Class of ’23 Rankings Update: Newcomers Inside the Top 100

Santino Bernal July 27, 2021 @ 12:17 PM

A new update means new faces making their way into our player rankings. Out of the 50 prospects that were added in this update, 13 of them made their debuts inside the Top 100. Remember these names during the ’21 season. Eddie McLaughlin Eddie McLaughlin 5'10" | 185 lbs | ATH Leavenworth | 2023 State KS – Leavenworth, 5’11”, 185, QB McLaughlin was one of the most exciting sophomores in the state last season. He helped lead the Pioneers to a respectable 4-4 record and orchestrated a high scoring offense that averaged 39 points per game. He competed against some talented quarterbacks in his league and managed to earn an All-UKC Honorable Mention selection. McLaughlin is without a doubt one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the entire state, and he should be primed for a 1^st Team All-League junior season. Kaden McDaniel Kaden McDaniel 6'5" | 200 lbs | ATH Augusta | 2023 State KS – Augusta, 6’5”, 190, DB This rangy safety makes his debut in the rankings at No. 43 and is the 6^th ranked defensive back in the class. McDaniel is an absolute ball hawk in the backend of the Orioles’ defense. He’s great at high pointing the football, and there aren’t many players that can out jump him. The gifted multi-sport athlete earned 2^nd Team All-AVCTL Division III honors for his solid sophomore campaign. He should be a candidate for 1st Team this season and could even make some plays out wide for the Orioles’ offense. Lance Bassett Lance Bassett 6'3" | 270 lbs | DL Lawrence | 2023 State KS – Lawrence, 6’4”, 250, DL Bassett is a new addition to our rankings, and to a new school in this update. He makes his debut as the 5^th ranked defensive lineman in the class and will make his debut with the Chesty Lions this fall after transferring from Piper. He’ll make an immediate impact on defense for Lawrence High and could see some targets at tight end as well. Bassett has drawn interest from Kansas State after performing well at a camp in Manhattan earlier this summer, and he could potentially see more Division I interest with a solid junior year. Lukas Hanks Lukas Hanks 6'3" | 235 lbs | TE Washburn Rural | 2023 State KS – Washburn Rural, 6’3”, 245, TE Hanks is the fourth prospect that cracks the Top 50 in this update. He comes in as the 3^rd ranked tight end after an All-Centennial League Honorable Mention year as a sophomore. Hanks has the potential to be a special tight end over these next two years. He’s capable of making difficult catches with his long reach and he has the strength to fight for extra yards. He should catch the eyes of some recruiters with his frame and play style. Hagan Johnson Hagan Johnson 5'9" | 150 lbs | WR Wamego | 2023 State KS – Wamego, 5’8”, 150, WR Johnson makes his debut in the rankings coming off a breakout year in 2020. During his sophomore year, Johnson picked up 1^st Team All-NCKL honors after racking up over 700 yards receiving and scoring nine total touchdowns. He’s a shifty receiver that can stretch the field and is dangerous once he finds a crease. Johnson should see his numbers increase during his junior year, as he should be ’s top target. Malachi Berg Malachi Berg 6'3" | 200 lbs | QB Topeka West | 2023 State KS – Topeka West, 6’2”, 185, QB The Chargers are looking to surprise people this year, and Berg could be a major catalyst for their success. Berg appeared in our first Class of ’23 Watch List, and now makes his debut at No. 57 and is the 11^th ranked quarterback in the class. He’s improved his game since last season, stringing along nice performances while attending camps at Kansas State, Washburn, and Emporia State. Expect to see some big-time throws from Berg this fall. LJ Phillips LJ Phillips 5'9" | 200 lbs | RB Wichita North | 2023 State KS – Wichita Northwest, 5’9”, 190, RB After showing glimpses of what he could potentially be during his sophomore year, Phillips is primed for a huge junior campaign. In a year where he had a limited role, Phillips managed to turn his touches into a 2^nd Team All-City League performance. This offseason he’s showcased his talents while at the Sharp Top Prospect Combine, and at a few camps hosted by SEC programs. This earns him a debut at No. 64 in the rankings. Cody Parthemer Cody Parthemer 6'0" | 175 lbs | ATH Andale | 2023 State KS – Andale, 6’0”, 175, ATH Andale has been a powerhouse in the 3A Division since 2018, and they’ll look to keep their winning ways going with Parthemer being a key leader this season. He earned an All-AVCTL Division IV Honorable Mention nod for his play at corner in 2020, but he could see an All-League selection at running back this fall. Parthemer makes his debut as the 8^th ranked athlete in the class and the 69^th ranked prospect overall. Christian Sicard Christian Sicard 6'0" | 190 lbs | ATH Haysville Campus | 2023 State KS – Campus, 6’0”, 190. ATH Sicard is the second athlete that cracks the Top 100 in this update, as he follows Parthemer as the 9^th ranked athlete in the class. He enters the rankings after his strong performance at the KC Varsity Combines in May. Sicard was one of the best safeties in the Wichita area as a sophomore, displaying a high-motor and great physicality. Look for his role to expand this year, as Campus could use him more on offense. Bryce Cohoon Bryce Cohoon 6'3" | 185 lbs | WR Maize | 2023 State KS – Maize, 6’3”, 185, WR The buzz around Cohoon’s name is continuing to grow as we get closer to the ’21 season. He’s been turning heads over the past few months after qualifying for the state finals in the 200 meter dash and making some impressive catches while at the Sharp Top Prospect Combine. Cohoon also received an invitation for an unofficial visit to Kansas State in June. He comes in as the 9^th ranked wide out in the class. Carson Phelps Carson Phelps 6'1" | 195 lbs | RB Wichita Collegiate | 2023 State KS – Wichita Collegiate, 6’1”, 195, RB Phelps enters the Class of ’23 rankings at No. 72, and is the 12^th ranked running back in the class. The young tailback impressed in 2020, accounting for over 700 yards from scrimmage and found the end zone 10 times. This earned Phelps an All-AVCTL Division IV Honorable Mention nod. He’s a back that can outrun defenders in the secondary, and he is great at finding cut back lanes. Collegiate has some playmakers in their junior class, and Phelps is one that should run wild this fall. Bryce Salmans Bryce Salmans 6'3" | 230 lbs | DL Hays | 2023 State KS -Hays, 6’2”, 220, TE If there was an All-Sleeper Team for this upcoming season, Salmans would be one of the top players on it. This young man is not getting enough recognition heading into his junior year. He has the tools to be a solid tight end, and the size and athleticism to play multiple positions. Salmans’ play at tight end in 2020 earned him a 2^nd Team All-WAC selection, but he should make a case for 1st Team this year. Jett Vincent Jett Vincent 6'2" | 175 lbs | ATH Galva | 2023 State KS – Wheatland-Grinnell, 6’0”, 195, WR Rounding off the Top 100 is one of the best hidden gems in the state. Vincent may come from a small school, but he is a big-time playmaker. He comes in as the 12^th ranked wide out in the class after a great sophomore campaign. In 2020, Vincent hauled in 44 passes for over 800 yards receiving and caught 15 touchdowns. He also has 22 interceptions through his first two seasons on varsity. Look for Vincent to be one of the top 8-Man players in the state as a junior.