Class of ’24 Rankings: Future Impact Players inside the Top 25
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Players like Seamster, Mesa, Mitchell and Hoobler may headline this recruiting class, but there are plenty of players inside the Top 25 that will make their presence felt on the varsity stage soon. These are ten players that could make…
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Continue ReadingPlayers like Seamster, Mesa, Mitchell and Hoobler may headline this recruiting class, but there are plenty of players inside the Top 25 that will make their presence felt on the varsity stage soon. These are ten players that could make a significant impact in their program’s success over the next few years.
Dillon Marshall Dillon Marshall 6'2" | 190 lbs | DB St. Thomas Aquinas | 2024 State KS – St. Thomas Aquinas, 6’1”, 185, LB/DB
Marshall’s stock has climbed throughout this spring, and he is only gaining momentum heading into his sophomore year. He performed well at the KC Varsity Combines earlier this month, and he has been playing against some elite competition this spring as a member of the Empire 7-on-7 squad. Marshall predominantly lined up at linebacker at the freshmen level. But he is a versatile athlete that could see time at multiple positions on defense as he progresses to the junior varsity and varsity ranks.
Seth Schwien Seth Schwien 6'2" | 190 lbs | ATH Victoria | 2024 State KS – Victoria, 6’1”, 190, ATH
Schwien might get overlooked because of classification level, but he should be a player to know throughout the state in the coming years. He has the potential to be a playmaker on both sides of the ball. Schwien is a raw talent at tight end, but he shows he can be a tough runner after the catch, and he is a physical blocker with solid technique. On defense, he attacks the edge with a bull rush, and he has the athleticism to catch ball carriers in the backfield. Look for this young prospect to have a breakout season.
Hudson Ferralez Hudson Ferralez 6'1" | 205 lbs | QB Wichita Collegiate | 2024 State KS – Hesston, 6’0”, 170, QB
This quarterback prospect’s name has been heating up recently. As a freshman, Ferrealez showed he was capable of being a leader on offense for the Swathers. He looked comfortable in the pocket, showed he could go through his progression and was able to get the ball out quick. Ferrealez has been building off his success from last fall, as he’s been turning heads this spring competing with the 785 Elite 7-on-7 team. With one year now under his belt, the young gunslinger’s confidence will be much higher going into year two.
Jaren Heim Jaren Heim 6'2" | 215 lbs | DB Washburn Rural | 2024 State KS – Washburn Rural, 6’0”, 175, LB/ATH
It’s been noted that Washburn Rural’s younger players have the potential to be a special group. Their freshmen team finished last season with a 7-2 record, with both Heim brothers being key contributors. Jaren is the more defensive minded of the Heim brothers, as he anchored the middle of the defense for their freshmen team. Heim can cover ground quickly and he is a sound tackler. The Blues could move Heim to multiple positions on defense, and he could be a weapon on offense as well.
Michael Matteucci Michael Matteucci 5'9" | 140 lbs | ATH Sacred Heart | 2024 KS – Sacred Heart, 5’7”, 125, WR
Matteucci may be one of the smallest players whenever he steps onto the field, but he is fearless once he is in between the lines. The young wide out had a solid first year on varsity. He caught 21 passes for 309 yards and three scores and chipped in on defense with 14 total tackles, one interception and two pass break ups. He’s proved he can be a reliable target in the passing game, and his numbers should see an increase this season.
Demaria’e Baker Demaria’e Baker 6'2" | 185 lbs | DB Derby | 2024 State KS – Derby, 6’0”, 185, DB
Baker could have the opportunity to play corner opposite of Corey Akins Corey Akins 6'2" | 170 lbs | DB Derby | 2022 State KS this fall. He has a rangy frame that can help him defend against passes, as well as pressing receivers off the line. Baker has also shown he has solid speed after running a 4.6 in the 40 this spring. He’s been busy this semester competing in 7-on-7 tournaments with Wichita Wheat, and he was a member of Derby’s track team as well. It will be interesting to see how the No. 1 defensive back in the Class of ’24 develops during his sophomore year.
Dayontay Standifer Dayontay Standifer 6'1" | 210 lbs | LB Wichita East | 2024 State KS – Wichita East, 6’0”, 205, RB
Standifer was the thunder to the Aces’ explosive offense in 2020. He was their change of pace back, as he was responsible for converting on their short yardage situations. Standifer doesn’t do any dancing around; he runs right through defenders. He’s a power back with a combination of good vision and balance. He will be a back to watch out of the Wichita area this year, as he will have plenty of opportunities to get into the end zone because of the Aces’ dynamic offense.
Mason King Mason King 5'9" | 220 lbs | ATH Wamego | 2024 State KS – Wamego, 5’9”, 205, RB
King is another back that can bring the thunder in this class. The sophomore to be is already squatting over 400 pounds and benching over 250 pounds. King also proved he can be more than just a power back this spring. He had some nice performances while competing with 785 Elite in a few 7-on-7 tournaments. King was a threat coming out of the backfield, displaying soft hands and sharp route running. His stock is trending in the right direction heading into the ’21 season.
Kian Payne Kian Payne 6'4" | 260 lbs | DL St. Thomas Aquinas | 2024 State KS – St. Thomas Aquinas, 6’3”. 245, DL
The Saints had one of the more talented defensive lines in the state last year, and with a few seniors graduating; Payne could compete for a starting job this fall. His frame is ready for the varsity level, and during his freshmen year he showed he can be versatile along the defensive line. For now, he’s dependent on his size. But he’ll have this summer to work on adding pass rushing moves to his game. Look for Payne to get into the defensive line rotation for the Saints this season.
Cooper Colboch – Washburn Rural, 5’9”, 160, ATH
Colboch is yet another gifted Washburn Rural prospect. He performed well on both sides of the ball during his freshmen year. On offense, Colboch was able to get open when plays broke down and displayed good blocking fundamentals. Defensively, he’s able to get his head around to defend passes and he’s not afraid to come down to stop the run. It will be interesting to see which side of the ball Colboch will see more of as he continues to develop.