Class of ’23 Rankings Update: New Names in the Top 100
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With the rankings now officially updated, it’s time to focus on the new prospects that joined in this December update. As you’re viewing the current rankings, you’ll notice several additions, especially within the Top 100. Twenty-One players are making their…
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Continue ReadingWith the rankings now officially updated, it’s time to focus on the new prospects that joined in this December update. As you’re viewing the current rankings, you’ll notice several additions, especially within the Top 100. Twenty-One players are making their debuts inside the Top 100 this time around, but we’ll be highlighting these eight prospects in this piece.
This incoming group features multiple playmakers on offense and a couple of defensive prospects on the rise. It is a pleasure to welcome these players into the Class of ’23 rankings.
Andre Davis Andre Davis 6'4" | 205 lbs | WR Blue Valley | 2023 State KS – Blue Valley, 6’4”, 205, WR
It’s almost as if Davis became a star overnight with how his recruitment has taken off following his impressive junior year. The ’21 season was the big-time wide out’s first year starting for Blue Valley, but his numbers didn’t look like a typical first year starter’s. Davis caught 53 passes for 883 yards and three scores. This led to a 6A All-State Honorable Mention nod and an All-EKL 2nd Team selection.
His play this year has caught the eye of multiple Division I schools, as he now holds offers from Iowa, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, and Minnesota. All of this has earned Davis a spot inside the Top 10 and he is now the No. 1 ranked receiver in the class.
John Niesen John Niesen 6'3" | 180 lbs | WR St. James Academy | 2023 State KS – St. James Academy, 6’3”, 180, WR
Up next is another talented receiver coming out of the EKL. Niesen makes his debut in the rankings at No. 23 and is the 3rd ranked wide out in the class after being one of the leading receivers in the state this season. In 2020, Niesen didn’t see many varsity snaps, but the ’21 season was a different story. He earned 1st Team 4A All-State honors and a 2nd Team All-EKL selection after hauling in 64 receptions for 1,275 yards and eight touchdowns.
The state champ came out of nowhere this year and became the No. 1 option in St. James’ passing game. His lengthy frame presents a big target out on the perimeter and he has a wide catch radius. Niesen displays a nice release off the line and is capable of beating corners in one-on-one coverage on vertical routes. He and Jackson House Jackson House 6'0" | 180 lbs | QB Dunham | 2023 State LA should once again be a dominant tandem during the ’22 season.
Malik O’Atis Malik O’Atis 5'10" | 170 lbs | RB Shawnee Mission NW | 2023 State KS – Shawnee Mission NW, 5’10”, 170, RB
The ’21 campaign was the year of the running back for the junior class, as there were several backs that put up some serious numbers. O’Atis for example, is a tailback that did everything for the Cougars this past season. The junior rushed for 859 yards with 17 touchdowns, racked up 697 yards receiving with six scores, and accumulated 366 return yards. This earned him two 1st Team selections for the 6A All-State Team and the All-Sunflower League Team.
There could be a debate that he is possibly the shiftiest player in the state. Just when defenders thought they took the right angle, O’Atis would embarrass them with a hard cut or spin move. His vision allows him to find cut back lanes, and he possesses great balance to rack up yards after contact. His outstanding season brings him into the rankings at No. 25.
Mason McGavran Mason McGavran 6'0" | 205 lbs | QB Olathe West | 2023 State KS – Olathe West, 6’1”, 185, QB
The junior class has quite a few talented arms in the rankings, but there are only a few legitimate dual-threat quarterbacks. McGavran falls into this category. After splitting time during 2020, McGavran helped take the Owls’ offense to new heights as the starter this year. The junior ended the season completing 90 of 146 passes for 1,326 yards with 15 touchdowns and rushed for 1,232 yards on 171 carriers with 15 scores. These numbers earned him a 6A All-State Honorable Mention nod and a 2nd Team All-Sunflower League selection.
He’s still developing as a passer, but he has shown that he’s capable of making on time throws and can extend plays with his legs. McGavran really hurts defenses on the ground though. He makes good decisions on zone reads and has the speed to get up field in a hurry.
Mikey Bergeron Mikey Bergeron 6'2" | 190 lbs | DB Mill Valley | 2023 State KS – Mill Valley, 6’2”, 180, DB
Coming in at No. 59 in the rankings is one of the top safeties from Class 5A. Bergeron played great in his first year starting for the state champs. He proved to be a leader for the Jaguars in the backend of their defense, as he went on to pick up 1st Team 5A All-State honors and a 1st Team All-Sunflower League selection. Bergeron finished the season first on the team in total tackles with 97 and added three pass breakups and two forced fumbles to his season totals.
Bergeron isn’t the typical safety that mainly stays over the top. He fits the mold of the modern safety that can line up at multiple spots. Mill Valley trusts him to come down and play in the box and to cover the slot. His long arms allow him to deflect passes and he’s shown that he is a sure tackler.
Cooper Zwart Cooper Zwart 6'5" | 290 lbs | OL Olathe West | 2023 State KS – Olathe West, 6’5”, 295, OL
Zwart joins his Olathe West teammate in this update, as he enters the rankings at No. 60 and is the 7th ranked offensive linemen in the class. The junior played a key role for an offensive line that helped produce over 2,800 yards on the ground. His efforts didn’t go unnoticed as he was a 1st Team All-Sunflower League selection, and he earned a 6A All-State Honorable Mention nod.
The first thing that will catch a recruiter’s eyes is Zwart’s collegiate level frame. His size already fits the mold of a tackle at the next level, and there’s a chance he might not be done growing. Zwart moves well for his size too, displaying quick footwork as soon as the ball is snapped.
Dalton Whitworth Dalton Whitworth 5'11" | 170 lbs | QB Rock Creek | 2023 State KS – Rock Creek, 5’11”, 160, QB
Whitworth is a small school signal caller that recruiters will want to know. The Rock Creek product had a dominate year coming out of the 3A ranks, which led to a 3A All-State Honorable Mention selection. He makes his debut in this update as the 10th ranked quarterback in the class and 61st ranked prospect overall. This comes after the junior threw for nearly 2,900 yards with 38 touchdown passes and had an additional 272 yards on the ground with four scores.
He showed a lot of confidence in the pocket this past season. Whitworth proved he could deliver throws under pressure and that he has a good sense of awareness. He’s decisive with his decision making and he makes the right reads in his progression.
Cooper Hajek Cooper Hajek 6'2" | 215 lbs | ATH Nemaha Central | 2023 State KS – Nemaha Central, 6’2”, 215, LB
Hajek is the second small school prospect highlighted in this piece. The junior is yet another talented linebacker from this class, as he makes his debut at No. 77 and is now the 10th ranked backer in the class. He ended his junior campaign as Central’s leader in total tackles with 73 on the season, and added two sacks, one interception, one forced fumble, and a pair of pass breakups to his stat line. Hajek’s play this season earned him a 2A All-State Honorable Mention nod and an All-Big 7 League Honorable Mention selection.
He possesses the necessary intangibles to become a solid linebacker at the next level. Hajek’s frame already fits the mold, but he also has the vision to go along with it. He does a great job of keeping his feet moving and can quickly identify the ball carrier. Hajek can work off blocks and he’s a heavy hitter once he meets a ball carrier one-on-one.