2025 Ranking Climbers You Don’t Want To Miss

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>More film review to flush out as many top performers who are flying under the radar as they approach their senior season. In this report I will review 2025 rising stars ranked between 100 and 200 representing multiple positions, schools and classifications. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is the time of year when the players who are serious about their game and want to move up to the next level of competition need to be preparing physically and mentally <em>like there is no tomorrow</em>. The final opportunity to make a mark on your career and high school football in general will be here before you know it. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For seniors, this is it. The last one. <em>No mulligans...</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Listed below are five athletes from the 2025 class who are right on the precipice of greatness. Each is ranked highly, but maybe not as high as they should be. Nonetheless, the spot light is shining in their direction - the time is right to give these guys a look. You will definitely be glad you did.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='866510' first='<strong>Karter</strong>' last='<strong>Gonzalez</strong>'], 5'11, 215, LB/FB,<strong> Hesston</strong> is ranked <strong>#111</strong>. An old-school physical player who can provide power running at fullback or in a one-back set, he is also a punishing linebacker who reads and reacts with impressive speed. He is versatile and athletic, playing multiple positions on offense. He catches well out of the backfield and is a pounding blocker. On defense he is a superb linebacker, with solid mechanics who blows up gaps and controls the line of scrimmage. He deflects blockers and penetrates the backfield almost at will. Keep an eye on him in 2024. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='442667' first='Talon' last='Langford']</strong>, 6'2, 195, ATH, <strong>Tonganoxie</strong>, is ranked <strong>#113</strong>. A versatile athlete who can play anywhere on the field, he is coming off an impressive junior campaign when he was all conference and all state as a defensive back, quarterback and as a punter. On offense he is starting to blossom as an athletic playmaker who produced over 1,200 yards in total offense in only nine games. On defense he is making a name for himself as a long and rangy lockdown corner who can also play any of the safety spots. He is a ball hawk when the ball is in the air, accounting for three interceptions last year. His read and react skills are outstanding and he has excellent closing speed. Definitely a fun one to watch in 2024. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='866495' first='<strong>Tyrus</strong>' last='<strong>Young</strong>'], 6'2, 215, LB/TE, <strong>Salina Central</strong>, is ranked <strong>#134</strong>. Another versatile player who can line up as a tight end, full back or H-back on offense and is a strong, athletic presence at linebacker. He catches the ball well and is standout lead blocker, but where he shines is as a ball-busting linebacker who was in on 53 tackles a year ago. Whether lining up over the middle or attacking from the perimeter, he has outstanding closing speed and gets in the backfield in a hurry. He flows smoothly to the ball, shucking defenders as he goes and is a strong open-field tackler. Absolutely one to watch in 2024. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='868980' first='Brett' last='Davidson']</strong>, 6'3, 255, OL/DL, <strong>Baldwin</strong> is ranked #<strong>151</strong>. He is a big, physical tackle who owns the gaps on both sides of the ball when he lines up. He has good feet for his size with strong hands and is able to get under the opposing players pads and move them at will. On offense he has solid mechanics and locks and unloads on defenders whether blocking down or out in space. On defense he is an athletic mauler who destroys double teams and has a nice cachet of moves, swimming, spinning or just over powering with a bruising bull rush. He anchors both sides of the ball and will definitely be one to add to your list of promising stars. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='285710' first='<strong>Landon</strong>' last='<strong>Harp</strong>'], 6'0, 205, RB/DB, <strong>Andale</strong>, is ranked <strong>#183</strong>. Is another in the long line of outstanding two-way players out of perennial powerhouse Andale. He is probably ranked lower than he should be but I anticipate he will be moving up the ranks quickly. As a powerful tailback with deceptive speed, he has great eyes and finds daylight quickly. He has an excellent cutback-against-the-grain move, and when called on is a devastating blocker. On the other side of the ball he is an instinctive defensive back who is athletic and flies to the ball. He has excellent read and reacts skills as evidenced by his five interceptions a year ago. He is also a heat-seeking missile on special teams and a deadly open-field tackler. Definitely another one to keep in the spotlight in 2024. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In conclusion, these guys are in my sights for the coming season - expecting great things. If you have any feedback or want to recommend other standout players flying under the radar, DM me on X.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->