Around the Metro: 5 KC-Area RB’s Ready to Shine

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our preseason coverage of Kansas City metro prospects is nearing an end, as there's only a few more position groups left to preview before the start of the season. As we come down to the conclusion of the series folks should enjoy the next few groups we'll be focusing on. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This seventh installment of <em>‘Around the Metro'</em> takes a look at one of the more entertaining positions to scout at the high school level. The Sunflower State in general has produced some electrifying running backs over the years. Some of them coming from the northeast region of the state. While the metro doesn't always produce high-profile backs, the area traditionally is loaded with underrated talent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There's likely to be a number of seniors that receive offers, as well as juniors that surprise folks this season. This group of five is a perfect example. You won't want to miss a minute of action while these prospects are set to receive a handoff. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><span style="text-decoration: underline">Class of ‘25</span></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["352340"],"_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-66c2303401198"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Starting off first is [player_tooltip player_id='352340' first='Nate' last='Phillips'] of Shawnee Mission East. Phillips established himself as a go-to player for the Lancers in 2023, and should see his role expand as a senior. As a junior, Phillips finished the season second on the team in rushing with 414 yards on 103 carries. His contributions would earn him <em>All-League</em> honors. He's a physical runner and capable lead blocker with underrated pass catching skills.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1632544' first='Elzie' last='Slaughter']</strong> - St. Thomas Aquinas, 6'3”, 210, Unranked</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This next prospect isn't currently in our database, but come the next update, expect to see him as a newcomer. After capping off a strong junior campaign with a state title, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1632544' first='Elzie' last='Slaughter']</strong> landed on the radar of a few Division I programs. He's received slight interest from <em>Kansas State</em> and <em>Toledo</em>, and holds one offer from the <em>Black Knights of Army</em>. He ended the 2023 season as Aquinas' second leading rusher with 625 yards and averaged an impressive 8.9 yards per carry. Slaughter is a bruising runner that requires multiple defenders to bring him down, and possesses the size and athleticism to play multiple positions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><span style="text-decoration: underline">Class of ‘26</span></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Next up is a trio of juniors with the potential to become feature backs during the 2024 season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='780477' first='Blaise' last='Adger'] - Olathe North, 5'10”, 195</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The first of three is [player_tooltip player_id='780477' first='Blaise' last='Adger'] of Olathe North. The Eagles have had stability at running back the past two years, but with TJ Porter graduating this past spring, there's now a question mark at the position. Adger would be a great candidate for the job. Earning snaps as a sophomore for a powerhouse program like Olathe North isn't common. But Adger made the most of his limited touches and averaged 6.3 yards per carry. He's a hard runner with good vision and possesses a versatile skill set. It'll be interesting to see how the Eagles utilize him this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1310981' first='Reggie' last='Reece'] - Mill Valley, 6'2”, 205</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1310981' first='Reggie' last='Reece'] shares a few of the same characteristics as <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1632544' first='Elzie' last='Slaughter']</strong>. Reece has a comparable frame, standing at 6-foot-2, 205 pounds, and displays a similar running style. In addition, Reece is also on the radar of a few Division I programs, as he's received game day invites from <em>Iowa State</em> and <em>Kansas State</em>. He debuted in the Top 50 in the latest Class of ‘26 Rankings and is likely to climb higher in the next update with a breakout season on the horizon. Reece possesses all the necessary intangibles to be Mill Valley's new starting running back. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1306210' first='Angelo' last='Keuwo'] - BVSW, 5'9”, 165</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last but certainly not least is arguably the most explosive running back from this group. [player_tooltip player_id='1306210' first='Angelo' last='Keuwo'] was another newcomer in the previous Class of ‘26 update. Much like Reece, Keuwo is another prospect capable of rising quickly. The Blue Valley Southwest product received playing time in some lopsided games last season and proved to be a dangerous ball carrier. He only received 34 carries but managed to post an explosive 9.3 yards per rush. Good luck to defenses containing his big-play ability this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->