Wichita’s top 100 high school football players: Meet the area’s best of 2020
High school football returns to Wichita Thursday.
With so much anticipation surrounding the 2020 season in Kansas, here is a look at the top 100 players around the area.
1. Lem Wash, Derby, QB/RB, Sr.
One of three returning All-Metro selections, Wash was one of the biggest reasons for Derby’s second straight undefeated title-winning season last year. He holds offers from Missouri State, Washburn and several Kansas junior colleges.
2. Kyle Haas, Maize, LB/DL, Sr.
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Haas is verbally pledged to Oklahoma State for wrestling, but he has a high football ceiling, too. He can play several positions on defense and is maybe the last player in Kansas you’d want to take a hit from. He earned All-Metro honors in 2019.
3. Eli Rowland, Andale, RB/DB, Sr.
Rowland was instrumental to bringing a state championship back to Andale last season. A smooth gliding running and ball-hawking cornerback, he will be the foundation for the Indians if they are to repeat this year.
4. Daylan Jones, Wichita East, WR, Sr.
Jones became known for his jaw-dropping highlight reel catches last season. With outstanding bounce and good straight line speed, he will give defenses fits on the outside of given the green light to play.
5. Tyson Struber, Canton-Galva, WR/DB, Jr.
There is a case that he is the best 8-man player in Kansas. Just north of Wichita, Canton-Galva is coming off a state title, and Struber is its best player. He holds offers from Kansas State and Kansas.
6. Zac Daher, Wichita Northwest, DL, Sr.
Northwest has become a machine for churning out Division I talent, and Daher is next along the defensive line. At 6-foot-4, 240 pounds, he holds 19 D-I offers.
7. Noah Bolticoff, Rose Hill, OL, Sr.
Like Daher, Bolticoff is a Division I dream. A 6-5, 275-pound tackle, he is pledged to TCU, following former Rose Hill star Blaize Foltz.
8. Todric McGee, Wichita Northwest, DB, Sr.
McGee works in tandem with the player below him on this list. Together in the secondary, they dare quarterbacks to throw their way.
9. Wetu Kalomo, Wichita Northwest, DB, Sr.
Kalomo was a welcome surprise last season. It seemed he had at least one interception every night. He and McGee hold several Division I interests.
10. Tanner Cash, Clearwater, QB, Sr.
Clearwater seems poised for an outstanding season behind its do-it-all quarterback. Cash is a dual-threat who will be called upon to lead the Indians in 2020.
11. Jack Hileman, Derby, LB, Sr.
When it comes to football IQ, Hileman and the player below him are at the top of the list in the Wichita area. Both possess incredible instincts and awareness.
12. Kendall Norrod, Maize, LB, Sr.
Norrod, like Hileman, is a bit of an undersized linebacker. But for what they lack in size, they gain in experience and intellect. Norrod will be Maize’s defensive leader.
13. Alex Key, Derby, OL, Jr.
Alex Conn was Derby’s Division I offensive lineman last year. Key is next. Only a junior at 6-3, 270 pounds, he is superb with two full seasons to go.
14. Aiden Niedens, Bishop Carroll, QB, Sr.
Niedens has been the Carroll quarterback for years now, but his senior season might go down as his best. The Golden Eagles have a brutal schedule, but Niedens has seen it all.
15. Tanner Knox, Derby, DB, Sr.
Knox will have an All-Metro shout this season. A shadow from the safety spot, he has great anticipation of throws along with great tackling ability.
16. Jacob Younkman, Wichita Northwest, LB, Sr.
Younkman is another Northwest star with a Division I offer, this one to Valparaiso. He has been a rock on the Grizzlies’ defense for years.
17. Isaiah Maikori, Andover, DB, Sr.
Maikori has one of the highest football ceilings in the Wichita area. His athletic ability is tough to match in Kansas, and he will be a big reason for the Trojans’ success.
18. Julius Bolden, Wichita Northwest, RB, Sr.
With a top 11 player at quarterback last year, Bolden — another Division I prospect — had to split a lot of carries. If he gets the chance to compete, his production will spike.
19. Nate Harding, Maize, OL, Sr.
Harding holds offers from Independence and Butler County community colleges. A multi-year starter and great long snapper, he has a lot to offer.
20. Kyler Semrad, Goddard, QB, Sr.
Semrad suffered a season-ending injury early in 2019, but he is back. Goddard may find Class 5A more difficult to contend, but with Semrad at quarterback, the Lions have a shot.
21. Jonas Vickers, Derby, OL, Jr.
Like Key - his fellow junior lineman, Vickers has Division I written all over him. His size, strength and speed will give the Panthers’ play-makers plenty of time.
22. Cayden Winter, Andale, OL/DL, Sr.
Winter has been a rock at Andale for years, and in his senior season, he is looking to help repeat as state champions. He is the key to a lot of what the Indians want to do.
23. Brandon Bowles, Maize South, LB, Sr.
Bowles is maybe the most underrated athlete in the Wichita area. An All-State linebacker and state qualifying swimmer, his instincts and power are off the charts.
24. Ben Purvis, Bishop Carroll, OL, Sr.
Purvis and the player below him on this list may be the biggest reasons for Carroll’s success in 2020. The Eagles’ offensive line will be of vital importance.
25. Gabe Havlovic, Bishop Carroll, OL, Sr.
Purvis and Havlovic have Division I potential and have interests from several universities. Together, they will pave the way for a playoff run.
26. Nathan Carter, Wichita Northwest, DL, Jr.
Carter is the third in a long line of brothers to come through Northwest. If he gets the chance to play, he should make a big leap in year No. 3.
27. Davin Simms, Wichita Northwest, WR, Sr.
Simms made the transfer from Derby to Northwest for his senior season. He has amazing quickness and speed.
28. Josh Sanders, Maize, RB, Sr.
Like Simms, Sanders transferred for his final season (from Heights to Maize). He is a well-rounded back.
29. John Randle, Heights, RB, So.
Randle is one of the top 50 sophomores in the country, according to 247 Sports. He comes from a successful athletics family.
30. Cory Akins, Derby, DB, Jr.
Akins will turn into one of the best defensive backs in Kansas over the next two seasons. He is projected to earn Division I offers.
31. Colin Shields, Maize South, QB, Sr.
Shields holds the keys to the Maize South offense. He is a powerful quarterback with ability to escape, too.
32. Avery Johnson, Maize, QB, So.
Johnson takes the reigns at Maize High. He came in as relief last season and proved his spot on this list as one of the top rising athletes.
33. Dylan Edwards, Derby, RB, So.
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Edwards has 4.4-second 40-yard dash speed. Pairing him with the No. 1 player in the area will give teams nightmares.
34. Quentin Saunders, Wichita West, LB/RB, Jr.
Saunders is a Swiss Army Knife for West. One of the top overall athletes in the Wichita area, he is a two-time wrestling champion.
35. Lance Hoffsommer, Sedgwick, QB, Jr.
Playing at a Class 1A program, Hoffsommer has 6A talent in his arm. He and the Cardinals are strong contenders for a state title.
36. Reid Liston, Derby, WR, Sr.
Liston will provide the experience in a relatively young receiving corps. He has quarterback ability as well.
37. Luke Stewart, Derby, LB, Sr.
Stewart and the player below him make up one of the strongest linebacker duos in the area. Along with Jack Hileman, the Panthers’ defense should be solid in the middle.
38. Coleson Syring, Derby, LB, Sr.
Syring hasn’t lost a football game since before his brother graduated from Derby. The Panthers are simply made up of winners.
39. Caden Parthemer, Andale, LB, Sr.
Along with Winter on the defensive side of the ball, Parthemer is looking to carry on last year’s record-setting tradition.
40. Ethan Stuhlsatz, Kapaun Mt. Carmel, DB, Sr.
Stuhlsatz will be the leader of the Kapaun defense. He holds several junior college offers.
41. Eli Wiseman, Belle Plaine, DB, Sr.
Wiseman is one of the shortest players in Kansas, but his motor runs high. He is lightning in a bottle on both sides of the ball.
42. Rhett Brown, Goddard, OL, Sr.
A powerlifting state champion, Brown - at 6-3, 285 pounds - will be the anchor of the Goddard offensive line.
43. Braydon Wickliffe, Goddard, DL, Jr.
If Brown is the key on offense, Wickliffe is the answer on the defensive line.
44. Hunter Trail, Bishop Carroll, RB, Sr.
Trail is perhaps the strongest running back in the Wichita area.
45. Noah Meyer, Andale, QB/RB, Sr.
Taking over at quarterback for a three-sport All-Metro selection won’t be easy, but Meyer has experience.
46. Nathan Hale, Wichita Northwest, DL, Sr.
Hale is one of three outstanding defensive linemen at Northwest.
47. Mason Ross, Wichita Northwest, TE/QB, Sr.
Ross holds several offers from different levels. He has skills as a quarterback and receiving tight end.
48. Anthony Hays, Garden Plain, LB, Sr.
Hays was an unanimous All-League selection last year and will be key for the Owls.
49. Darius Cooper, Wichita East, LB, Sr.
Cooper transferred from Northwest to East for his senior season and holds a Division II offer.
50. Ashton Ngo, Andover, LB, Sr.
Ngo is one of the best tacklers in the area as a state qualifying wrestler.
Also keep an eye on ...
51. Chandler Goodnight, Andover, LB, Jr.
52. Ely Wilcox, Augusta, DB/WR, Sr.
53. Jacob Rees, Andover Central, RB/LB, Sr.
54. Hunter Niemann, Maize South, RB, Sr.
55. A.J. King, Wichita East, WR, Sr.
56. Nick Hogan, Eisenhower, WR/TE/QB, Sr.
57. Mason Turney, Eisenhower, WR, Sr.
58. Doug Grider, Halstead, OL/LB, Sr.
59. Kenny Fehrman, Wellington, DL, Sr.
60. Amare Ramirez, Derby, DB, Sr.
61. Jayton Alexander, McPherson, DB, Sr.
62. Brycen Lebertew, McPherson, LB, Sr.
63. Sam Elliott, Buhler, RB/LB, Jr.
64. Oscar Gallardo, Bishop Carroll, WR, Sr.
65. Taviahn Mack, Arkansas City, DL, Jr.
66. Caquoy Patterson, Wichita East, WR, Jr.
67. Kaleb Coleman, Wichita Northwest, WR, Sr.
68. Logan Bolinger, Maize South, OL/DL, Sr.
69. Aaron Powell, McPherson, WR, Sr.
70. Rian Green, Wichita West, DB, Sr.
71. Michael Fair, Collegiate, QB, Sr.
72. Mason Ellis, Mulvane, WR/QB, Jr.
73. Tiger Jones, Kapaun Mt. Carmel, WR, Sr.
74. Dylan Conn, Derby, OL, Jr.
75. Drew Daniels, Andover Central, OL, Jr.
76. Jonah Scott, McPherson, OL, Sr.
77. Jackson Bradley, Campus, LB/FB, Sr.
78. Brody Hillman, Cheney, LB/RB, Sr.
79. Logan Bartlett, Cheney, WR/DB, Sr.
80. Cole Herman, Halstead, OL/DL, Sr.
81. Daeonte Mitchell, Wichita East, QB, Fr.
82. Max Shannon, Arkansas City, OL/DL, Sr.
83. Harrison Voth, Cheney, QB/WR, Jr.
84. Jonathan Wright, Conway Springs, LB/DB, Sr.
85. Jake Engelbrecht, Andale, LB/FB, Sr.
86. Henry Burns, Sedgwick, WR/DB, Sr.
87. Peyton Wiechman, Maize South, DL, Sr.
88. Eli Aouad, Andale, DL, Sr.
89. Marion Ponds, Valley Center, DB/RB, Sr.
90. Beau Grant, Maize South, OL, Sr.
91. De’Andre Hudson, Wichita Southeast, OL, Sr.
91. Ryan Andrews, Augusta, RB, Sr.
92. Adam Shipp, Wichita South, LB, Sr.
93. Braeylyn Jay, Campus, DB, Jr.
94. Tobi Osunsanmi, Wichita East, RB/DB, Jr.
95. Cade Gatschet, Bishop Carroll, DB, Sr.
96. Harper Kennedy, Maize South, LB, Sr.
97. Josh Sparks, Andover, LB, Sr.
98. Bryson Evans, Rose Hill, QB, Sr.
99. Kevyan Stallings, Wichita Northwest, OL, Jr.
100. Carson Arndt, Wichita Northwest, K, Sr.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREThe selection process
Preps reporter Hayden Barber selected these players based on questionnaires sent to coaches, last year’s performances and his own personal evaluation and knowledge of Wichita area high school athletics.
This story was originally published September 1, 2020 at 12:57 PM.