Top Position Group of the Sophomore Class

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Even though the latest rankings update for the sophomore class was published a week ago, there's still some more content to share. It's been quite a while since I've done a report like this. But I thought it'd be fitting with the growth of the sophomore class.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>During the evaluation process of this January update there were at least three position groups that really stood out. Those position groups were the quarterbacks, defensive backs, and edge rushers. As it stands right now though, I believe the edge rusher group is arguably the strength of the class.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This group showed a lot of promise in 2024, and during the 2025 campaign they took things to another level. I highlighted a few players over the past few weeks, but the group as whole deserves recognition for the progress they've made.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1655189' first='Remington' last='Merlau'] - Rose Hill, 6'4”, 235</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With a rapidly changing group, the one constant has been Merlau of Rose Hill. The 6-foot-4, 235-pound prospect is the leader in the clubhouse throughout yet another update. He even moved up to No. 2 overall. Merlau possesses a quick first and is violent coming off the edge. He's a game wrecker and should receive several more <em>D-I</em> offers this year.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1664441' first='ZayVion' last='Hayslett'] - Washington, 6'1”, 190</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hayslett of Washington High has put up some unreal numbers thus far in his career. Through his second varsity season he now has 49 career tackles for loss. He's now inside the <em>Top 25 </em>at No. 23 overall and he's the 4th ranked edge rusher in the class.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2081872' first='Daniel' last='Savenok'] - Christ Prep, 6'3”, 205</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the newest additions to the group was Savenok of Christ Prep. With the Christ Prep Patriots being a homeschool program Savenok's season has been overlooked a bit. He was outstanding though, as he recorded 16 sacks and 25 tackles for loss. He also helped lead his team to an undefeated <em>National Championship</em> season. Savenok entered the rankings at No. 56 overall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1563229' first='Boden' last='Bell'] - St. James Academy, 6'3”, 185</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Even with limited varsity snaps in 2025, Bell of St. James still managed to impress. In the varsity snaps he did have he showed an ability to get around offensive tackles with his quickness and his bend off the edge. His best outing came in the opening round of the postseason when he recorded five total tackles, two tackles for loss, and one sack against Shawnee Heights.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1591883' first='Beckett' last='Kullberg'] - Blue Valley North, 6'3”, 200</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another up and coming edge rusher from the <em>EKL</em> is Kullberg of Blue Valley North. His bright spot of the 2025 season also came in the playoffs. During the opening round, Kullberg collected seven total tackles and three sacks. He and Bell both should have expanded roles for their respective teams, and they each will be players to watch next season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->