Class of ‘26 January Update: KC Area Additions

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our staff has wasted no time to provide excellent coverage for the latest Class of '26 rankings update. The stock risers of this update have been revealed, and folks in the Prep Redzone Kansas community have been introduced to several newcomers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The hotbed that is the Kansas City metro and surrounding counties was once again well represented. Nineteen of the more than 80 newcomers represented this part of the state. Some were featured earlier this week, and I'll be highlighting even more over the next few days. We'll start with a look at this group of five.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1599043' first='Devin' last='Foster'] – Lawrence 6'2”, 245, DL</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Of this group of five, Foster came in with the highest debut. Foster cracked the Top 150 as he debuted at No. 122 overall and is the 10th ranked player at his position. He was a <em>Third Team All-League</em> selection after recording 42 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, and two forced fumbles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1585168' first='Mason' last='VonFeldt'] – Shawnee Mission West, 5'8”, 160, ATH</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>VonFeldt nearly joined Foster inside the Top 150 as he checked in at No. 153 overall. His versatility earned him playing time at multiple positions during the '24 campaign. Wide receiver is where VonFeldt saw the most action, but he also took snaps at quarterback and even carried the ball a few times. He has the potential to emerge as Shawnee Mission West's top offensive weapon next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1566699' first='Jason' last='Brendel Jr.'] – Blue Valley, 5'7”, 185, LB</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coming in just four spots behind VonFeldt is Brendel Jr. of Blue Valley. Brendel Jr. is a good student that is invovled in multiple extracurricular activities and is also a member of Blue Valley's wrestling team. He's the type of player that leads by example and showcases great physicality. The Blue Valley product debuted as the 20th ranked line backer in the class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1556324' first='Logan' last='Chandler'] – Blue Valley NW, 5'10”, 150, WR</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chanlder made his way into the rankings after putting together a breakout season in 2024. He finished his junior season as Blue Valley Northwest's third leading receiver, but really came on strong toward the end of the '24 campaign. His <em>All-League</em> caliber season earned him a spot in the rankings at No. 168 overall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1598862' first='Syre' last='Padilla'] – Gardner-Edgerton, 6'2”, 195, RB</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We close this report out with a running back that needs to be on everyone's radar next season. Padilla was a key piece for Gardner-Edgerton during their 2024 state title run. His outstanding play during his junior season earned him a <em>1</em><em>st</em><em> Team 6A All-State</em> selection and a <em>2</em><em>nd</em><em> Team All-League</em> selection. With the Trailblazers graduating their star quartback, look for Padilla to become the focal point of their offense this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->