KC Area Progress Report: Class of ‘26

As we get further along into 2025, the focus is pivoting back to the Class of ‘26. Recruiting is picking up a bit with the school year nearing its end, and it's safe to say the current junior class is eager to show out during their final high school summer.    Just within the past few weeks several Class of ‘26 prospects have received both Junior Day and summer camp invitations from various colleges across the country. In this report we'll be taking a look at six Kansas City area prospects that have seen an increase in their recruitment during that time frame.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Defensive Line</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='586964' first='Christopher' last='Wash'] - Mill Valley, 6'2”, 230   The 5th ranked defensive lineman in this current junior class hasn't been talked about enough. Wash was last featured in May of 2024, so there's a lot of catching up to do. He elevated his play during his junior campaign which resulted in an All-State Honorable Mention season. Mill Valley utilized his versatility by moving him around the defensive line, and he proved to be a reliable run stopper and an improved pass rusher.   Multiple programs at the next level have noticed his progress, as he's received camp invitations from Kansas State, the University of Northern Iowa, Southern Illinois University, and Wyoming. Wash also recently had a Junior Day visit at the University of South Dakota.     [player_tooltip player_id='586961' first='Jalen' last='Johnson'] - Olathe West, 6'1”, 285   Johnson is another defensive lineman long overdue for a progress update. He looked more explosive off the line during his junior season and assisted in clogging running lanes throughout the ‘24 campaign. Johnson does a lot of things that won't exactly show up in the box score, and he's a player that doesn't shy away from competition.   He followed up his solid junior season with an impressive showing at a combine in December. Since that performance his stock has increased. Johnson has received slight interest from various programs ranging from the NAIA level to the FBS level.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Linebacker</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='1311523' first='Lawson' last='McGraw'] - Blue Valley West, 6'4”, 215, LB/ATH   Out of these six prospects, McGraw's stock has arguably grown the most since the conclusion of the ‘24 campaign. His breakout junior season catapulted him onto the Division I radar. The 6-foot-4, 215-pound prospect shined at outside linebacker as he recorded 45 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, three interceptions, and two blocked kicks. McGraw also averaged 16 yards per catch at tight end.   His list of offers are piling up as he's been offered by Arkansas State, Cornell, Coastal Carolina, Eastern Michigan, Harvard, Illinois State, Lindenwood, New Mexico, and the University of North Dakota.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Defensive Back</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='705204' first='Vaughn' last='Overton'] - Olathe West, 6'3”, 180   Much like his fellow Olathe West teammate, the 2024 campaign was a season filled with improvements for Overton. From a physical standpoint he looked like a collegiate level corner. There aren't too many corners with his length and athleticism in the Sunflower State. He ended his junior season with over 30 total tackles, five pass breakups, and one forced fumble.   The Olathe West product has been on two Junior Day visits this month and has received several other invitations. Overton has even been offered by Division II program Lincoln University.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Offensive Line</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='904472' first='Bailey' last='Johnson'] - Lawrence, 6'2”, 340   After seeing time at left tackle during his sophomore campaign, Johnson made the transition to left guard in 2024. He looked very natural at guard and he has the potential to have a bright future as an interior offensive linemen. Johnson is an absolute unit at 340 pounds, but what's really impressive about him is how well he moves at that size.   Just this weekend he received camp invites from Midwestern State University and Sam Houston State. In addition to those invites, Johnson also has the opportunity to compete at the Military Appreciation Army Bowl combine next month.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tight End</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='1228896' first='William' last='Yeldell'] - Olathe South, 6'6”, 210   Yeldell was mentioned as a rising prospect back in December and that statement has held true so far this year. He's been able to showcase his pass catching skills during the 7-On-7 season and he's looked impressive.   The 6-foot-6 tight end will be able to showcase his talent even more over the summer, as programs such as Boston College, Indiana, Kansas State and others have invited him out to compete during camp season. Yeldell is sure to make serious progress over the next few months.

As we get further along into 2025, the focus is pivoting back to the Class of ‘26. Recruiting is picking up a bit with the school year nearing its end, and it's safe to say the current junior class is eager to show out during their final high school summer.