Part 2 of the second-annual KansasGridiron Top 25 is here! A countdown of the best from the Kansas high school ranks, we have spent countless hours debating the top college football prospects in the Sunflower State. Now that the hard work is over, the fun part begins!
Today, we announce the next five players that have been selected to the Top 25. After publishing a few free stories in conjunction with Part 1, we are giving our subscribers the kind of in-depth analysis only available at KansasGridiron and on the Rivals Network.
Without further delay, lets get one with the countdown. Share your thoughts on The Gridiron message board, and let us know who you think should be among the Top 25 prospects in Kansas.
Number 20: Cooper Root - Wichita Collegiate
Root is a two-way standout for the Spartans, making plays at both tight end and linebacker. In 2015, he caught nine passes for 139 yards and four touchdowns, along with 78 tackles, and five tackles for loss. Root was named First Team Kansas Class 3A All-State as a junior, also earning First Team All-Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League Division IV honors, and a spot on the Wichita All-Metro squad.
Root was in Kansas City for the Rivals Camp Series event in May, and he didn't disappoint. The athletic, 6-foot-3, 215-pound defender earned LB MVP honors, showing the speed and change of direction that made him the backbone of the Collegiate defense. With interest from both Kansas, Kansas State, Colorado State, and a number of FBS programs, Root is looking to land his first Division I offer with a big senior season.
Number 19: Peerlus Walker - Derby
Walker was a key piece of Derby's run to the Class 6A State Championship. Waging a one-man war on the stat sheet, the Panthers defensive lineman made 63 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, 16 QB hurries, 7.5 sacks, and four batted passes. He also intercepted a pass that he returned for a touchdown, and averaged 32 yards per kickoff return as a junior. An All-USA Kansas Team selection, Walker earned First Team All-State and All-Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League Division I honors, taking home the AVCTL-I Defensive MVP award, and was an All-Metro pick in Wichita.
Walker's HUDL clips are some of the most eye-popping of any prospect in Kansas for 2017. A 6-foot-2, 275-pound defensive lineman fielding a kickoff isn't something you see everyday. Watching a legitimate athlete of that size race around and through would-be tacklers, throw a pair of nasty stiff-arms, and rumble 64-yards makes you sit up and take notice. Seeing him return two more kicks, intercept a screen pass, and return it for a score, it's obvious head coach Brandon Clark has one of the most intriguing defensive line prospects in the state.
Number 18: William Evans - Blue Valley
Evans is one of the best running backs in Kansas. The Tigers junior totaled 998 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns in 2015, earning Second Team All-Eastern Kansas League honors as he helped power head coach Eric Driskell's squad to the Class 6A title game.
At 6-feet tall, and weighing in at 207-pounds, Evans is a good blend of speed and athleticism, capable of running through tacklers, or running away from them. He shows he can play through contact, bouncing off defenders on the way to the end zone, and poses a threat as a receiver, making several tough catches in traffic. He is drawing interest from several programs, including FCS power Northern Iowa, and Division II juggernaut Northwest Missouri State. Following his breakout 2015 season with a big senior year could be the key to Evans recruitment.
Number 17: Sammy Wheeler - St. James
Wheeler committed to Kansas State in July, just days after landing his first Division I offer from the Wildcats. The St. James QB might be the toughest call of any prospect on the KansasGridiron Top 25, as he saw so little field time at his primary position for the Thunder in 2015. The 6-foot-4, 200-pound passer logged at least one attempt in every game last season, completing 21 of 37 for 328 yards and three TDs. Also contributing at receiver, Wheeler caught four passes for 51 yards and a score.
A big, strong-armed passer, Wheeler flashed his skills on the spring 7-on-7 circuit with Epic 7 Midwest. Though listed as a pro-style QB, Wheeler poses a threat to defenses with his feet. After running a 4.65-second 40-yard dash at K-State over the summer, the Cats had seen enough to believe he could play in an offense that relies heavily on the QB run game. With St. James moving into the EKL this season, Wheeler will get an opportunity to prove his mettle against some of the top defenses in the state.
Number 16: Kai Lemons - Derby
Lemons proved to be one of the most dangerous deep threats in the Sunflower State in 2015. The 6-foot, 180-pound wide receiver helped Derby to the 6A State Championship with 23 receptions for 636 yards and 10 TD. He was a Second Team All-Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League Division I selection, and was Honorable Mention Class 6A All-State.
Lemons showed he could take the top off of a defense with his speed, averaging more than 27 yards per catch as a junior. He consistently demonstrated the ability to beat teams over the top, showing his ability to separate from defensive backs and haul in the deep ball, as well as the quickness to turn a short throw into a big gain. The Panthers receiver showed he can make plays against some of the region's top prospects, as a good day at the Rivals Camp Series event in Kansas City put his speed to the test. With interest from programs in the Big Ten, Big 12, and SEC, college coaches are paying close attention to Lemons in 2016.