Click Clack: 2027 Football Recruits Making Noise

<!-- 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_63405c9673ad3","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["466365"],"_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":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eBrown isn't the biggest player on the field but he's often one of the fastest and quickest players. The current eighth-grader holds a verbal offer from Kentucky and has already visited Louisville. Brown possesses a great initial burst off the line of scrimmage and is crips in and out of his routes which allows him to gain separation from the defender. He shows a good knack for the ball as he's does a nice job using his body to his advantage in traffic and has the ability to highpoint the ball when needed. Once the ball is in his hands he's got breakaway speed to take it to the distance. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_63405c9673ad4","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["465820"],"_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":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eThe 5-foot-7, 140-pound receiver is a dynamic playmaker who has difference-making linear speed. If he's got open space in front of him he has the speed and vision to pick up large chunks of yardage. This summer has was clocked at a blazing 4.69 at a Nick Saban Football Camp on the campus of Alabama. The speedy wideout has also already camped at Auburn and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. u003c/spanu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eOn the field, he has soft hands and does a nice job fighting through contact. He needs to continue to hone his route running skills but he's got big play potential and should be a name to become familiar with over the next several seasons. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_63405c9673ad5","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["283636"],"_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":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eStrickland is a versatile athlete who reclassed from the class of 2026. The eighth-grader grader has long excelled on the gridiron, and already holds two verbal offers – one from Maryland and one from Louisville. As a member of the OG Duck, Strickland plays running back, receiver, kick returner and defensive back. He's a patient runner who has good vision and lateral movement. He doesn't shy away from contact and is a twitchy route runner who can quickly get in and out of his breaks. The same speed and elusiveness allows him to excel after the catch and as a return man. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_63405c9673ad6","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["378417"],"_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":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eNicknamed Rhino and for a good reason, Menzie is an explosive, downhill runner who hits the hole hard and isn't afraid to dish out punishment. He's got a strong lower half and already squats over 375-pounds, in addition to his 225-pound bench press. His low body strength gives him the power to run hard and makes him a nightmare for smaller defenders to bring to the ground. When running the ball he shows good patience in hitting the hole, has good vision, and good cutback ability which allows him to pick up big chunk yards. He's got a vicious stiff arm and recently rushed for more than 200 yards on the ground in a recent game. In just the eighth-grade, he's a bull to bring down for opposing defenses.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_63405c9673ad7","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["438932"],"_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":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eThe son of former Indiana Hoosier wide receiver Jahkeem Gilmore, [player_tooltip player_id='438932' first='Josiah' last='Gilmore'] is a talented running back who has excellent vision and overall feel for the position. He looks like a natural at the position and plays it very calmly. His patience and corresponding ability to flip a switch which allows him to get upfield in a hurry and attack holes. He shows above-average contact balance and gains a lot of yards after contact. He should have no problem being a three-down back through the duration of his prep football days. In addition football, Gilmore also plays basketball and runs track.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_63405c9673ad8","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["466404"],"_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":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eThe 6-foot, 160-pound signal-caller is an all-around athlete who excels no matter what position or sport he's playing. On the gridiron, he's a dual-threat quarterback who can get it done with both his legs and his feet. Having only been playing football for three years, he does a nice job running the RPO offense, often reading his keys and making the correct decision either to hand it off or tuck it and run. He's one of the focal points of on an offensive attack that's undefeated and outscoring opponents 347-32 as of this writing. He's got a good frame, a live arm and the speed to outrun defenders when in open space. This fall he's not only excelling on the football field but also on the baseball field as a pitcher. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_63405c9673ad9","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["432294"],"_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":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eMinor is a thickly built-player with a powerful lower half. He's got the strength to manhandle smaller linemen across the front. On the defensive line he's often seen blowing up plays before they can even develop and causing havoc in the opposing team's backfield. When on offense he does a good job using his strength and size to his advantage to help open holes for his backs or giving his quarterback time to throw the ball. As he continues to grow and mature he should continue to fine-tune his footwork and really learn how to use his size to his advantage. He's a powerful, athletic kid with a tremendously high ceiling at this point.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /-->