' last='Boren'] leads the way on offense. After his first season as QB1, Boren looks to take the next step in 2024.   [player_tooltip player_id='593641' first='Caleb' last='Hawkins'] - 2025 Athlete - North Rock Creek   North Rock Creek standout [player_tooltip player_id='593641' first='Caleb' last='Hawkins'] was one of the best overall players in the state in 2023. He's clearly one of the best two-way players in the state and is back for more.   [player_tooltip player_id='922962' first='Connor' last='Payne'] - 2025 Quarterback - Berryhill   Berryhill quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='922962' first='Connor' last='Payne'] is certainly in the debate for the best quarterback in the class as we head into 2024. Payne enjoyed a big season in 2023 and looks to build on it this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1161903' first='Cooper' last='Barrington'] - 2026 Wide Receiver - Berryhill   Payne will put up big numbers and having his top wide receiver returning will help. [player_tooltip player_id='1161903' first='Cooper' last='Barrington'] led the Chiefs in receiving last season as a sophomore and is hungry for more.   [player_tooltip player_id='917724' first='Darien' last='Dansby'] - 2025 Running Back - Bristow   Bristow will have a new head coach but the return of running back [player_tooltip player_id='917724' first='Darien' last='Dansby'] will give the Pirates some continuity on offense. Dansby has been a playmaker for a few years now.   [player_tooltip player_id='353415' first='Elijah' last='Thomas'] - 2025 Wide Receiver - Checotah   Checotah star and Oklahoma commit [player_tooltip player_id='353415' first='Elijah' last='Thomas'] is one of the best players in the state. It was clear in 2023 and we cannot wait to see what kind of impact he has in 2024.   [player_tooltip player_id='1161904' first='Harry' last='Vaughn'] - 2026 Defensive Lineman - Berryhill   Berryhill usually has strong play along the line of scrimmage and 2024 will be no different. [player_tooltip player_id='1161904' first='Harry' last='Vaughn'] will lead the Berryhill front seven after a breakout sophomore season in 2023.   [player_tooltip player_id='347111' first='Jaden' last='Nickens'] - 2025 Wide Receiver - Douglass   After starting his high school career at Millwood, OU commit [player_tooltip player_id='347111' first='Jaden' last='Nickens'] moved to Douglass in December. He's one of the best prospects in the state and will give the Trojans a big spark.   [player_tooltip player_id='570966' first='Jordan' last='Mcclain Jr'] - 2025 Athlete - North Rock Creek   North Rock Creek looks to build on their first ever playoff appearance by becoming a contender. [player_tooltip player_id='570966' first='Jordan' last='Mcclain Jr'] gives them another versatile weapon on both sides of the ball.   [player_tooltip player_id='353413' first='Justus' last='Gilliam'] - 2025 Offensive/Defensive Lineman - Sulphur   Sulphur offensive and defensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='353413' first='Justus' last='Gilliam'] is going to be one of the top players on the line of scrimmage in Class 3A. Gilliam is also one of the top wrestlers in the state.   [player_tooltip player_id='1161855' first='Kaden' last='Mitchell'] - 2025 Running Back - Checotah   Checotah has an absolute star on offense but don't overlook running back [player_tooltip player_id='1161855' first='Kaden' last='Mitchell'] on that side of the ball. Mitchell put up big numbers as a junior and should produce again this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='901926' first='Landon' last='Gilbreath'] - 2025 Quarterback - Claremore Sequoyah   We like the production and experience that Claremore Sequoyah brings back this season. Having quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='901926' first='Landon' last='Gilbreath'] back leading this offense makes them very dangerous.   [player_tooltip player_id='436010' first='Mason' last='Bennett'] - 2026 Defensive Back - Seminole   Seminole is hungry to get back to contending for deep runs in the playoffs and much more. Defensive back [player_tooltip player_id='436010' first='Mason' last='Bennett'] has been a name to watch since his freshman season.   [player_tooltip player_id='481595' first='Max' last='Moore'] - 2026 Athlete - Mannford   Mannford standout [player_tooltip player_id='481595' first='Max' last='Moore'] is going to be a name to watch moving forward. He got on our radar early on in his career as a quarterback. But he's one of the better two-way prospects in 3A.   [player_tooltip player_id='935020' first='Shaun' last='Hill'] - 2025 Athlete - McLoud   McLoud has a few playmakers that can do a lot of things well and [player_tooltip player_id='935020' first='Shaun' last='Hill'] is one of them. Whether it's on offense or defense, Hill finds a way to make a big impact on the field.   [player_tooltip player_id='288687' first='Shepherd' last='Sisemore'] - 2025 Wide Receiver/Defensive Back - Plainview   Plainview seems to always produce high-caliber athletes at the wide receiver position and this year is no different. [player_tooltip player_id='288687' first='Shepherd' last='Sisemore'] is back to make an impact on offense and defense.   [player_tooltip player_id='1005608' first='Tanner' last='Perry'] - 2025 Athlete - Pauls Valley   Pauls Valley has been knocking on the door of being a consistent playoff team. [player_tooltip player_id='1005608' first='Tanner' last='Perry'] returning on the offensive side of the ball will give them a playmaker to build on.   [player_tooltip player_id='1161908' first='Teaguen' last='Collins'] - 2026 Athlete - Muldrow   Muldrow looks to bounce back in 2024 and the return of playmaker [player_tooltip player_id='1161908' first='Teaguen' last='Collins'] could certainly help that. And he isn't the first Muldrow standout with the last name "Collins" to shine.   [player_tooltip player_id='428958' first='Titan' last='Hix'] - 2026 Quarterback - Locust Grove   Locust Grove quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='428958' first='Titan' last='Hix'] is one of the best quarterbacks in the state's 2026 class. He led a high-scoring Pirate offense and now they look to punch their ticket back to the playoffs.   [player_tooltip player_id='1161909' first='Ty' last='Guest'] - 2026 Wide Receiver - Metro Christian   Metro Christian has to reload on the offensive side of the ball this season. But [player_tooltip player_id='1161909' first='Ty' last='Guest'] returning at wide receiver will certainly help the new starting quarterback, whoever that ends up being.   [player_tooltip player_id='1161856' first='Ty' last='McKnight'] - 2025 Running Back - Verdigris   Verdigris running back [player_tooltip player_id='1161856' first='Ty' last='McKnight'] was arguably Verdigris' best two-way player last season. He was their leading rusher on offense and turned around and was one of their leading tacklers on defense.   [player_tooltip player_id='1161912' first='Will' last='Rogers'] - 2026 Defensive Lineman - Verdigris   Verdigris defensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1161912' first='Will' last='Rogers'] had a breakout season last fall as a sophomore. He was an absolute menace with getting into the backfield. He's going to be a name to watch.   [player_tooltip player_id='1161913' first='Wyatt' last='Atkinson'] - 2026 Running Back - Perkins-Tryon   Perkins-Tryon has to reload but they'll start with the running game and [player_tooltip player_id='1161913' first='Wyatt' last='Atkinson'] saw plenty of time as a sophomore. Don't be surprised if his production sky rockets this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='587295' first='Zaylun' last='Matlock'] - 2026 Athlete - McLoud   McLoud standout [player_tooltip player_id='587295' first='Zaylun' last='Matlock'] returns this fall and is looking to help the Redskins to new heights in 2024. Matlock can do just about everything on the field at a very high level.

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