Playmakers to Know From the KC Area: Part II

Santino Bernal January 9, 2025 @ 06:24 AM

Here's some news that might intrguige folks around the Prep Redzone Kansas community. Our staff is anticipating the next Class of '26 rankings update to be published on Tuesday, January 21.   While it will be exciting to welcome in another group of talented newcomers, folks shouldn't overlook current members in the rankings. There are plenty that haven't received the recognition they truly deserve after an impressive '24 campaign. The same is true for these five juniors.   This next group of playmakers from the Kansas City metro and surrounding counties features a nice blend of offensive and defensive prospects. There's a pair of defensive backs, two athletic 6A prospects, and a rising offensive lineman out of the Frontier League. Yes, linemen can be playmakers too. Be sure to see where they land in the next Class of ‘26 update.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class 4A</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='1228928' first='Gavin' last='Rhoads'] – Tonganoxie, 6'4”, 280, OL, Class of ‘26   Typically skill position players are the ones labeled as playmakers. There's a case for certain linemen to fall into that category as well, and Rhoads of Toganoxie is one of them. The Chieftains' run heavy offense allows Rhoads to dish out some devistating pancakes upon on the opposition. He's much more than just muscle though. Rhoads is capable of playing multiple positions along the offensive line, and possesses nimble footwork when pulling. He does look more comfortable at guard, and given his frame, that would be a perfect fit for him at the next level. The 6-foot-4 junior also has tons of experience, as the '25 campaign will be his fourth season starting.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class 5A</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='1113477' first='Cole' last='Hofer'] – Basehor-Linwood, 6'0”, 170, DB, Class of ‘26   Basehor-Linwood had a formidable secondary in 2024. While that group is graduating a few pieces this spring, Basehor will still be able to rely on Hofer next season. He stepped up for the Bobcats during his junior year, as he contributed at both corner and safety. Hofer finished his junior campaign with 26 total tackles, a pair of interceptions and pass breakups, and two fumble recoveries. He has the potential to be one of the top DB's in the United Kansas Conference during the '25 campaign.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class 6A</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='479568' first='Kavon' last='Price'] – Lawrence, 5'10”, 180, WR, Class of ‘26   Lawrence High's starting tailback received some recognition earlier this week, but their roster has many more playmakers to look forward to next season. After an encouraging '24 campaign, Price is another Chesty Lion to be excited about. The best way to describe Price's game is explosive, as he's coming off a season where he averaged nearly 20 yards per catch. Despite finishing with just 19 receptions, Price accumulated 376 yards and three scores. He's a wideout with huge upside and is sure to put folks on notice this year.   [player_tooltip player_id='1401805' first='Ethan' last='Prescott'] – Free State, 6'2”, 200, DB, Class of ‘26   On the otherside of town in Lawrence is a safety that will look to make things difficult for Price and the Chesty Lions this fall. Prescott was an unsung hero to a defense that boasted multiple D-I level prospects. He made several plays in the back end of Free State's defense, and did a lot of things that don't necessarily show up in the box score. The 6-foot-2 safety ended his junior season with 51 total tackles, seven pass breakups, and two tackles for loss. Look for Prescott to be one of the Firebirds' top defenders next season.   [player_tooltip player_id='1402690' first='Kaleb' last='Peterson'] – BVNW, 6'3”, 225, ATH, Class of ‘26   Peterson of Blue Valley Northwest wraps up this second group of playmakers. Peterson put together a strong season on both sides of the trenches in 2024. He received 6A All-State honors for his play on the defensive line, and he was an All-League Honorable Mention pick for his play on the offensive line. His versatility and frame are very similar to his older brother's when he was in high school. Kaleb's older brother is currently a D-I athlete, and if Kaleb continues progressing at a high level, then he could potentially go down a similar path.

Here's some news that might intrguige folks around the Prep Redzone Kansas community. Our staff is anticipating the next Class of '26 rankings update to be published on Tuesday, January 21.