Unranked and Underrated: Class of ‘26 Prospects

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The school year is just days away from wrapping up, and new ranking updates are on the horizon. Which means it's time to discover more unranked talent from the upcoming senior class. Even though our site currently has over 450 ranked players in the Class of ‘26, there's still plenty of deserving prospects waiting to become members.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That's the case especially within the Kansas City metro and surrounding counties. I've had my eyes on players from the area since the conclusion of the ‘24 campaign, and more continue to grab my attention. This group of five is the latest. They're an underrated group of athletes, and they're sure to impress this fall.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><span style="text-decoration: underline">Tight End</span></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1671336' first='Ayden' last='Mooney']</strong> - Shawnee Mission East, 6'3”, 230, TE</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If recruiters are looking to add a tight end prospects to their watch list ahead of the 2025-2026 school year, then they should consider adding Mooney. The Shawnee Mission East prospect boasts an ideal frame as a tight end at the collegiate level, and he displays solid run blocking fundamentals. He doesn't necessarily fit the mold of the modern tight end in terms of pass catching, but he's more than capable of developing that skill set. He'll likely get to showcase his improvements during camp season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><span style="text-decoration: underline">Offensive Line</span></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Aaron Phillips</strong> - Leavenworth, 6'0”, 240, OL&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Phillips may be a bit undersized for an interior offensive lineman. But, when you turn on the tape, it's clear he can hold his own. The benefit of him being a little undersized is that he can quickly get out into space when pulling, and he can beat the opposition to the point of attack. Not only that, but he displays good hand placement and he constantly has his head on a swivel in pass protection. He has the potential to be an <em>All-League</em> performer once again during his senior year.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><span style="text-decoration: underline">Defensive Backs</span></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1671338' first='Mo' last='Darboe']</strong> - Blue Valley West, 6'1”, 185, DB</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Blue Valley West Jaguars fielded a solid defense in 2024. While they are graduating some key starters from that unit, they'll have players like Darboe ready to step up this season. Darboe didn't see a ton of varsity action as a junior, but he did put together some nice film at the junior varsity level. He's a 6-foot-1 defensive back capable of playing corner or safety. During his junior season he showcased good awareness in zone coverage, and despite not having the most polished footwork, he possesses the athleticism to recover quickly. Darboe has the potential to be a breakout player for the Jaguars this fall.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1671340' first='Andrew' last='Wolverton']</strong> - Blue Valley NW, 6'1”, 190, DB</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Just a few miles north in the Blue Valley school district is another slept on defensive back. Wolverton had a strong junior campaign starting at safety for BVNW. In nine games last season, Wolverton recorded 47 total tackles, two sacks, and three pass breakups. His solid play earned him an <em>All-League Honorable Mention</em> nod. Wolverton's been putting in work this offseason and his results are a reflection of that. Look for him to emerge as one of Northwest's top defensive prospects.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><span style="text-decoration: underline">Running Back</span></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Marquan Washington</strong> - Shawnee Mission South, 6'0”, 205, RB</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Washington was a newcomer to the Sunflower State last season and he made quite the impression. His film from his junior campaign is filled with several impressive plays. His strength and acceleration jump out immediately. Washington's six-foot tall 205-pound frame makes him difficult to bring down, and if he gets into the open field; good luck catching him. He's a legitimate dual-threat back, as he was very effective in the screen game last season. Washington has the potential to be one of the top backs in the metro during the ‘25 campaign. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->