Class of ‘28 Update: Latest Additions From the KC Area

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Prep Redzone Kansas staff has been busy to start 2025, as our third rankings update was rolled out earlier today. In this latest update the focus shifted back to the Class of '28. For those that haven't viewed the updated rankings, there were over 50 players added which increased the class to over 120 ranked prospects.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A third of those newcomers are prospects from the Kansas City area and surrounding counties. With a group that large I'll be splitting this newcomer report into two parts. The two-part report begins with a look at six of the highest debuts from the KC metro.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1557290' first='Gavin' last='Heller'] – Mill Valley, 6'1”, 155, WR</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The first prospect we'll be taking a look at is Heller of Mill Valley. The 6-foot-1 freshman debuted inside the Top 25 at No. 22 overall and he is the 2nd ranked wideout in the class. After seeing this young man's freshman film, it's clear that he has the potential to be an absolute problem at receiver.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1593217' first='Skylar' last='Vantrece'] – Olathe North, 5'6”, 130, No. 27, DB/WR</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Vantrece of Olathe North nearly cracked the Top 25 as he entered the rankings a few spots behind Heller at No. 26 overall. He doesn't have much film from the '24 season. He will however have the opportunity to gain exposure competing with <em>Building Champions</em> during the 7-On-7 circuit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1622499' first='Tommy' last='Knighton'] – Blue Valley North, 6'0”, 185, LB</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The amount of young talent on Blue Valley North's roster should be an encouraging sign for Mustang fans, and they need to be excited about Knighton. He's a young backer that could compete for significant varsity time as a sophomore. Knighton made his debut at No. 41 overall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1556879' first='Samuel' last='Bates'] – Blue Valley SW, 6'2”, 275, OL</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Of the eight offensive linemen that cracked the rankings in this update, Bates came away with the highest debut. The BVSW product put together some quality film at left guard during his freshman season. He's added size since last fall and now stands at 6-foot-2, 275 pounds.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1591888' first='Payton' last='Thoman'] – Shawnee Mission NW, 5'8”, 145, ATH/DB</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This next prospect is one I wouldn't be surprised to see rise in the next Class of '28 update. Regardless of where he debuted, Thoman has a case to be considered one of the top athletes in this class. Be sure to keep an eye out for him during the 7-On-7 circuit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1619539' first='Maysen' last='Dodson'] – Spring Hill, 5'9”, 160, RB/WR</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Checking in one spot behind Thoman is Dodson of Spring Hill. Dodson made his way in at No. 56 overall after wowing our staff with an impressive freshman campaing. While the Broncos are graduating their starting running back from this past season, they may have found their new feature back in Dodson.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->