Class of ’23 Rankings Update: Newcomers Inside the Top 50
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There are 50 talented players making their debuts in this update: expanding the rankings to 150 spots now. Ten of these 50 players managed to crack the Top 50 in our player rankings.
Parker Leise Parker Leise 6'2" | 215 lbs | QB Shawnee Mission East | 2023 KS – Shawnee Mission East, 6’2”, 205, QB (No. 9)
Parker Leise Parker Leise 6'2" | 215 lbs | QB Shawnee Mission East | 2023 KS will be joining the Lancers this fall after transferring from Creighton Prep in Nebraska. This is a huge get for Shawnee Mission East, as Parker Leise Parker Leise 6'2" | 215 lbs | QB Shawnee Mission East | 2023 KS has already been receiving Division I interest. He will have to get acclimated with his new team, but Parker Leise Parker Leise 6'2" | 215 lbs | QB Shawnee Mission East | 2023 KS has the athleticism and skillset to be successful in the Sunflower League and at the 6A level.
Wade Spencer Wade Spencer 6'2" | 220 lbs | DL St. James Academy | 2023 State KS – St. James Academy, 6’2”, 210, DL (No. 16)
Spencer had a strong season in his first year at the varsity level, and he was an intricate piece on St. James’ defensive line. He piled up 49 total tackles, five sacks and batted down two passes in 2020. He’s an athletic defensive end that can read plays well, and he has multiple moves at his disposal to get into the backfield.
Peyton Smith Peyton Smith 6'3" | 230 lbs | LB Marysville | 2023 State KS – Marysville, 6’3”, 230, LB (No.17)
Smith already has the makings of being a linebacker at the collegiate level as a sophomore. During his sophomore campaign he tallied 65 total tackles with two sacks and an interception. Smith has quick lateral movement paired with good vision. His strength sticks out the most on his film. It is difficult for the opposition to win one-on-one matchups against him.
Mario Menghini Mario Menghini 6'2" | 185 lbs | ATH Frontenac | 2023 State KS – Frontenac, 6’2”, 185, ATH (No. 22)
Menghini is one of the top playmakers in this entire recruiting class. He is a dynamic player that can line up at multiple skill positions on offense. Menghini can line up in the slot or out wide and get yards after the catch, or he can be in the backfield and run in between the tackles. He is also a dangerous return man, and a solid cornerback.
Hayden Oviatt Hayden Oviatt 6'2" | 205 lbs | QB Wamego | 2023 State KS – Wamego, 6’2”, 185, QB (No. 23)
Oviatt makes his debut into the rankings as the 4th ranked quarterback out of 18 in this class. He proved to be one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the state last season. Oviatt accumulated over 2,600 yards of total offense and scored 24 total touchdowns as a sophomore. He has a strong accurate arm, and he has a running back’s mentality when he pulls the ball down.
Samuel Same Samuel Same 6'5" | 215 lbs | DL Derby | 2023 State KS – Derby, 6’5”, 210, DL (No. 26)
Derby has been a talent factory in recent years, and Same is yet another prospect that is gaining high-level interest from recruiters. The best part of Same’s game is his length. He is good about getting his long arms up and disrupting passing lanes. Same has already received an offer from Iowa State, and he’ll have the opportunity to turn some heads at an upcoming Rivals Camp.
Yanci Spiller Yanci Spiller 5'11" | 185 lbs | DB Rock Creek | 2023 State KS – Rock Creek, 6’0”, 170, DB (No. 31)
Spiller comes into the player rankings as the 4th ranked defensive back in the class. He is a safety with good vision and solid coverage skills. Spiller has a physical style of play which helps him breakup passes and come down to stop the run. Offenses need to be cautious when throwing his way because he’ll make a play once the ball is in his hands.
Zach Darche Zach Darche 6'2" | 215 lbs | LB Blue Valley West | 2023 State KS – Blue Valley West, 6’1”, 200, LB (No. 38)
The Jaguars had quite a few underclassmen step up for them on varsity, and Darche was one of the main catalysts on defense. Darche displays sound fundamentals. He fills gaps well, executes his assignment in coverage, and he is a solid tackler. He earned an Honorable Mention selection from the Blue Valley League in 2020, and he could be a candidate for 1st Team All-League as a junior.
Jack Schneider Jack Schneider 6'0" | 175 lbs | ATH Blue Valley West | 2023 State KS – Blue Valley West, 5’11”, 160, ATH (No. 45)
Schneider was another sophomore that made an impact this past season for the Jaguars. He excels as a wide out and defensive back. At receiver he runs sharp routes, and he can make difficult catches. In the secondary he can play bump and run coverage and he has the speed to close in on passes in a hurry. Schneider could also potentially have a 1st Team All-League year.
Tyrell Reed Tyrell Reed 5'10" | 190 lbs | RB Lawrence | 2023 State KS – Topeka West, 5’8”, 180, RB (No. 48)
Reed is a great addition to a running back class that is loaded with talent. He makes his debut as the 6th ranked running back out of 24 in the class. Tyrell is a tough runner that can read his blocks well. He shows a quick burst once he touches the ball, and he has the potential to be a solid receiving back. I would expect for Reed’s role to expand this fall.