5 KC Area Prospects Ready to Rise This Summer

Prep Redzone features stock risers in recently updated athlete rankings.

Santino Bernal April 4, 2025 @ 06:15 AM

The calendar flipping to April means a few things. For one, spring sports are in full swing. But, it also means that we're inching closer to a period when prospects can really separate themselves from their peers. Camp/combine season is quickly approaching, and these events could be huge for prospects hoping to raise their stock ahead of the ‘25 campaign. Especially prospects from the Class of ‘26.    They'll be the topic of discussion in this report. More specifically we'll be taking a look at five juniors from the Kansas City area that have the potential to turn heads over the summer. Don't be surprised to see these players with a higher ranking in the next update.    [player_tooltip player_id='1327745' first='Drake' last='DeBaun'] - Shawnee Mission South, 6'6”, 220, TE   DeBaun has arguably the most momentum ahead of camp/combine season. Since the start of 2025, DeBaun has received quite a bit of Division I level interest. The 6-foot-6 tight end has picked up offers from Army, Illinois State, Lindenwood, Northern Iowa, the University of South Dakota, and South Dakota State University. That list is sure to continue to grow, and with a standout summer, Power 4 programs are likely to come calling as well.   [player_tooltip player_id='1401805' first='Ethan' last='Prescott'] - Free State, 6'2”, 200, DB   We spoke highly about Prescott's 2024 campaign back in December, and it appears other folks have noticed his production as well. Throughout February and March it seemed like recruiters were in constant contact with the talented safety. Several programs at the Division II level and the FCS level extended invitations to him. In addition to this, he's also taken Junior Day visits to Lindenwood and the University of South Dakota. Free State has produced some high-level defensive prospects in recent years and Prescott is trending in that direction.    [player_tooltip player_id='1598862' first='Syre' last='Padilla'] - Gardner-Edgerton, 6'2”, 195, RB    This next prospect is being severely slept on currently, but that is likely to change come this summer. Padilla was phenomenal during his breakout junior season, and he's without a doubt one of the top returning running backs in the state. Pittsburg State is one of a few programs that's taken interest in Padilla, as they offered him just this week. The size is there, the production is there, and he comes from a winning culture at Gardner-Edgerton. Recruiters are going to regret not reaching out to him sooner.    [player_tooltip player_id='904474' first='William' last='Cooper III'] - Olathe North, 6'6”, 230, OL/ ATH   A few thoughts come to mind when evaluating Cooper III. The first is, which position will coaches recruit him for. The second is, he's a raw athlete, but he could develop into a solid player with the right coaching staff at the next level. Along with his size, his experience in the trenches and background on the hardwood present the potential of playing Tackle, DE, or TE. Camp/combine season would be a great opportunity for him to meet with coaches, as well as showcase his raw athleticism.    [player_tooltip player_id='904438' first='Wyatt' last='Hendricks'] - Lawrence, 6'3”, 240, TE/ATH   Similar to Cooper III, Hendricks is another prospect that could intrigue coaches during camp/combine season. When Hendricks first joined our rankings he was grouped with the offensive line, and now he has the capability of playing tight end as well as defensive end. So far he's received camp invites from Brown University and Miami University. He'll likely get more opportunities to flash his two-way potential as we get closer to summer.

The calendar flipping to April means a few things. For one, spring sports are in full swing. But, it also means that we're inching closer to a period when prospects can really separate themselves from their peers. Camp/combine season is quickly approaching, and these events could be huge for prospects hoping to raise their stock ahead of the ‘25 campaign. Especially prospects from the Class of ‘26.