AYF Nationals: Class of 2028 Prospects That Caught My Eye Part 1.
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It was a great week of football at the AYF Nationals in early December. Teams and athletes from all over the country earned their way to play for an AYF National title in Kissimmee, Florida. Here’s a look at some…
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Continue ReadingIt was a great week of football at the AYF Nationals in early December. Teams and athletes from all over the country earned their way to play for an AYF National title in Kissimmee, Florida. Here’s a look at some 2028 prospects that stood out to me with what I saw on the field.
Nicknamed “Draxo” after the Draco AK-47 Pistol because “anything he hits he destroys”, the nickname fits. Ahead of heading down to AYF Nationals I followed him on social media because of the clips I had previously seen. Watching him play in person, there’s no question he’s a future P5 player if things continue the way they’re going. He’s every bit of 6-foot-1 and 175-pounds with a very strong, well-proportioned build that he’s amassed from ‘doing pushups and sit-ups’. With every snap he’s a seek and destroy mission at Middle Linebacker. If there’s a better 2028 Linebacker in the country at this point, I’d love to see him. He’s a stud. There’s a ton of time between seventh-grade and sending in a National Letter of Intent, but he’s a kid I would get in on early, if I was a Big10 program.
Highlights
A member of the the Southfield Falcons 13U team, one of the more athletic teams from top to bottom, he had a very nice showing during the periods I was able to watch him. Guerrant is an athletic kid who has reclassed to 2028 and will have another year of pre-high school football next season, which should only help sharpen his ability. He played Quarterback at Nationals, but I’ve seen film of him playing Defensive Back and Wide Receiver as well, showing off his athleticism. At this point I don’t think I can honestly say what position I feel he projects to, but he has unquestioned ability. Has a decent build on him and could turn out to be one of those situations where one of the most dangerous athletes, that can also throw, is playing Quarterback because it’s the youth level. Keep an eye on this one, as he develops.
Billed at 6-foot-2 and 190-pounds, without getting official measurements, I’m willing to give Ghioto a few more pounds based off the eye-test alone. He looks like he could be a very good traditional Defensive End prospect after what I saw on the field for the eventual 13U National Runner-Ups Duval Jaguars. He looks the part with long limbs and a strong build and played a very consistent brand of football. Right now he’s not one of those athletic freak Chase Young-type Defensive End’s, but not many are at any level of football. Would be interested to see him in a combine setting to see how he bends and moves a bit; However, from what I saw in pads, he is certainly a top 2028 prospect at this point.
Highlights
Had the opportunity to watch Dallas play live for the second time in six months and he again checked every box as a 2028 Quarterback prospect. First saw him at Future Stars this past June and he’s only sharpened his craft since those hot early summer days. He split some time at Quarterback for the Duval Jaguars at AYF Nationals this year but he looks to be the future at the position for the national 13U runner ups and at Ribault Middle School. One of those gifted signal callers that can put beautiful touch on the deep ball and can turn around and burn a defense for a long run with his legs. Looking forward to watching another year of him on the pre-high school level.
Pretty rocked up for just being a seventh-grader this school year. In fact, he was the lone 2028 prospect that caught my eye on the West Philly 13U team down at AYF Nationals. Had to check with him twice to make sure I heard correctly that he was only a 2028 prospect. Quick and aggressive off the edge as a Defensive End, but looks to me more like a very active Linebacker going forward. Listed at 5-foot-11 right now, but not sure if he’s exactly that tall; Obviously, don’t know how tall he’ll eventually stretch out to be, but he does have an older brother that plays basketball and is listed at 6-foot-2. As is the case with nearly all 2028 prospects, it’ll be a waiting game, but he certainly a good build and some potential.
Hard to believe this big man is just a seventh-grader on the NC Elite Darkhorses 13U team, already standing at 6-foot-3 and 240-pounds. Though he’s one of the younger kids on the team class wise, this 2028 prospect plays beyond his years and takes on a leadership role up front. He looks like he could become one of the better Offensive Linemen in this class if he continues to develop over time. He has a big frame, long arms and legs and understands the game at a high level despite being younger. Williams is really impressive in pass blocking and does a great job moving his feet instead of just standing and reaching. He’s a big, young guy so remembering to keep his pad level low is a must-improve going forward. That said, potential is big time here.
I’m not entirely sure what’s left to say about the youth football career Brick City Lions Running Back Gabe Kemp Gabe Kemp 5’9″ | 150 lbs | RB NJ has had — and he has at least one more year left. This season the 12U AYF National Champion Lions had a talented cast of 2028 prospects, and even a few 2027s on the roster, but Kemp has been and is the straw that stirs the drink. Just check social media…it’s no secret he’s going to get a lot of touches and yet, he can’t be stopped. The back with a strong lower body put an exclamation point on his seventh-grade season with an MVP performance and a National title. He trains hard, he runs hard, he plays hard. There’s not too much more to say. Kemp and the Lions work for the success and they’re basking in it.