Around the Metro: KC-Area ATH’s Ready for ‘24 Campaign

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While Kansas is loaded with quality prospects throughout, there's no denying the Kansas City metro is traditionally a hot bed for top talent. This year is no different.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Prep Redzone Kansas community is likely familiar with a number of the metro's top prospects ahead of the ‘24 campaign, but there's many more to lookout for this fall. The <em>‘Around the Metro'</em> series is aimed to highlight prospects from KCK, Olathe, and even extending out to Lawrence. This series will give a breakdown of each position group, and will feature players from each graduating class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We'll be kicking off the series with arguably the most dynamic position group for high school prospects. Being classified as an athlete is a huge compliment. It's typically a player that wears multiple hats and is relied on heavily in weekly game plans. Here's a look at five prospects that fit this description. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["911401"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66a82f27454ca"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We begin with 6-foot-3, 220-pound [player_tooltip player_id='911401' first='Merak' last='Greinert'] of Olathe Northwest. What's not to like about a prospect with his size and versatility? The possibilities are truly endless with him. Greinert previously received praise back in March for his ability as a dual-threat quarterback, and rightfully so considering he earned <em>All-League</em> honors for his play as a junior. But, this summer he's even shown promise as a pass-catcher. Defensively, he has solid tape at safety; but given his frame, coaches at the next level could have him transition to linebacker. No matter where Greinert lines up, he's bound to have success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1123757"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66a82f274552c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Up next is arguably one of the fastest prospects from the Sunflower League. [player_tooltip player_id='1123757' first='Tevyn' last='Gasaway']'s yards per reception from 2023 may not reflect it, but this young man fits the mold of a legit deep-threat. His lengthy 6-foot-4 frame and 10.77 100-meter dash time make him a matchup nightmare for just about any opposing secondary. Speaking of secondary, although Gasaway doesn't have much film at defensive back, his physical traits alone could make him a solid corner or safety. With an expanded role this season, the senior could make some major noise.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1287315"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66a82f274556f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The buzz surrounding this third player is continuing to grow ahead of the 2024 campaign. After putting together multiple standout performances during camp season, [player_tooltip player_id='1287315' first='Joshua' last='Galbreath'] picked up Power 5 offers from <em>Iowa State</em>, <em>Kansas</em>, <em>Kansas State</em>, and <em>Nebraska</em>. The multi-sport athlete is capable of being an exceptional two-way player, but seems to be drawing the most interest for his play at outside linebacker. He'll have the opportunity to establish himself as one of the top prospects in the Class of ‘26 this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1113445"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66a82f27455ac"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1113445' first='Nate' last='Martin'] of Basehor-Linwood is currently grouped with the linebackers in our rankings. This however could change after the ‘24 campaign. The Bobcats graduated several impact players on both sides of the ball this past spring, which gives Martin a golden opportunity to become a standout two-way player. Martin showed flashes of that potential during his sophomore year; taking home <em>All-League</em> honors at defensive back, and contributed as a return man and receiver. Don't be surprised to see him have a breakout junior year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["944900"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66a82f27455e7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Our fifth and final prospect from this report is possibly the most intriguing of the bunch. [player_tooltip player_id='944900' first='Will' last='Davis Jr.'] is the lone sophomore in this group, and while his future may be on the hardwood, the young man has undeniable promise on the gridiron as well. Immediately after viewing Davis' film, a name of a former Kansas prep star came to mind. Willie Cauley-Stein ultimately made his way to the NBA, but while in high school, he was an exciting wide-out that could stretch the field and was a go-to target in the redzone. If Davis continues to develop, he could potentially become a dangerous pass-catcher as well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->