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<p>It was a outstanding year for the 2029 freshman class in the state of Missouri. There is a little bit of everything in the skill positions, lineman and defensively, with a good number of players getting to see varsity action in their first year of high school. Here is a rundown of the top 10.</p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='1741240' first='Terrance' last='Jones'], RB Cardinal Ritter<br>(5'9" 180) - Held on to the number one spot from the pre-season with some impressive work he did on varsity. Jones played behind a senior D1 running back who ran for over 2,500 yards and 21 touchdowns, but made the most of his 34 rushing opportunities he had for 347 yards and a touchdown while averaging 10.2 yards per carry. Look for a big breakout season in 2026 from the speedy back with great change of direction ability.</p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='1404856' first='Caden' last='Sharp'], ATH De Smet <br>(5'9" 175) - A versatile playmaker with elite caliber speed who is a danger in space running the ball, catching it and as a returner to score. Already holds a D1 offer. Had 41 carries for 395 yards and 4 touchdowns rushing, with 8 catches for 68 yards receiving, and 12 returns for 394 yards, including a 99-yard kickoff return in the playoffs. Look for even bigger things from him in another 9 months as a sophomore.</p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='1591191' first='Devin' last='Hill Jr.'], CB Raymore-Peculiar<br>(6'1" 165) - Started on varsity and showcased his speed, athleticism and skills as a defensive back like a seasoned vet. Has good height, can run with anyone, plays physical and has quick hands and good ball skills. Devin is already on the radar of several colleges in the Midwest and has taken a few game day visits. Look for interest in him to increase in the offseason this winter and spring. He recorded 20 tackles .1 interception. 3 PBUs on defense, and had 12 catches for 120 yards on offense at receiver.</p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='1674661' first='Braden' last='Biermann'], QB Parkway West<br>(5'10" 155) - One of the top young QB prospects in the Midwest who already holds a D1 offer from Kent State, and is on the radar of multiple other colleges, including Kansas, Northwestern and Purdue. Biermann got some limited reps on varsity, but had an outstanding freshman season being able to show his advanced skill set as a signal caller throwing the ball, along with his impressive running ability and speed with the ball in his hands. On varsity he completed 9 of 22 passes for 141 yards and a touchdown.</p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='1741592' first='Terrence' last='Curry Jr.'], CB/WR Orchard Farm<br>(6'1" 165) - Another very talented cornerback/receiver prospect in what looks like a deep class at the skill positions. Curry Jr. is a skilled playmaker with the ball in his hands as a receiver and returner or on defense. He is a tall corner with long arms, quick hands and strong cover skills using his speed to lock down receivers and make plays. He's also strong against the run and plays physical. As a starter on varsity he had 30 tackles and 2 interceptions. On offense as a receiver he hauled in12 catches for 176 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also averaged over 16 yards per punt return.</p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='1741247' first='Tristen' last='Johnson'], WR SLUH<br>(6'5" 195) - This big receiving target first got on my radar as a 7th grader with his already impressive height and ability to catch the ball. Since then he has only grown taller and become an even better receiver. He had a great offseason between 8th grade and his freshman year at camps showcasing his speed and ability to run routes along with impressive hands and range to be able to catch the ball with his long arms and athletic ability. The question is whether he will play WR or TE in going forward in the future. Already has an offer from Nebraska with other colleges taking notice of him. </p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='1743298' first='Cash' last='Denney'], TE/DE Blue Springs South<br>(6'4" 220) - Another talented big athlete who has the size, athleticism and skill that translates into being a top prospect to watch. Cash has both the speed and receiving ability to excel at tight end or flip sides of the ball and rush the passer and play the run at defensive end. He played on a deep, talented team that was unbeaten in the regular season and could afford to let him get some experience and seasoning adjusting to high school. Look for him to be a name you'll hear more of heading into 2026.</p>
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<p><strong>Tristen Short</strong>, CB Lift For Life<br>(6'1" 161) - One of three really talented cornerback/receiver types who made it into the top 10 post-season 2029 ranking. Short was originally thought to be going play on the other side of the river stayed in St, Louis with the Hawks and that has been a win for him and his team that will be playing for a state championship on Friday. He has lockdown corner skills with his speed, athleticism and size. He can turn his hips and hit top speed with good burst to close on plays and good ball skills. Also good against the run. Had 21 tackles 3 interceptions with one a pick six.</p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='1694152' first='Mason' last='Coleman'], LB MICDS<br>(6'1" 202) - A physically developed defender with good upside and a frame to grow into a monster in the middle at his linebacker position. Mason started on varsity on defense for the Rams and was one of their top players on the team as a freshman. He was fun to watch from the sidelines with his speed, intensity, motor and physical play. Mason his a broad shouldered athlete who runs really well and likes to him. Very good against the run, rushing and disrupting plays in the backfield, or in pass coverage. Had 65 tackles. 1 sack and 1 fumble recovery. Big brother just signed with Army. Has a bright future if he stays on his current trajectory. </p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='1741262' first='Michael' last='Werges'], OL Eureka<br>(6'5" 280) - Big offensive tackle who started along the offensive line on varsity as a freshman at a school knowing for producing some D1 O-Linemen. Besides his obvious great size, Michael shows very athletic ability and moves really well. He is quick with his feet and can pull and get downfield on his blocks in a hurry. He has good strength and sustains and finishes his blocks well. He also has good pass pro skills for his age. Very good upside and it's gonna be exciting to see how he continues to develop. Already getting attention from some Midwest schools including Missouri and Kansas. Should see that continue in the offseason. </p>
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It was a outstanding year for the 2029 freshman class in the state of Missouri. There is a little bit of everything in the skill positions, lineman and defensively, with a good number of players getting to see varsity action in their first year of high school. Here is a rundown of the top 10.
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