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<p>This year's junior class performed at a high level throughout the 2025 campaign. After evaluating the class the past few weeks, the amount of talent spread throughout the rankings is undeniable. Several of these prospects outplayed their previous ranking, and as a result more than 50 of them moved up. </p>
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<p>I won't be able to highlight this massive group all at once. But what I plan to do is highlight 10 of the highest Stock Risers of this December update. Half of this group cracked the Top 100, while the other five saw an increase of more than 20 spots. Take a look at their new spots in the rankings. </p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='1673800' first='Zion' last='Thornton'] - St. Thomas Aquinas, 6'2”, 290, DL</p>
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<p>One of the highest jumps in this update came from Thornton of STA. His increase in rank was a no brainer, as he was a menace in the trenches this season. Thornton's play has also landed him on the <em>D-I</em> radar. During the season he received offers from <em>Kansas State</em> and <em>Iowa State</em>. He's now the 14th ranked prospect overall and the 3rd ranked defensive linemen in the class. </p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='1700711' first='Dan' last='Sogard'] - Blue Valley, 6'2”, 170, QB</p>
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<p>The quarterback group for the Class of ‘27 heated up during the ‘25 campaign. One of the hottest arms heading into 2026 is Sogard of Blue Valley. He was very impressive in his first season as QB1 for the Tigers. Sogard nearly threw for 2,000 yards while completing 66% of his passes and finished with 22 touchdowns tosses and only two interceptions. He climbed all the way to No. 33 overall in this update. </p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='1530365' first='Erik' last='Olivas'] - Goddard, 5'8”, 160, RB</p>
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<p>Olivas is one of three running backs that moved inside the Top 50 in this update. The Goddard product moved up over 40 spots to No. 37 overall and he's now the 4th ranked back in the class. He proved to be one of the best dual-threat RB's in the state during his junior campaign. Olivas turned 211 carries into 1,661 yards and 14 scores, while also securing 14 receptions for 446 yards and six touchdowns. </p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='1613501' first='Kedrick' last='Harrison'] - Wichita Southeast, 5'8”, 180, RB </p>
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<p>Wichita Southeast was one of the best turnaround stories this season. The 2025 campaign was their most successful season in quite some time, and [player_tooltip player_id='1613501' first='Kedrick' last='Harrison']'s play is a big reason for the turnaround. After finishing his junior season with over 1,500 rushing yards he climbed to No. 44 overall. </p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='1125716' first='CamRon' last='Fields'] - Washington, 5'10”, 170, RB</p>
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<p>Another dangerous dual-threat RB in this class is Fields of Washington. Like Olivas, Fields also eclipsed 2,100 all-purpose yards during the 2025 season. Fields finished his junior season averaging over 12 yards per carry and around 20 yards per catch, while finding the end zone 24 total times. He's now the 45th ranked prospect overall and the 7th ranked back in the class. </p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='1310337' first='Christian' last='Henderson'] - Newton, 6'5”, 225, DL/TE</p>
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<p>Now sitting at No. 55 overall is Henderson of Newton. He rose over 30 spots after putting together a <em>2nd Team All-League</em> season. Henderson improved his game this past fall, as he recorded 10 tackles for loss, three sacks, one interception, and one forced fumble. He's a lanky pass rusher that recruiters should start looking into ahead of 2026.</p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='934071' first='Jysir' last='Chatmon'] - St. Thomas Aquinas, 6'0”, 210, LB</p>
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<p>Another impressive Aquinas defender that raised his stock this season was [player_tooltip player_id='934071' first='Jysir' last='Chatmon']. The six-foot tall, 210-pound linebacker inched closer to the Top 50 after previously being ranked outside the Top 100. Chatmon was an enforcer on the Saints' defense and he was rewarded with an <em>All-EKL Honorable Mention</em> nod. </p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='1592178' first='Deontae' last='Fields'] - Labette County, 6'0”, 170, ATH</p>
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<p>After losing their leading rusher from last year; Labette's coaching staff had a huge void to fill early in the ‘25 campaign. That was until [player_tooltip player_id='1592178' first='Deontae' last='Fields'] stepped up. Our staff has previously spoken highly about Fields' skills in the secondary. But we were very impressed with how he handled an expanded role on offense this past fall. Fields moved up to No. 65 overall after piling up over 1,400 yards and 14 scores on the ground. He also finished the season with two interceptions, which puts him at seven total in his career. </p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='1611948' first='Armoni' last='Velez'] - Ottawa, 5'10”, 180, RB</p>
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<p>During our preseason previews I predicted that Velez would be an impact player for Ottawa this season. It's safe to say he lived up to the hype. Despite missing three games, Velez rushed for over 900 yards. The junior also chipped in over 80 total tackles. In this update he moved from No. 99 overall to No. 74 overall, and is the 9th ranked running back in the class. </p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='1399834' first='Prince' last='Lassiter'] - Topeka West, 6'6”, 230, DL</p>
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<p>Capping off this group of Stock Risers is a gem of a pass rusher. Lassiter raised his game this season and was able to showcase his athleticism as well. His 6-foot-6, 230-pound frame is perfect for a next level edge defender or tight end. The big man's recruiting is starting to gain momentum, and he'll be a player to keep an eye on next year. He's now inside the Top 100 at No. 90 overall.</p>
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This year's junior class performed at a high level throughout the 2025 campaign. After evaluating the class the past few weeks, the amount of talent spread throughout the rankings is undeniable. Several of these prospects outplayed their previous ranking, and as a result more than 50 of them moved up.
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