Class of ’24 Watch List
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Since we wrapped up the Class of ’23 rankings update in December, the focus has now shifted towards the next group of prospects. An update for the Class of ’24 has been long over due, as several prospects made an…
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Continue ReadingSince we wrapped up the Class of ’23 rankings update in December, the focus has now shifted towards the next group of prospects. An update for the Class of ’24 has been long over due, as several prospects made an impact during their sophomore year. The current rankings sit at 50 spots, but in this next update, the goal is to increase the rankings to 100 players.
Here’s a glimpse at five prospects that will be making their debuts in the update. Coming in are three prospects that played key roles offensively during their teams’ playoff run, and two linemen to keep an eye on from Class 4A. Be sure to see where these players land in the next update.
Tra Mack Tra Mack 5'11" | 155 lbs | QB Parsons | 2024 State KS – Parsons, 5’11”, 155, QB
Although the Vikings came up short during regionals, they still had an unbelievable turn around season. Mack was a big reason for their success during the ’21 campaign, as the sophomore put together a 3A All-State Honorable Mention year. He ended the year completing 54% of his passes and threw for 1,566 yards and 18 touchdowns, and helped lead Parsons to a 7-3 record.
His skills as a passer are still raw, but he displayed some impressive things during his first year under center. Mack has a strong arm for his size and does a good job of placing the ball where his receivers can make plays. He shows poise in the pocket and can make quick reads on RPO plays. Expect for him to take a big jump in his development as a junior.
Tanner Heckel Tanner Heckel 5'11" | 165 lbs | QB Lyndon | 2024 State KS – Inman, 5’9”, 165, ATH
The 2021 Inman squad had an abundance of talent on their roaster, and Heckel was a player that stood out on both sides of the ball during their incredible run. Heckel’s play at receiver and in the secondary earned him two 1stTeam 1A All-District 3 selections, and it also earned him two 1A All-State Honorable Mention selections.
Heckel was a player that the Teutons liked to get out in space because of his quickness. They would use him often on sweeps and bubble screens out of their hybrid flexbone offense. All Heckel needs is one block and then he does the rest with his vision and speed. He should see his role expand even more during his junior year.
Jeremy Schleicher Jeremy Schleicher 6'3" | 275 lbs | OL Bishop Miege | 2024 State KS – Bishop Miege, 6’3”, 280, OL
Next up is a young offensive lineman who’s recruitment could start heating up this year. Schleicher ended up being one of the top guards in Class 4A during his first season starting varsity for the Stags. He picked up a 1stTeam 4A All-State selection and a 2nd Team All-EKL selection for his play at left guard.
Schleicher was a part of an offensive line that helped manufacture over 4,500 yards of offense and 27 points per game against some tough competition. The sophomore already has a collegiate level frame and the strength to go along with it. He’s always looking for work in pass protection and he has a quick first step when run blocking.
Kainen White Kainen White 6'1" | 265 lbs | DL Field Kindley | 2024 State KS – Field Kindley, 6’1”, 265, DL
White is the second prospect from the trenches we’re highlighting in this piece. The sophomore stepped up in a big way during his first year starting. He ended the ’21 season with 45 total tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, one interception and one forced fumble. This earned him a 1st Team All-SEK League selection and a 4A All-State Honorable Mention nod. White also earned 1st Team All-League honors for his play at right guard.
Defensively, he demands a double team, and offensively he controls the line of scrimmage. White is consistent at keeping his pad level low on both sides of the ball and he uses his strength to his advantage. He has potential to be a force in Class 4A as he continues to develop over these next two years.
Michael Lopez Michael Lopez 5'7" | 150 lbs | WR Wichita NW | 2024 State KS – Wichita Northwest, 5’6”, 140, WR
Rounding off this first Watch List is a speedy slot receiver coming out of the Wichita area. The Grizzlies have developed yet another explosive playmaker for their high-octane offense. Lopez burnt defenses any chance he got the ball during 2021, as he went on to average nearly 18 yards per catch. He would finish his sophomore campaign hauling in 29 catches for 499 yards and four scores, which led to a 5A All-State Honorable Mention selection.
Lopez may not be an imposing figure, but he finds ways to make big plays. This past season he showed that he could turn a bubble screen into a 10-yard reception, and he was a deep threat down the middle of the field. While his explosiveness is impressive, an underrated aspect of his game is his blocking. He’s not afraid to take on bigger defenders and he displays solid fundamentals.