Future Friday: Class of 2028 Prospects To Know 9/30

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Interested in reading this and more? Use the code&nbsp;<strong>AlPops30</strong>&nbsp;for 30% off a&nbsp;<a href="https://prepredzone.com/subscribe/?brand=next">Prep Redzone Next Subscription</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Athletes in the class of 2028 are just beginning their seventh-grade this school year. However, there are at least 20 prospects in this class that already have verbal scholarship offers. Furthermore, there are hundreds of athletes in this class that nobody has even heard of yet, that WILL be scholarship players down the line. Here's a look at some to take note of, very early.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_632cb3f394274","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["408739"],"_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_0_evaluation":"Ever heard of the phrase, u0022big things come in small packagesu0022? That saying is tailor-made for [player_tooltip player_id='408739' first='Darren' last='Tubbs'] and what he brings to the football field. While I don't have verified size on Tubbs, I'd put him in the 5-foot-6, 135-pound range if I had to guess. However the lack of size (right now) isn't a deterrent for me, nor is it for Central Michigan and Michigan State...both of which have already offered Tubbs. There isn't a skill position on the field Tubbs can't play at this point in his career. From Wide Receiver to Cornerback to Punt and Kick Returner, he's a weapon in all three phases at any time.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_632cb55294275","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["444607"],"_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_0_evaluation":"When class of 2028 and current seventh-grade prospect, [player_tooltip player_id='444607' first='Eric' last='McFarland III'] gets ready to make a decision on where he'll be going to high school, some coaching staff is going to get a kid who looks like he'll be a contributor on the varsity level, very early. To say he looks special would be a gross understatement. Currently stands 5-foot-8 and 140-pounds with the ability to play multiple positions. Watching his film, I think he's a future P5 Running Back. His vision is among the best I have u003cemu003eever u003c/emu003eseen at this level. Also has great speed and acceleration, too. With that said, McFarland III's favorite position is Wide Receiver, where he is a weapon in the slot. Watching his career develop will be very, very fun.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_632cb68e94277","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["437927"],"_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_0_evaluation":"A few weeks back I wrote about Ohio 2028 Quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='432284' first='Chase' last='McKee'] and the record-setting offense he's at the helm for at Lakeview Junior High (the feeder program for Pickerington North High School). What makes that offense so special is that McKee has a number of talented weapons (we'll cover several of them throughout the season) including [player_tooltip player_id='437927' first='JuMel' last='Willoughby']. Willoughby is a 6-foot, 150-pound specimen that can't be covered right now. His length, strength and dependable hands make him a consummate No.1 Wideout on the outside. It should also be noted that while he's promising on offense, he's also borderline unblockable as an Edge player on defense. Again, just as he does as a Wide Receiver, Willoughby uses his length to create separation to make plays.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_63335c1475cf9","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["452207"],"_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_0_evaluation":"I think most middle school coaches in the country would be happy with a 6-foot-1 Tight End/Outside Linebacker with the ability of a kid like Mims. Hailing from Oxford Middle School in Alabama, the 2028 prospect is already starting to make the rounds on the recruiting and camp trail. Mims was one of eight athletes from the Oxford football program to take in the scenes of the Jacksonville State Spring Game back in April. This past summer he also camped at Alabama and took part in one of the Nick Saban Football Camps. On film, his height is the first thing that sticks out to me, as he is typically one of the tallest kids on the field. Also like his quick-twitch muscle reaction and soft hands. There's a lot to be excited about here, in terms of potential.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_63335e2875cfa","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["302362"],"_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_0_evaluation":"I often tell people that Offensive Linemen and interior Defensive Linemen are the most difficult positions to evaluate in the pre-high school stage. There's a lot of potential and u0022could-be'su0022 when looking at linemen in the seventh-grade, and that's where Kern is right now. At 6-foot-2 and 180-pounds he has very promising size for a class of 2028 prospect. He plays on both sides of the ball, but I think potential is there on the Offensive Line long term. With his long arms and build, he could be protecting a Quarterback for years to come. Despite having another year of youth ball to go, he's already making the rounds and going on visits to many of the top private schools in the the greater Philadelphia area. Certainly needs to improve strength and physicality as a whole, but the potential is there.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_6333640e5cc8c","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["450406"],"_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_0_evaluation":"The youngest son of 12-year NBA vet Raja Bell and younger brother of 2026 Quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='212265' first='Dia' last='Bell'], 2028 prospect [player_tooltip player_id='450406' first='Tai' last='Bell'] is next up for the family. A year ago Dia was selected to the Prep Redzone Next Class of 2026 National Watch List and is already having success at American Heritage High School in Florida. Tai is certainly on that same trajectory, but as an Athlete. He's a super-talented two-sport prospect that gets it done as a Wide Receiver and a Defensive Back on the football field, and as a Guard (like his pops) on the basketball court. Fast, smoother and agile are just some of the ways to describe him on the field. Has a gliding running style that makes him fun to watch with the ball in his hands.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_6333644c5cc8d","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["410826"],"_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_0_evaluation":"For most Offensive Tackles on the middle school and high school level, having to deal with a speed rusher makes for a long four quarters. Now, imagine that speed rusher is also a talented Running Back...that's [player_tooltip player_id='410826' first='Kylen' last='Pope'].  The Cedartown Bulldogs 2028 prospect is a site to see coming off the edge. Currently 5-foot-11 and 175-pounds he's fast and violent off the edge with exceptional hands. Saw him live several times last year, most recently as a member of the Georgia Future Stars in June. During practice he was exceptional. Pope did a text book job of getting into the chest of Offensive Tackles, getting them off balance and ripping or clubbing his way into the backfield. I'm not sure if Defensive End will be his position longterm because of his athleticism, but for right now, he's a problem.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /-->