Playmakers to Know From the KC Area: Part III

We're now seven days away from the first Class of '26 rankings update of 2025. There's some anticipation with this update. It'll showcase whose stocks are soaring after the '24 campaign, and which prospects to look out for ahead of this summer.   Quite a few of the current members have been previewed ahead of the update, with many of those prospects hailing from the Kansas City metro. This has been the area of focus lately, as I've been highlighting some overlooked Class of '26 playmakers from the metro. So far 10 have been featured, but there's plenty more to shed light on.   This third part has a heavy dose of Class 5A and 6A prospects. Each of these players put together an impressive junior campaign while competing in two of the more difficult leagues in the state. All five are sure to be key leaders for their respective teams next season.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Defensive Linemen</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='1228925' first='Hayden' last='Heller'] – Mill Valley, 6'0”, 255, DL   It's a shame when injuries cut a prospect's season short. However, every setback is followed by a comeback, and Heller is sure to comeback in a big way next season. Even though his '24 campaign was a five game sample size, there was much to be encouraged about moving forward. Through those five games Heller recorded 24 total tackles and 2.5 sacks. Despite the small sample size, his performance was enough to earn him All-League honors and a 5A All-State Honorable Mention nod. With a fully healthy season this fall; Heller is capable of wreaking havoc on opposing 5A offenses.   [player_tooltip player_id='904473' first='Brock' last='Rider'] – Shawnee Mission East, 6'1”, 275, DL   Another defensive tackle that disrupted Sunflower League offenses this past season was Rider of SME. He's a high-energy player that attacks his opposition at 100 mph each play. Much like Heller, Rider also received All-League and All-State honors. This recognition came after he posted 30 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, and two sacks during his junior season. Rider's play has gotten the attention of a few recruiters, but with a strong senior year, several more are sure to come calling.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Athletes</h2>    [player_tooltip player_id='1402678' first='Sam' last='Simmons'] – Olathe North, 5'9”, 160, ATH   Playmakers and Olathe North simply go together like peanut butter and jelly. The Eagles' program has a rich history of developing dynamic athletes, and that trend has no signs of stopping with prospects like Simmons emerging. He became a key two-way starter for Olathe North during the '24 campaign, but it was at receiver where he truly excelled. Simmons led the Eagles with 43 receptions for 500 yards and six touchdowns, which earned him All-League and All-State honors. Defensively, Simmons racked up 27 total tackles, two interceptions, two pass breakups, and one interception returned for a score. Look for him to build on his breakout year this offseason.   [player_tooltip player_id='945017' first='Traimyre' last='Woodruff'] – Shawnee Mission NW, 5'11”, 170, ATH   If folks were impressed by the season Woodruff put together in 2024, then just wait to see what he does during his senior year. I had the opportunity to see him play in the middle of the '24 season and he was as good as advertised. He's a big play threat no matter where he is on the field. During his junior season, Woodruff nearly rushed for 850 yards and accumulated several more all-purpose yards. He also hit pay dirt 12 times. With Shawnee Mission Northwest graduating their starting quarterback this spring, there's a chance Woodruff may be the new front man for the Cougars' flexbone offense.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Quarterback</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='904112' first='Lark' last='Anderson'] – Blue Valley North, 6'1”, 180, QB   The 2024 season was a pretty dramatic turnaround for the Blue Valley North Mustangs. Especially on the offensive side of the ball. They went from averaging under 10 points per game in 2023 to averaging just over 21 points per game in 2024. In addition to that, they also won two playoff games. A good portion of their offensive success can be attributed to Anderson's improved play. The 6-foot-1 junior became the full-time starter this past season and went on to throw for over 1,300 yards with 14 touchdowns and only two interceptions. Anderson also chipped in 466 yards and five scores on the ground. He is sure to continue to elevate his game throughout this offseason, and could potentially be one of the top QB's in the EKL next season.

We're now seven days away from the first Class of '26 rankings update of 2025. There's some anticipation with this update. It'll showcase whose stocks are soaring after the '24 campaign, and which prospects to look out for ahead of this summer.