Recruiting Runway: Class of 2027 Prospects to Know – 11/10
In this article:
Interested in reading this and more? Use the code AlPops30 for 30% off a Prep Redzone Next Subscription 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…
Access all of Prep Redzone Next and Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingInterested in reading this and more? Use the code AlPops30 for 30% off a Prep Redzone Next Subscription
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.
Page is a very talented Running Back/Defensive Back out of the Lone Star State. Offensively he shines at Running Back and has some of the most impressive in-game straight-line speed I’ve seen in a 2027 prospect to this point. It legitimately looks like he’s shot out of a cannon when he takes the hand off and sees daylight in front of him. While he is together fairly well, it won’t hurt to add some muscle mass to help absorb those hits on the high school level. Defensively, he plays the Defensive Back position like a Wide Receiver, meaning any ball that is in the air, he thinks it’s his. He’s aggressive when making plays on the ball, because he knows his speed will help make up for any missteps he may take. Very impressive kid here.
Highlights
Sibai is a big-bodied Offensive Lineman out of South Jersey, as he currently stands at 6-foot-3, 275-pounds. He’s got a good, powerful lower half and does a nice job in run blocking. He fires off the ball quickly and does a nice job using leverage and strength to push defenders back. When it comes to pass blocking he’s a little slower in his drops but as he grows and becomes more agile it should certainly become a strong skill of his. At this point he is a little bit more of a project than other Offensive Linemen we highlight, but the upside is there. With development, coaching and weight-room dedication, he certainly could be come a player.
Scott is an Indiana Athlete/Quarterback who can do a bit of everything on the field. This season he lined up at Quarterback, Wide Receiver, Strong Safety and Linebacker. At Quarterback he’s got a live arm as the ball gets out of his hand with good velocity to multiple levels on the field. That said, his best trait as an overall football player is his versatility. His play helped East Noble Middle School to a 9-1 record on the season, and despite a loss in the conference championship game, he notched a pair of school records: interceptions in a season (7) and interceptions returned for a touchdown in a season (4).
Hands down, one of the top two-way linemen in the class of 2027. The Georgia prospect is a 6-foot-2, 250-pound road grader on the offensive line. Can play both Guard and Tackle at this point, and has a great frame for his age. He’s got a strong base and uses good leverage to help drive his opponents backwards. He utilizes his strength to drive smaller defenders downfield with ease. On the defensive side of the ball he has an excellent first step and shoots his hands quickly. Also shoes an advanced football IQ by understanding his assignments. He’s often found disrupting the opposing backfield and showcases good lateral movement.
Highlights
Dean has the potential to become one of the top Offensive Linemen in his class over the next few seasons. The current eighth-grader stands 6-foot-2 and 254-pounds. If the size isn’t impressive enough, he also started on the Avant Garde Academy varsity football team this season. He’s a versatile athlete who can play anywhere along the line from center to left tackle. He’s fundamentally sound, has a great frame and his footwork is above average for a player his age. He excels in both run and pass blocking as he’s got the speed and agility to pull on trap plays. He’ll only continue to get bigger and stronger and should be a staple for the Sharks over the next four years.
One of the first prospects in the class of 2027 to receive an offer, the Maryland Terps made waves when they offered Taylor a year ago, when he was just in seventh-grade. Taylor is a 5-foot-9 dual-threat quarterback who excels when throwing on the run. He’s deadly on the move and outside the pocket, and has the arm strength to deliver the ball into tight windows while scrambling around. He’s very agile in and around the pocket and is a nightmare for opposing defenses to try and contain. He has the arm strength to deliver the ball to all levels of the field and knows when to utilize velocity or touch when needed. He’s got the potential to be one of the top quarterbacks in Illinois in the coming years. It will be interesting to see just how much Taylor continues to grow as he gets set for high school. If the trajectory continues, he’s already making inroads with programs throughout the Big10 such Michigan, Michigan State, Penn State, Minnesota and Illinois.
Highlights
Holliday is another dual-threat quarterback who can beat you with both his arms or his legs, showcasing verified 4.8 speed in the forty. He does a great job running the RPO and when he pulls the ball and runs he’s got the quickness and vision to pull away from the defense. He’s got good scrambling ability and does a nice job moving the pocket when needed. He has the arm strength to deliver the ball downfield while off balance. His ability to extend the play and the pocket is what makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing coaches as they have to respect both his running and passing abilities. He was an intricate part of Fountain Inn’s undefeated season and unofficially produced 1,590 yards of total offense and 28 touchdowns versus one interception. Also saw a little big of JV time too. Big future here.