Class of ’22 Rankings Update: Welcome to the Rankings
In this article:
Back with continued coverage of the recent Class of ’22 rankings update. This time we’re focusing on the newest additions to the rankings. The previous update in June saw 20 new prospects enter the Top 150, and in this update, 18 more are joining that group.
In this piece we’re highlighting 15 of those prospects which feature a ridiculous group of receivers, along with some breakout quarterbacks and a few prospects that have dominated the trenches. Here’s a warm welcome to the newest prospects inside the Top 150.
Andon Carpenter Andon Carpenter 6'1" | 260 lbs | DL Derby | 2022 State KS – Derby, 6’1”., 260, DL
Carpenter enters the rankings at No. 59 and is the second defensive lineman from Derby to be ranked inside the Top 100. He’s been the leader for the Panthers upfront and is second on the team in total tackles. So far through 10 games, Carpenter has racked up 69 total tackles, 20 of them being for a loss, three sacks, one interception and one forced fumble. He’s been a force at defensive tackle this year and should see several offers come his way soon.
Wyatt Drouhard Wyatt Drouhard 6'3" | 185 lbs | QB Chaparral | 2022 State KS – Chaparral, 6’3”, 185, QB
Not many folks around the state might know of Drouhard. That’s because he hasn’t played football since the 8th grade. You would think coming back to the game after a four-year absence would be challenging. Well, Drouhard is a rare exception. He had an incredible year during his first ever varsity season. The senior led the Roadrunners to an 8-2 record and threw for 2,323 yards with 31 touchdowns, and he broke Chaparral’s single-season passing yards record. Not bad for a first-year starter.
Blake Reeder Blake Reeder 6'4" | 220 lbs | ATH Shawnee Mission NW | 2022 State KS – Shawnee Mission NW, 6’4”, 220, QB
Reeder was another first-year starter that had a breakout year. After the Cougars graduated Ty Black, many wondered who would start under center for them in 2021. Reeder stepped up and made the transition from tight end to quarterback, and he looked great this season. He went on to complete 63% of his passes and threw for over 2,600 yards with 22 touchdowns and added 365 yards on the ground with nine scores. The Cougars made it to the Sectional round and finished their season at 8-3 with Reeder as their signal caller.
Luke Grace Luke Grace 6'3" | 175 lbs | WR Cheney | 2022 State KS – Cheney, 6’3”, 175, WR
Grace took a huge leap in his development during his senior year, and if he wasn’t receiving interest from recruiters before, he should be now. The numbers he put up this season caught our attention, and it earns him a spot inside the Top 100. He finished the year hauling in 52 catches for 814 yards and was one of the state’s leaders in touchdown receptions with 18. His breakout season should earn him a 1st Team All-League selection.
Legend Robinson Legend Robinson 6'1" | 200 lbs | ATH Hoisington | 2022 State KS – Hoisington, 6’1”, 200, RB
With a name like Robinson’s, you should be a dominant player, and that’s exactly what he was this season. Robinson helped lead Hoisington to an 8-2 record and was named a 1st Team All-CKL unanimous selection. The senior went on to accumulate 227 carriers for 1,907 yards and 27 touchdowns. He recently picked up an offer from Fort Hays State University and could possibly receive more Division II interest during this recruiting period.
Brian Murph Brian Murph 6'0" | 180 lbs | DB Derby | 2022 State KS – Derby, 6’0”, 180, DB
No surprise to see another Derby Panther make the rankings, as they continue to be arguably the top program in Kansas. Murph is an under the radar safety from their secondary that possesses next level skills. He does a great job of reading the field and running the alley, and is good at flipping his hips in coverage. His play this season earns him a spot at No. 114, and he debuts as the 9th ranked defensive back in the class.
Noah Hastert Noah Hastert 6'6" | 220 lbs | TE Cair Paravel | 2022 State KS – Cair Paravel, 6’6”, 220, TE
Hastert and the Cair Paravel Lions capped off their undefeated season with a KCAA State Championship last weekend. The senior had a monster year and is gaining serious Division II interest from multiple programs. He ended the ’21 campaign with 46 receptions for 921 yards and 22 scores. Hastert was not only one of the top tight ends in the 8-Man Division, but he was one of the best in the entire state. He makes his debut as the 4th ranked tight end in the class.
Chase Smarsh Chase Smarsh 6'0" | 175 lbs | QB Bishop Carroll | 2022 State KS – Bishop Carroll, 6’0”, 175, QB
Smarsh is the third first-year signal caller in this piece that came on strong during the ‘21 season. He had to wait his turn, but it was worth the wait. Smarsh would lead the Golden Eagles to a 7-3 record with a Sectional round appearance, and helped orchestrate an offense that averaged 33 points per game. Smarsh displayed nice accuracy and an ability to make throws into tight windows this season. Recruiters should definitely look at his film.
Casey Helm Casey Helm 6'4" | 225 lbs | QB Madison | 2022 State KS – Madison, 6’4”, 225, QB
Helm is widely known for his throwing skills in track and field, as the senior announced in October that he is committed to Princeton University for track. But his play on the gridiron shouldn’t be overlooked. He was receiving Division II interest for a reason. The Madison product comes into the rankings as the 17th ranked quarterback after accounting for over 1,600 yards of total offense and 32 total touchdowns this season.
Wanya Crofton Wanya Crofton 6'0" | 225 lbs | DL Blue Valley North | 2022 State KS – Blue Valley North, 6’0”, 225, DL
The defensive line is one of the strongest positions in this class, as there are five Division I commits towards the top of the rankings. While the notable names headline the group, players like Crofton float under the radar. The senior had himself quite the season; piling up 10 sacks on the year. He’s shown that he can play inside and off the edge, and can get off blocks to make a play in the backfield. His strong senior campaign brings him in at No. 129 in the class.
Brayce Martin Brayce Martin 6'3" | 250 lbs | OL Blue Valley West | 2022 State KS – Blue Valley West, 6’3”, 250, OL
Martin checks in at No. 136 and is the 14th ranked offensive lineman in the class. He’s been an impact player for the Jaguars in the trenches. BVW has now rushed for nearly 2,200 yards on the season and Martin’s been a key piece along the right side of the line. The senior displays sound footwork, great hand placement, and the athleticism to reach the second level. Amherst College is lucky to land such a talented right tackle.
Ryan Stucky Ryan Stucky 5'10" | 175 lbs | WR Sedgwick | 2022 State KS – Sedgwick, 5’10”, 175, WR,
Sedgwick’s air attack has been lighting up opposing defenses all season, and Stucky’s been the top target from their receiving corps. Stucky finished the regular season as the state’s leader in receiving yards per game and hauled in 35 receptions for 1,024 yards. He was Hoffsommer’s favorite target during Sectionals, as the two connected on 10 passes for 130 yards and two scores. Stucky is on the radar of several NAIA schools and could gain more interest with another great playoff performance.
Erwin Nash Erwin Nash 6'3" | 205 lbs | WR Olathe South | 2022 State KS – Olathe South, 6’3”, 205, WR
The Falcons favored the ground game this season, so Nash didn’t see many targets. But when the ball was thrown his way, he made some outstanding plays. He led South in receiving with 32 catches for 511 yards and six touchdowns. Nash is capable of taking the top off the defense and can go up and win the 50/50 balls with his lengthy frame. He’s a deep threat wideout with a ton of potential and would be a great addition to any collegiate program.
Chase Poague Chase Poague 6'2" | 170 lbs | WR SE of Saline | 2022 State KS – SE of Saline, 6’2”, 170, WR
The 147th spot in the rankings now belongs to an explosive playmaker from Class 3A. Poague is known for his track speed, and it’s been on full display this season. Through 11 games, Poague has recorded 39 receptions for 837 yards with 15 scores and has 216 yards on the ground with three scores. The speedster is a threat any time he gets the ball. He’ll be a key player during the Trojans’ Sub-State matchup against Andale.
Cade Friend Cade Friend 6'1" | 180 lbs | WR Eisenhower | 2022 State KS – Eisenhower, 6’1”, 180, WR
Rounding off the Top 150 in this update is a wideout that holds every receiving record in Eisenhower’s program. Friend was a beast after the catch and was the top offensive weapon for the Tigers this year. He ended his final season with 50 receptions for 791 yards and six touchdowns. Friend showed some toughness during his last game against Hays. The senior was still a factor even with a broken hand. He has next level talent and should continue to earn more offers.