Playmakers to Know From the KC Area

Santino Bernal January 6, 2025 @ 09:13 AM

After covering pass-catchers and defensive backs the past few weeks, we'll be switching things up a bit in this next report. Instead of focusing on position groups, we're going to highlight several playmakers from the Kansas City metro and surrounding counties.   Folks that follow high school football in this area are likely familiar with the top recruits and storied programs. However, this region of the Sunflower State has historically been a hot bed for under the radar talent. The amount of ranked prospects from the area is a testament to that.   This current junior class for example has quality depth throughout the rankings. The prospects that are deeper in the rankings just need a little more exposure. These five juniors fall into that category. They each performed at a high-level in 2024 and should be candidates for an increase in rank during the next update.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class 4A</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='1228921' first='Jeremiah' last='Johnson'] – Bishop Miege, 5'10”, 170, ATH   This report begins with a long overdue introduction to rising two-way prospect, [player_tooltip player_id='1228921' first='Jeremiah' last='Johnson'] of Bishop Miege. Johnson was a part of the newcomers from the previous May update, and should be considered a stock riser after a strong '24 campaign. He contributed at receiver and safety, but defense is where he shined. At safety he recorded 31 total tackles, five interceptions, and four pass breakups. Despite seeing limited targets at receiver, Johnson managed to average just over 15 yards per catch. He'll be a key returning starter on defense for the Stags, and should see more production on offense with a few starters graduating this May.   [player_tooltip player_id='1403494' first='Shinji' last='Pollard'] – Piper, 5'9”, 165, DB   Piper's defense was tested often in 2024, and although the Pirates had their struggles, Pollard showed flashes of being a solid corner. Pollard has a knack for positioning himself to make momentum changing plays. His three interceptions and multiple fumble recoveries are evidence of that. He also takes good angles of pursuit to stop ball carriers, and displays good fundamentals in zone coverage. Pollard may not have received All-League honors as a junior, but look for him to be a candidate for the honor next season.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class 5A</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='1403499' first='Aden' last='Leftwich'] – Lansing, 6'1”, 220, DL   The Lansing Lions have some impressive starters returning for them this year. One was mentioned recently in a previous report, but Leftwich is another prospect to keep in mind during the 2025 season. Leftwich emerged as one of Lansing's top defenders this past season, and recevied All-League honors in the process. He ended his junior campaign with 60 total tackles, 17 tackles for loss, five sacks, and two forced fumbles. If he can replicate those numbers this year then he'll have a great shot at earning a 1st Team All-League selection and All-State honors.     <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class 6A</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='1343588' first='Tahj' last='Edwards'] – Lawrence 5'10”, 175, RB   Edwards is a back that folks need to be excited about next season. After rehabbing from an injury he sustained as a sophomore, Edwards put together a breakout junior season in 2024. He proved to be a dual-threat back for the Chesty Lions as he accumulated 968 yards from scrimmage and scored 12 total touchdowns. Edwards isn't necessarily a back that's going to beat defenses with his speed, but he does display a quick burst when hitting the hole, and he possesses the strength to fight through multiple tacklers. He has the potential to be an All-League caliber back during his senior year.   [player_tooltip player_id='1250383' first='Jack' last='Reeves'] – Shawnee Mission East, 6'0”, 185, ATH   Much like Johnson of Miege, this is also Reeves' first time being featured since joining the rankings. Reeves is also another junior from the Sunflower League that broke out in 2024. He took on a much larger role this past season, as he served as Shawnee Mission East's starting quarterback. In his first season starting under center Reeves helped lead the Lancers to five wins and accounted for over 1,700 yards of total offense and 22 total touchdowns. He's a dynamic athlete that's capable of putting together a monster senior campaign.

After covering pass-catchers and defensive backs the past few weeks, we'll be switching things up a bit in this next report. Instead of focusing on position groups, we're going to highlight several playmakers from the Kansas City metro and surrounding counties.