Recruiting Runway: Class of 2027 Prospects to Know – 9/26

<!-- 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>As we head into a new season of youth and middle school football around the country, below is a look at some class of 2027 prospects (athletes beginning their eighth-grade school year) that have come across my desk. As football recruiting and evaluating continues to change, the eighth-grade season is becoming a pivotal time for young athletes to garner early attention from Universities. Here's a look at some prospects that are on the trajectory to be playing a high level of football for years to come.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_632c21934ca63","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["453100"],"_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":"Less than an hour Northeast of Starkville, the home of the Mississippi State Bulldogs, resides promising 2027 prospect [player_tooltip player_id='453100' first='Chris' last='Willis']. At 6-foot and 160-pounds, the multi-sport athlete from Hamilton Middle School is building up quite the reputation on the football field and the basketball court. He's physically impressive with borderline-elite body control when up in the air. Should go without saying he has an impressive vertical and high-points most balls with ease, due to his ability on the basketball court. Strong hands, tracks the ball well over his shoulder and can create after the catch. Has been clocked (unverified) in the 4.5 -to-4.6 range in the forty.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_632c25564ca64","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["453102"],"_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":"Came across the film of [player_tooltip player_id='453102' first='Caven' last='Williams'] a week or so ago and was instantly drawn to his speed as a Running Back. A gashing runner for Lawrence County, he has some impressive wheels and has the breakaway speed that separates him from others on the field with him. While his speed is what caught my eye first, he's not just a one-trick pony. At 5-foot-10 and 150-pounds, he's not exactly easy to bring down either. Has a nice mix of agility and toughness and isn't afraid to lower his shoulder if it allows him to bust a big run. Along side Wide Receiver [player_tooltip player_id='409027' first='Carlo' last='Chiko'] and Quarterback Mitchell Frazier, the trio is tough to deal with.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_632c25a34ca65","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["419376"],"_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":"As the game of football continues to evolve towards high-octane, explosive and complex offenses, a disruptive pass-rusher is becoming an extremely important role on the field. That's where Clawson comes in and shines the brightest. Standing 6-foot and 180-pounds he's a relentless edge rusher that makes his home in the opposing offenses's backfield. In his most recent game, the San Antonio native tallied eight total tackles (including five for a loss), three sacks a forced fumble and a blocked punt. He also scored twice on offense, in the winning effort. He's a little bit of a tweener right now in terms of size and speed, but there's no denying his ability to get in the backfield.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_632c262c4ca66","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["445341"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":445376,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"I recently wrote about impressive class of 2027 Offensive Lineman [player_tooltip player_id='445378' first='Connor' last='Rogers'] out of Ohio. I found Rogers while watching film on his teammate and fellow 2027 prospect, Quarterback, [player_tooltip player_id='445341' first='Jackson' last='Smith']. Depending on where you look, Smith is listed between 6-foot and 6-foot-2 and is the 150-pound range right now. A right-handed Quarterback who throws a nice ball with a soft touch. Does a nice job of laying the ball out there for his playmakers to make something happen with. Certainly more of a pocket-passer but isn't afraid to call his own number and pick up yards with his legs. In a recent three-game winning stretch, Smith has been at the helm of an offense that outscored the competition 134-14. In those three games he went 26-of-32 through the air for 346 and five touchdowns. He also ran for 251 and four touchdowns. Impressive numbers.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_632c26e84ca68","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["378402"],"_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":"Without question one of the most impressive 2027 Running Backs not only in Georgia, but also the entire country. At 5-foot-10 and 160-pounds he's a big, explosive Running Back that is equally impressive with both power and speed. I liked what I saw out of Caldwell this past summer as a member of the Georgia Future Stars but he's seemingly turned it on even more for the Parkview Panthers this season. Was clocked at an 11.9 in the 100M this past June, but plays significantly faster than that on game day. Also a factor in Special Teams as a Kick Returner for Parkview. Best way to frame Caldwell's ability, is that he's a durable runner that will eventually bust a big one on a tired defense if they take a break or veer from their physicality. Caldwell will make you pay.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_632c2cc84ca69","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["442706"],"_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":"Oliva is an extremely versatile Offensive Lineman that can, and has, play any position across the front. At 6-foot-1 and 270-pounds, his ability to play anywhere makes him quite the valuable commodity. Strong at the point of contact and understands leverage at an advanced level. Keeps a solid base and doesn't bend or over-extended. A well-balanced prospect who sits nicely in a pass protection and is a road grader when running the ball. Long term I expect to see him as a Center since his build lends itself to the position, and he has a lot of experience snapping the ball already.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_6331c14553bb7","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["457238"],"_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 got very excited when Reith's film recently found its way onto my screen. A 6-foot, 160-pound athlete that has a knack for making a big play on both sides of the ball. Offensively he's a long-strider that makes things happen when the ball is in his hands. Whether it be a short screen or a vertical route, as a Wide Receiver, Reith is a weapon. Has also taken snaps as the Quarterback in the Wildcat formation. While he certainly can get it done on offense, I like him a bit more on the defensive side of the ball as a Safety. Really good length and size for a 2027 prospect. Covers significant ground quickly. Does a nice job of knowing when to make a big hit or when to attempt to make a play on the ball. Doesn't play flashy but makes his presence felt and known.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /-->