Beasts In The East: 2025 Ranked Defenders

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2025 Kansas Rankings at Prep Redzone are deep and loaded with talent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here is a look at five ranked defensive players who have not recently been featured and who hope that a strong offseason showing at camps and combines will help them rise in the rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Each is from an eastern Kansas program and looking to lead their respective teams to continued success as seniors.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1228472' first='Ben' last='Marker']</strong>, DB, 6'2”, 195, Lawrence</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Marker is currently ranked No. 364 in the class of 2025. He finished his junior season with 55 total tackles in 10 games. He primarily plays free safety for the Lions. He has solid ball instincts and understands his role in the defensive scheme. Marker has nice closing speed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1228492' first='Colby' last='Altevogt'],</strong> LB, 5'10”, 185, Manhattan</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Manhattan program continues to pile up wins and produce college-level talent. Altevogt is an up-and-coming linebacker. He debuted in the rankings at No. 365 and will look to parlay a big senior season into a rankings climb and collegiate offers. The Manhattan prospect finished 70 total tackles during his junior season. He has the speed to be disruptive in the backfield recording 8.5 tackles for lost yardage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1228470' first='Jayden' last='Mears'],</strong> DB, 5'9”, 175, Junction City</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Manhattan's rival Junction City also produces a consistent crop of college talent. Mears is an athletic and quick prospect who has played free safety for the Bluejays. He is also a quality basketball prospect. Mears is currently ranked No. 366. He has good hands and could play a role in special teams right away for a college program.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1228453' first='Tanner' last='Hand'],</strong> LB, 5'8”, 140, Tonganoxie</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Redzone Kansas as Hand is listed as a running back in the rankings, but he is a versatile football player who can also play linebacker or as a safety. He finished with 21 tackles and a fumble recovery during his junior season. He also carried the ball 709 times for 434 yards. He also returned kicks for the Chieftains last fall. He would be a solid depth addition to an in-state NAIA program. Hand is currently ranked No. 373 overall among his Kansas peers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1223991' first='Colin' last='Clay'],</strong> DL, 6'2”, 185, Mission Valley</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Clay is a prospect from a small school who brings versatility to the table. He finished with 28 total tackles for the Vikings in eight games. He is quick and maybe undersized for the defensive line at the next level. His speed accounted for 15 TFLs and seven quarterback sacks. He has the quickness that he could be a hybrid edge rusher or a hybrid safety. Clay is currently ranked No. 375 by Prep Dig.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->