Pre-Season Rankings Update: 2028 Top 10

We continue on looking at the pre-season rankings updates with a look at the class of 2028 Top 10 players. It's a talented group with several already holding D1 offers.   1. [player_tooltip player_id='1294184' first='Ridge' last='Janes'], TE De Smet The rise of the 6'5" 235 TE Janes into a national recruit continued over the spring and summer with his 20 plus offer. But it's not his offer list that had him moving up to the top spot in the 2028 class, it was what I saw of him this summer with his team in scrimmages and camps. Ridge is not only bigger but looks faster, runs better routes and looks like he's ready to be a big weapon in the Spartans offense this coming season.   2. [player_tooltip player_id='1405389' first='Darrius' last='Smiley'], OT St. Mary's It could be a battle over the next couple of years for the top spot in the state given the talent on display by the top players on this list. Smiley 6'5" 275 is also improved with his skills as a run blocker and especially with his pass pro technique and blocking ability. He's trained hard and it has showed this summer in practices and scrimmages. His combo of size, aggressiveness an skills will continue to earn him D1 offers like the ones he already has received.   3. [player_tooltip player_id='1312910' first='Max' last='Jones'], TE/WR Parkway West One player who looks ready to breakout and become a highly recruited prospect is the talented Jones 6'5" 207. Max runs like a receiver with TE size and physically. He's strong and runs very good routes and has shown reliable hands and the ability to make tough catches in traffic and defenders in his face and hanging on him. He is going to be a match-up problem for high school defenses the next three years.   4. [player_tooltip player_id='1598550' first='Ryan' last='Richmond-McDavis']. WR Cardinal Ritter This 2028 is full of offensive playmakers, and the speedy 6'1" 165 Richmond-McDavis is one that will likely blow up this season based on watching him perform this spring and summer. He's a tall, fast deep threat who is also very adept at finding space and getting separation in the short and medium passing game. He was a big play waiting to happen as I watched him against opponents in contact camps and joint practices. It's easy to see why he has received a D1 offer and has colleges buzzing about him.   5. [player_tooltip player_id='1598516' first='Blake' last='Nesbitt'], LB Kirksville Staying in the top 5 is the talented 6'3" 210 Nesbitt, who has reeled in a D1 one offer from the home state Missouri Tigers following a great camp with the SEC program that I had the opportunity to be at. Blake caught the attention of the Tigers LB coaches early with his size, but also with his quickness, ability to move, change direction and speed. He's an aggressive player who good full out in every drill and on the field. He's a tough defender against the run but has the athletic ability and skill set to be a solid pass defender and also rush the passer.   6. [player_tooltip player_id='1059896' first='Brock' last='Barrows'], OL Lee's Summit West A name that has been on my radar since he was in middle school is the skilled 6'3" 275 versatile offensive lineman Barrows. I had the opportunity to watch former Mizzou Tiger and NFL player Evan Boehm, and I notice a lot of similarities with the size, versatility to play every OL spot and skills. Brock is quick, has good feet and strong. He's made the college camp rounds and is on most teams in the Midwest's radars. Look for him to continue to take his game to the next level.   7. [player_tooltip player_id='1601080' first='Jacob' last='Ndum'], DE Lee's Summit North The transfer from West to North has already landed offers from schools such as Nebraska and Ole Miss this spring and summer. Ndum 6'5" 230 has perfect size and athletic ability that colleges look for at defensive end. In seeing him last year I knew he was a prospect who would likely rise to the D1 level give his potential, but I was surprised how fast it has happened. A big sophomore season with the Broncos will continue to elevate him and his recruiting profile among colleges.   8. [player_tooltip player_id='1405380' first='Jeremiah' last='Hull'], WR Raymore-Peculiar Another big WR/TE prospect who is a mismatch for opposing defensive backs to handle is the 6'5" 190 Hull. I watched some of Jeremiah as a freshman and you could see even in warm-ups that he was different and showed the ability and potential to make him a top 10 prospect even then before playing on varsity. He definitely looked the part in his limited opportunity and made the most of it. Look for a breakout season for the big receiver in 2025.   9. [player_tooltip player_id='1405378' first='Zayre' last='Thomas'], DE Raytown South One of the top young defensive lineman/edge prospects in the Midwest. Thomas 6'2" 235 started on varsity last season and was very effective and productive with his ability to rush the quarterback and play against the run. He is strong, powerful and displays good technique is shedding blockers against the run and has a good motor, get off and violent hands in his pass rush.   10. [player_tooltip player_id='1601023' first='Isaiah' last='Thomas'], WR CBC The talented Thomas 6'2" 180 was one of the best freshman I saw last year both as a receiver and defensive back. He was very skilled at both positions with great hands and ball skills that go perfectly with his size and impressive speed. He has good instincts and runs very good routes. His timing is impressive on catches and he is great at going up for the ball and catching it at it's highest point. He also does a good job with his body control and using it to get position and block out defenders.

We continue on looking at the pre-season rankings updates with a look at the class of 2028 Top 10 players. It's a talented group with several already holding D1 offers.