Written By: Coach Buckets @PreWarWesley
With offers flying in and exposure rising, these athletes made the biggest impact on the field and in testing during the KC Varsity Combine:
Adrian DeWaard
Class: 2026 | Position: DB
School: Iowa City West | Twitter: @AdrianDewaard17
- Height: 5’10” | Weight: 188 lbs.
- Wing: 73” | MPH: 18.9
- Shuttle: 4.29 | Broad Jump: 108”
- L-Cone: 7.53 | Vertical: 30.3”
Breakdown:
DeWaard was arguably the top defensive back at the event, showcasing elite technique and athleticism across drills and 1v1s. His knee bend, hip fluidity, and control in change-of-direction drills set the tone early, and his coverage ability was nearly flawless. In 1v1s, he used technical separation and timing to close at the ball and high-point with confidence.
Recruiting:
- Camp invites: Minnesota State, St. Thomas, Ivy League schools (Brown, Cornell, Dartmouth, Penn, Princeton), Iowa State, Miami (Ohio) Mega
- Visits: St. Thomas Junior Day
- Dream school: Northwestern
- 7v7: Iowa City West (junior), Avalanche 7v7 (senior season)
Cameron Meiners
Class: 2026 | Position: WR
School: Ankeny Centennial | Twitter: @MeinersCameron
- Height: 6’4.5” | Weight: 197 lbs.
- Wing: 78.75” | MPH: 19.2
- Shuttle: 4.49 | Broad Jump: 112”
- L-Cone: 7.16 | Vertical: 29.4”
Breakdown:
Meiners emerged as the best wide receiver at camp with his combination of size, length, and body control. He consistently used his frame to shield defenders and showed refined route-running, a product of his time with APEX Air 7v7. His technical polish and physical tools caught a lot of attention.
Recruiting:
- Camp invites: “The Finals” and multiple college camps
- Offer: Dakota State (received at the KC Combine)
Adam Gisler
Class: 2026 | Position: RB
School: Platte County | Twitter: @adamgisler1
- Height: 5’7.75” | Weight: 179 lbs.
- Wing: 73.75” | MPH: 20.2
- Shuttle: 4.20 | Broad Jump: 114”
- L-Cone: 7.75 | Vertical: 32.8”
Breakdown:
Gisler stole the show among running backs and was named RB MVP. His testing numbers were elite, particularly his top-end speed and vertical jump. A versatile pass-catching back with dangerous acceleration and physicality, he was a nightmare for linebackers in 1v1s. His ability to cut and stay square at contact makes him a red-zone threat.
Stats: 776 yards on 74 carries (10.5 YPC), 15 TDs for state champion Platte County
Recruiting:
- Offers: William Jewell, Southwest Baptist, Highland
- Camp schedule: Lindenwood Mega, San Diego State, Washburn, Northwest Missouri, Pitt State
- 7v7: EPIC 7 Midwest
Lake Sutton
Class: 2027 | Position: LB
School: Oak Park | Twitter: @LakeSutton1
- Height: 6’0” | Weight: 184 lbs.
- Wing: 73.5” | MPH: 19.4
- Shuttle: 4.32 | Broad Jump: 105.5”
- L-Cone: 7.10 | Vertical: 30.4”
Breakdown:
Sutton is already one of the most physical linebackers in the 2027 class. A 7v7 standout with Strongside KC, he plays with intensity, reroutes receivers with force, and dominates in coverage. His performance at the KC Combine proved he can move with speed and control, ranking among the best in testing.
Combine Rankings:
- Shuttle: #3 overall / #1 LB
- MPH: #7 overall / #1 LB
L-Cone: #2 overall / #1 LB
