WAY Too Early Look At Class 3A
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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
Austin Boreny Austin Boreny 6'0" | QB Verdigris | 2026 State OK – 2026 Quarterback – Verdigris
Verdigris has a lot of young talent returning this season and quarterback Austin Boreny Austin Boreny 6'0" | QB Verdigris | 2026 State OK leads the way on offense. After his first season as QB1, Boren looks to take the next step in 2024.
Caleb Hawkins Caleb Hawkins 6'2" | 205 lbs | ATH North Rock Creek | 2025 State OK – 2025 Athlete – North Rock Creek
North Rock Creek standout Caleb Hawkins Caleb Hawkins 6'2" | 205 lbs | ATH North Rock Creek | 2025 State OK 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.
Connor Payne Connor Payne 6'4" | 190 lbs | QB Berryhill | 2025 State OK – 2025 Quarterback – Berryhill
Berryhill quarterback Connor Payne Connor Payne 6'4" | 190 lbs | QB Berryhill | 2025 State OK 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.
Cooper Barrington Cooper Barrington 5'10" | WR Berryhill | 2026 OK – 2026 Wide Receiver – Berryhill
Payne will put up big numbers and having his top wide receiver returning will help. Cooper Barrington Cooper Barrington 5'10" | WR Berryhill | 2026 OK led the Chiefs in receiving last season as a sophomore and is hungry for more.
Darien Dansby Darien Dansby 5'11" | 195 lbs | RB Bristow | 2025 State OK – 2025 Running Back – Bristow
Bristow will have a new head coach but the return of running back Darien Dansby Darien Dansby 5'11" | 195 lbs | RB Bristow | 2025 State OK will give the Pirates some continuity on offense. Dansby has been a playmaker for a few years now.
Elijah Thomas Elijah Thomas 6'0" | WR Checotah | 2025 State OK – 2025 Wide Receiver – Checotah
Checotah star and Oklahoma commit Elijah Thomas Elijah Thomas 6'0" | WR Checotah | 2025 State OK 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.
Harry Vaughn Harry Vaughn 6'3" | DL Berryhill | 2026 State OK – 2026 Defensive Lineman – Berryhill
Berryhill usually has strong play along the line of scrimmage and 2024 will be no different. Harry Vaughn Harry Vaughn 6'3" | DL Berryhill | 2026 State OK will lead the Berryhill front seven after a breakout sophomore season in 2023.
Jaden Nickens Jaden Nickens 6'4" | WR Douglass | 2025 State OK – 2025 Wide Receiver – Douglass
After starting his high school career at Millwood, OU commit Jaden Nickens Jaden Nickens 6'4" | WR Douglass | 2025 State OK moved to Douglass in December. He’s one of the best prospects in the state and will give the Trojans a big spark.
Jordan Mcclain Jr Jordan Mcclain Jr 6'1" | 210 lbs | LB North Rock Creek | 2025 State OK – 2025 Athlete – North Rock Creek
North Rock Creek looks to build on their first ever playoff appearance by becoming a contender. Jordan Mcclain Jr Jordan Mcclain Jr 6'1" | 210 lbs | LB North Rock Creek | 2025 State OK gives them another versatile weapon on both sides of the ball.
Justus Gilliam Justus Gilliam 6'1" | 250 lbs | OL Sulphur | 2025 State OK – 2025 Offensive/Defensive Lineman – Sulphur
Sulphur offensive and defensive lineman Justus Gilliam Justus Gilliam 6'1" | 250 lbs | OL Sulphur | 2025 State OK 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.
Kaden Mitchell Kaden Mitchell 6'0" | RB Checotah | 2025 OK – 2025 Running Back – Checotah
Checotah has an absolute star on offense but don’t overlook running back Kaden Mitchell Kaden Mitchell 6'0" | RB Checotah | 2025 OK on that side of the ball. Mitchell put up big numbers as a junior and should produce again this fall.
Landon Gilbreath Landon Gilbreath 6'1" | QB Claremore Sequoyah | 2025 OK – 2025 Quarterback – Claremore Sequoyah
We like the production and experience that Claremore Sequoyah brings back this season. Having quarterback Landon Gilbreath Landon Gilbreath 6'1" | QB Claremore Sequoyah | 2025 OK back leading this offense makes them very dangerous.
Mason Bennett Mason Bennett 6'2" | DB Seminole | 2026 State OK – 2026 Defensive Back – Seminole
Seminole is hungry to get back to contending for deep runs in the playoffs and much more. Defensive back Mason Bennett Mason Bennett 6'2" | DB Seminole | 2026 State OK has been a name to watch since his freshman season.
Max Moore Max Moore 6'3" | 200 lbs | ATH Mannford | 2026 State OK – 2026 Athlete – Mannford
Mannford standout Max Moore Max Moore 6'3" | 200 lbs | ATH Mannford | 2026 State OK 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.
Shaun Hill Shaun Hill 6'1" | 185 lbs | ATH McLoud | 2025 State OK – 2025 Athlete – McLoud
McLoud has a few playmakers that can do a lot of things well and Shaun Hill Shaun Hill 6'1" | 185 lbs | ATH McLoud | 2025 State OK is one of them. Whether it’s on offense or defense, Hill finds a way to make a big impact on the field.
Shepherd Sisemore Shepherd Sisemore 6'3" | 185 lbs | WR Plainview | 2025 State OK – 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. Shepherd Sisemore Shepherd Sisemore 6'3" | 185 lbs | WR Plainview | 2025 State OK is back to make an impact on offense and defense.
Tanner Perry Tanner Perry 5'9" | ATH Pauls Valley | 2025 OK – 2025 Athlete – Pauls Valley
Pauls Valley has been knocking on the door of being a consistent playoff team. Tanner Perry Tanner Perry 5'9" | ATH Pauls Valley | 2025 OK returning on the offensive side of the ball will give them a playmaker to build on.
Teaguen Collins Teaguen Collins 6'2" | ATH Muldrow | 2026 State OK – 2026 Athlete – Muldrow
Muldrow looks to bounce back in 2024 and the return of playmaker Teaguen Collins Teaguen Collins 6'2" | ATH Muldrow | 2026 State OK could certainly help that. And he isn’t the first Muldrow standout with the last name “Collins” to shine.
Titan Hix Titan Hix 6'3" | 210 lbs | QB Locust Grove | 2026 State OK – 2026 Quarterback – Locust Grove
Locust Grove quarterback Titan Hix Titan Hix 6'3" | 210 lbs | QB Locust Grove | 2026 State OK 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.
Ty Guest Ty Guest 5'10" | WR Metro Christian | 2026 OK – 2026 Wide Receiver – Metro Christian
Metro Christian has to reload on the offensive side of the ball this season. But Ty Guest Ty Guest 5'10" | WR Metro Christian | 2026 OK returning at wide receiver will certainly help the new starting quarterback, whoever that ends up being.
Ty McKnight Ty McKnight 6'0" | RB Verdigris | 2025 OK – 2025 Running Back – Verdigris
Verdigris running back Ty McKnight Ty McKnight 6'0" | RB Verdigris | 2025 OK 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.
Will Rogers Will Rogers DL Verdigris | 2026 OK – 2026 Defensive Lineman – Verdigris
Verdigris defensive lineman Will Rogers Will Rogers DL Verdigris | 2026 OK 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.
Wyatt Atkinson Wyatt Atkinson 6'0" | 165 lbs | RB Perkins-Tryon | 2026 State OK – 2026 Running Back – Perkins-Tryon
Perkins-Tryon has to reload but they’ll start with the running game and Wyatt Atkinson Wyatt Atkinson 6'0" | 165 lbs | RB Perkins-Tryon | 2026 State OK saw plenty of time as a sophomore. Don’t be surprised if his production sky rockets this fall.
Zaylun Matlock Zaylun Matlock 5'10" | ATH McLoud | 2026 State OK – 2026 Athlete – McLoud
McLoud standout Zaylun Matlock Zaylun Matlock 5'10" | ATH McLoud | 2026 State OK 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.