Around the Metro: 8 Promising Pass Catchers

The anticipation for the 2024 campaign is growing by the day. Prospects across Kansas officially got back in the swing of things as they completed their first full week of practice. Which means it's time to conclude our preseason coverage of the ‘Around the Metro' series.   This series has been a great opportunity to feature over 35 prospects from the Kansas City area and surrounding counties. We've had the pleasure to preview unranked players, upperclassmen deserving of more coverage, and even highlight a few underclassmen. Needless to say, there's no shortage of talent in the northeast region of the state.   Our final position group in the series is another fan favorite, and is a position that's consistently producing talent. With offensive schemes in the metro trending more toward a pass-first approach, the roles of receivers and tight ends have expanded significantly. Their route trees and responsibilities have grown, which has led to serious interest from several recruiters. Here are eight pass catchers that are sure to put on a show this season.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class of ‘25</h2>    This first pass catcher hasn't been properly introduced to the Prep Redzone Kansas community. [player_tooltip player_id='1237992' first='Mason' last='Schlittenhard'] of Olathe Northwest made his debut in the July update as the 25th ranked wideout in the class. He established himself as Northwest's No. 1 receiver last year, which resulted in an All-League Honorable Mention nod. Schlittenhard isn't necessarily a wideout that will beat defensive backs with his speed, but he is tough after the catch.    Jz Kelley - Atchison, 6'2”, 160, WR, Unranked   There's much to like about this next receiver. Jz Kelley of Atchison burned secondaries on multiple occasions last season. As a junior, Kelley averaged a whopping 24 yards per catch, as he hauled in 21 passes for 512 yards. His ability to stretch the field and high point the ball makes him one of the most dangerous wideouts in Class 4A. Kelley is currently on the radar of multiple NAIA programs, and could draw even more interest with another strong year.   [player_tooltip player_id='1429036' first='Parker' last='Chase'] - St. James Academy, 6'1”, 185, WR, Unranked   Another unranked senior from Class 4A to keep track of this season is [player_tooltip player_id='1429036' first='Parker' last='Chase']. He led the St. James Thunder in receiving during his junior year with 37 receptions for 493 yards and four scores. Chase is a solid route runner, possesses soft hands, and is a capable blocker in the run game. He's St. James' top returning offensive weapon, which could mean a big year is on the horizon for the 6-foot-1 wideout.   [player_tooltip player_id='1311588' first='Andrew' last='Watts'] - Mill Valley, 5'8”, 175, WR   Andrew “Andy” Watts is arguably the top playmaker from this group. Due to Mill Valley dominating their competition on the ground last season, Watts' targets were limited. But when the ball was in his hands, Watts was like lighting in a bottle. His dynamic play allows Mill Valley to line him up all over the field. In addition, he's capable of breaking off big gains as a return man. He'll be an exciting player to watch this fall.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class of ‘26</h2>    The trio of juniors in this report is headlined by [player_tooltip player_id='810275' first='Ayden' last='McGibboney'] of Blue Valley Northwest. McGibboney has been generating some buzz ahead of his junior season. He's recently received game day invitations from programs such as Bowling Green, Kansas State, and Miami University (OH). He's a player that should see more targets this season, and could see time at both receiver and tight end.    [player_tooltip player_id='1402667' first='Ziah' last='Hill'] - Blue Valley North, 6'3”, 185, WR/TE, Unranked   [player_tooltip player_id='1402667' first='Ziah' last='Hill'] is another prospect capable of playing receiver and tight end. He didn't see much time at the varsity level a year ago, but he did put together quality film. He's more of a possession receiver, and proved to be a reliable option in the intermediate passing game. Hill worked hard this offseason to fine tune his skills, competing at a few college camps during the summer. He's a prospect to be optimistic about in the future, as he still has plenty of room to grow. Hill may not start immediately this season, but he could contribute in some capacity.   [player_tooltip player_id='904438' first='Wyatt' last='Hendricks'] - Lawrence, 6'3”, 230, TE   [player_tooltip player_id='904438' first='Wyatt' last='Hendricks'] of Lawrence High possesses the size and physicality to be an exceptional tight end. Hendricks played sparingly at the varsity level last season, but was able to showcase his run blocking. This season could be a different story for the 6-foot-3, 230-pound prospect. He's likely to compete for a starting job and could be utilized in Lawrence's passing game.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class of ‘28</h2>    This last prospect featured in the ‘Around the Metro' series has star potential. When the first Class of 2028 Rankings are published, [player_tooltip player_id='1083570' first='Baron' last='Marshall'] should be one of the top-ranked players in the class. The 6-foot-3, 175-pound freshman is way ahead of the curve for his development. His route running and body control does not look like the average freshman. He'll be attending Blue Valley Northwest, and could potentially see the varsity field in his first high school season.

The anticipation for the 2024 campaign is growing by the day. Prospects across Kansas officially got back in the swing of things as they completed their first full week of practice. Which means it's time to conclude our preseason coverage of the ‘Around the Metro' series.