Rankings Update: New Top Ten In Kansas Class of 2027

The 2027 rankings were published today by Prep Redzone Kansas.   The class now includes 145 ranked athletes and 45 new athletes.   Athletes, parents, and coaches can click on the “How We Rank” story under the “Rankings” menu to learn more about the ranking process.   The position an athlete plays factored into many of the fluctuations in this round of updates. I have witnessed a definite trend in how college coaches are recruiting athletes from Kansas.   It is also important to note that these athletes are still very young and could change positions, transfer to other schools, or pick another sport over football to play collegiately.   While I strive for perfection, I also understand that mistakes and typos happen. If you have questions about the rankings or see a mistake, please feel free to DM me on social media @KSScoutDeck or email me at deckscoutks@gmail.com.   Remember you attract more bees with honey than you do vinegar.  If you send me a negative or rude email do not expect a reply. Also, keep in mind we do not update rankings on a week-to-week basis. Once an athlete is ranked in a spot, they stay there until the next round of rankings.   Athletes are encouraged to claim their profiles by clicking on the following Prep Redzone link <a href="https://prepredzone.com/prospect-index/">https://prepredzone.com/prospect-index/</a>   This is the first of multiple reports featuring players in the Kansas Class of 2027. This report focuses on the first ten ranked-players in the class, which includes four new members among the top ten ranked athletes.   [player_tooltip player_id='1113283' first='Alijah' last='Shaw'], DL, 6'7”, 240, Blue Valley North   Shaw is now the top-ranked athlete in the Class of 2027 after previously being ranked No. 3. He is a monster or man. The key question mark with his future is that he is also a skills basketball prospect who could play collegiate roundball as well.   [player_tooltip player_id='557340' first='Warrick' last='VanBlaricon'], OL, 6'4”, 285, Salina Central   Salina Central's VanBlaricon remains ranked No. 2 overall. He is a big and physical offensive tackle who has a high ceiling. He had already made waves on the camp and combine scene. He is also a savvy self-promoter who puts in work in all facets to improve his game and athleticism.   [player_tooltip player_id='944902' first='Nolan' last='Hadley'], OL, 6'3”, 285, Maize   Hadley moved up one spot in the rankings to No. 3 overall. Part of his movement is the trend I have seen in high school big men being high on college coaches' checklists. One aspect that stands out with Hadley is that he is the consummate team player. He plays either side of the ball, can move inside or outside on either line, and publicly supports his teammates.   [player_tooltip player_id='403631' first='Cordale' last='Johnson'], WR, 6'0”, 160, Maize   Johnson moved into the Top 10 after being ranked  No. 11. The Maize wideout is now ranked No. 4 overall. Johnson has been receiving a ton of coverage from football recruiting sites and his stock is trending up. He has soft hands, quick feet, and has a solid quarterback to work it at Maize.   [player_tooltip player_id='1044864' first='Cory' last='Kirchner'], WR, 6'3”, 170, Spring Hill   Spring Hill's Kirchner moved up eight slots in the rankings and is now sitting in the No. 5 slot. He is the second-ranked wideout in Kansas. Like Shaw, Kirchner is a multiple-sport prospect, who should have all kinds of options to continue his athletic career. Baseball might be his preferred sport where he pitches and plays center field. He can cover acres of ground regardless if it is on the hardwood, the gridiron, or the diamond.   [player_tooltip player_id='693877' first='Cameron' last='Kruse'], QB 6'1”, 170, Olathe West   Kruse is the top-ranked quarterback in the state and is now ranked No. 6 overall. He will need to have a huge season to stay as the top-ranked quarterback with a couple of other quarterbacks ascending the rankings and nipping at his heels. Kruse threw for over 1,000 yards as a freshman for a class 6A team which says a ton about his skill and ability. He already has garnered interest from at least 12 Division I schools including five SEC programs.   [player_tooltip player_id='491873' first='Arieus' last='Finley Jr.'], RB, 5'6”, 155, Derby   Finley is now ranked No. 7 overall after being ranked in the No. 1 slot after reaching the top spot after the completion of last year's prep season. He had one of the most productive freshman seasons in Kansas but lost some ground in the rankings mostly because of the position he plays. The trend in football right now recruiting is less focused on the running back position. He is trending as a Division I talent, and if I think I know Finley as well as I might, he will use this as motivation to only work harder.   [player_tooltip player_id='1113168' first='Brody' last='Pfannenstiel'], DL, 6'4”, 225, Russell   Russell's big defensive lineman is now ranked No. 8 overall. He participated in multiple camps hosted by Division I programs. He is a quick defensive lineman, who gets off the ball well. He has a solid work ethic and should be highly ranked throughout his high school career.   [player_tooltip player_id='1125648' first='Maddox' last='McGinnis'], OL, 6'4”, 280, Wichita Northwest   McGinnis cracks the top ten after previously being ranked No. 16 overall. He is a long offensive lineman who can create space with his pure strength and long arms. He competed in summer camps at Kansas State and Oklahoma.   [player_tooltip player_id='1263895' first='Jordan' last='Lockett'], WR, 5'10”, 150, Blue Valley   Lockett debuts in the rankings at the No. 10 position. He is a multi-sport prospect. He plays outfielder, point guard, and wideout for the Blue Valley Tigers. He is a speedy prospect with the versatility to play multiple positions on either side of the football.

The 2027 rankings were published today by Prep Redzone Kansas.