Class of ‘23 Rankings Update: April Additions
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Throughout the month of March and a portion of April we featured several prospects in the Community Film Room series that eventually made it into this update. Although this group of players weren’t highlighted during the series, they are also…
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Continue ReadingThroughout the month of March and a portion of April we featured several prospects in the Community Film Room series that eventually made it into this update. Although this group of players weren’t highlighted during the series, they are also a part of the incoming bunch that increased the rankings from 250 to 275 spots. Six of these players made their debuts inside the Top 200, while three of them have the potential to climb the rankings in the next Class of ’23 update.
Bobby Trujillo Bobby Trujillo 6'2" | 210 lbs | LB Emporia | 2023 State KS – Emporia, 6’2”, 210, LB
This tackling machine out of Emporia, KS., saw the highest debut out of this group, as he lands inside the Top 100 at No. 66 and is the 9th ranked backer in the class. Trujillo was quietly one of the better linebackers out of Class 5A during the ’21 season. He ended his junior campaign with 111 total tackles, 14 being for a loss, a pair of sacks and interceptions, and three forced fumbles. His standout play would earn him a 5A All-State Honorable Mention nod and a 1st Team All-League selection. Trujillo is a backer that brings high intensity to the table, and is a prospect that recruiters need to have on their radar.
Artavistus Ware Artavistus Ware 5'9" | 185 lbs | RB Free State | 2023 State KS – Free State, 5’8”, 180, RB
Artavistus Ware Artavistus Ware 5'9" | 185 lbs | RB Free State | 2023 State KS is the second newcomer to crack the Top 100 in this April update. He checks in as the 14th ranked running back in the class and 87th ranked prospect overall. Ware played the change of pace back role during the ’21 season, as Jet Dineen Jet Dineen 5'11" | 180 lbs | ATH Free State | 2022 State KS and Dash Cleveland were the primary ball carriers for Free State. Despite having a limited role, Ware put together some solid film, with a few of his best runs coming against notable programs. He’s a back with a nice blend of power and shiftiness that can rack up yards after contact. Remember his name this year, because this young man is due for a big season.
Carson Spray Carson Spray 6'0" | 260 lbs | DL Hays | 2023 State KS – Hays, 6’0”, 260, DL
Spray now becomes the 5th prospect from Hays to make it into the Class of ’23 rankings, and the 4th Hays player to crack the Top 150. The defensive tackle makes his debut as the 16th ranked defensive lineman after a 1st Team All-League season. He wreaked havoc on interior offensive linemen all year. Spray does a great job of getting off the ball quick and is consistent with maintaining a low pad level. Although he doesn’t have a long reach, Spray still manages to control the line of scrimmage by quickly shooting his hands. He is sure to be a key defender for the Indians this fall, and should be in line for another All-League selection.
Jason Parrish Jason Parrish 5'8" | 140 lbs | DB Olathe North | 2023 State KS – Olathe North, 5’7”, 140, DB
The name Parrish might ring a bell to some folks who have followed Olathe North football the last few years. They’re more than likely familiar with standout athlete, Jacob Parrish Jacob Parrish 5'10" | 170 lbs | ATH Olathe North | 2022 State KS . But they will soon know of his younger brother, Jason. In a class that is loaded with talent in the secondary, Jason Parrish Jason Parrish 5'8" | 140 lbs | DB Olathe North | 2023 State KS is an underrated corner that makes his debut as the 13th ranked defensive back in the class. In his first season starting, Parrish racked up 29 solo tackles, two interceptions, five pass breakups, and one forced fumble. What he lacks in size he makes up for with his athleticism and fearlessness.
Gatlin Samuel Gatlin Samuel 6'3" | 220 lbs | TE Blue Valley | 2023 State KS – Blue Valley, 6’3”, 220, TE
Gatlin Samuel Gatlin Samuel 6'3" | 220 lbs | TE Blue Valley | 2023 State KS adds to another position group that is filled with impressive prospects. The Blue Valley product cracks the Top 200, as he comes in at No. 168 and is the 9th ranked tight end in the class. Samuel’s receiving numbers may have been limited, but his production goes beyond the box score. He came up with some key blocks during the ’21 campaign, and proved to be a reliable option in the passing game. The Tigers liked to utilize his skills on designed screens, and looked to him as a big target in the red zone. Look for his role to expand as a senior.
Louis Traglia Louis Traglia 6'4" | 215 lbs | LB Kapaun Mt. Carmel | 2023 State KS – Kapaun Mt. Carmel, 6’4”, 210, LB
Louis Traglia Louis Traglia 6'4" | 215 lbs | LB Kapaun Mt. Carmel | 2023 State KS enters the rankings after a strong showing during his junior campaign. He was a key piece to one of the top defensive units in all of Class 5A, as the Crusaders held opponents to just 15 points per game. The junior finished the ’21 season with 66 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss, six sacks, and two forced fumbles. His efforts would earn him an All-League Honorable Mention selection. Traglia is a rangy edge rusher that will make offenses pay if left unaccounted for. He makes his debut just inside the Top 200 at No. 185, but could very well move up with another good season.
Coltin Myers Coltin Myers 6'4" | 220 lbs | ATH Atchison County Community | 2023 State KS – Atchison County, 6’4”, 220, ATH
Myers is a physically gifted athlete from the 2A ranks that could intrigue some recruiters this season. His solid play on both sides of the ball brings him into this update as the 35th ranked athlete in the class and the 202nd ranked prospect overall. The big man accumulated 482 yards of total offense with five touchdowns, and piled up 47 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks. Myers would end his junior year with two 2nd Team All-League selections. He’s a prospect that could transition to tight end at the next level, or he could be used as an edge defender. While he has plenty of room to improve, Myers is still a prospect with a promising future.
CJ Leonard CJ Leonard 6'3" | 185 lbs | WR Shawnee Mission East | 2023 State KS – Shawnee Mission East, 6’3”, 180, WR
CJ Leonard CJ Leonard 6'3" | 185 lbs | WR Shawnee Mission East | 2023 State KS is a wideout that could quickly climb the rankings this coming season. But for now, he makes his debut just outside the Top 200 as the 204th ranked prospect overall. Leonard will be looking to build off his All-Sunflower League Honorable Mention year during the ’22 campaign. He’s a possession receiver that presents a big target in the passing game, and can go up and out muscle defensive backs for 50/50 balls. Leonard also isn’t afraid to run routes over the middle, and shows off his physicality when he puts his shoulder down to gain extra yards. He’ll be an under the radar receiver to watch out of Class 6A.
Luke Gebhardt Luke Gebhardt 6'0" | 175 lbs | QB SE of Saline | 2023 State KS – SE of Saline, 6’0”, 175, QB
Wrapping up this newcomer article is a gunslinger out of Class 3A that had a ridiculous first-year under center. Luke Gebhardt Luke Gebhardt 6'0" | 175 lbs | QB SE of Saline | 2023 State KS took the reigns of the Trojans’ offense during the ’21 season, and helped orchestrate one of the most explosive offenses in the state. He’d help lead them to an 11-1 record, while completing 70% of passes and throwing for over 2,300 yards with 31 touchdowns and only five interceptions. Those are very impressive numbers for a first-year starter regardless of classification level. With one year now under his belt, expect for the All-State quarterback to elevate his game during his senior season.