Four Junior Defenders to Remember This Fall

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There are exactly 11 days until Friday night lights begin in the <em>Sunflower State</em>. Additionally, there is only one more day until the Class of ‘28 player rankings go live. Obviously there's much to be excited about in the Prep Redzone Kansas community.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Speaking of exciting, here's a look at four junior defenders primed for a big ‘26 campaign. Also, this is a preview of where these prospects will be in the update.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Linebackers</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2065032"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a8c276ff32f7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><br><br>The Basehor-Linwood Bobcats return some core pieces from their 2025 5A State Runner-Up squad. It could be argued that [player_tooltip player_id='2065032' first='McCoy' last='Martin'] is one of their most important returning players. He emerged as one of Basehor's top players in his first season at the varsity level, and this year he's on track to be a key leader. Martin is set to be the 33rd ranked prospect overall.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1433327"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a8c276ff337f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This other LB prospect also shined in 2025. However, Nehls did so on both sides of the ball. But, it's his potential on defense that should have folks excited this season. He's a 6-foot-4, 205-pound outside linebacker/edge that causes disruption with his length and athleticism. Nehls put together multiple 2+ sack games last fall, and is sure to rack up more this season. He's on track to be one of the highest stock risers, as his rank is going to increase by nearly 50 spots.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Defensive Backs</em></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1804106"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a8c276ff33f5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Reed was a stock riser earlier this year, and he's maintained his status as the 3rd ranked DB in the class. The junior shined in Derby's secondary in 2025, but he's more than capable of upping his game. He possesses a rare combination of athleticism and physicality that not many other safeties have. Reed has the potential to emerge as yet another sought after recruit from Derby.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["991686"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a8c276ff346e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mill Valley continues to be the standard for player development in the state, and [player_tooltip player_id='991686' first='Blue' last='Zambo'] is one of the latest examples. Zambo has added size, and has taken his game to a new level this summer. A result of that progress is that he is now a member of the Top 50, and is the 6th ranked DB in the class. He's a breakout candidate at safety and should be a key piece to Mill Valley's defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->