Recruiting Runway: Class of 2027 Prospects to Know – 1/3
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What better way to start off 2023 then by looking at some of the top eighth-graders in the country. The prospect landscape is starting to become clearer and below is a look at some class of 2027 prospects (athletes in…
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Continue ReadingWhat better way to start off 2023 then by looking at some of the top eighth-graders in the country. The prospect landscape is starting to become clearer and below is a look at some class of 2027 prospects (athletes in their eighth-grade school year) that have come across my desk. As football recruiting and evaluating continues to change, the eighth-grade year 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.
Dominic is a strong, dominant force in the trenches coming out of the state of Colorado. Just from what I have seen from him, it is clear that Dominic has to be near the top of any discussion about top interior defensive linemen coming out of Colorado in this 2027 class. With his unmatched strength and ability, Dominic has no problem breaking through the attempted double team’s up front and bringing the ball carrier down. His pass rushing ability also allows him to blow through the line of scrimmage and put pressure on the quarterback on any given down. With everything that I have seen from Dominic, it is clear that is capable of being a piece to build a defense around.
Waylon is another trench warrior coming out of the state of Georgia. He’s a prospect we’ve seen live many times over the last calendar year and each time we see him, he takes a bigger step up. Waylon has the potential to be one of the most sought after defensive linemen coming out of this class if he continues improving like this. At 6-foot-1 and 260-ish pounds, Waylon has an unreal ability to rush the quarterback, with his variety of different pass rush moves. With that being said, it is clear to see that Waylon lives in the backfield on almost every play. He’s already a well-known name in Georgia and should continue to see his stock rise.
Cooper is one of the more intriguing prospects we’ve come across thus far on this 2027 recruiting trail. At 5-foot-11 and 225-pounds he’s built like an Offensive Guard or interior Defensive Tackle, but he actually plays Running Back. Already notching varsity time and touchdowns under his belt, he is very agile for his size and makes life really tough for Defensive Backs who have to bring him down in space, if he gets to the second and third level. Perhaps the most scary thing about the Louisiana prospect, is that he likely isn’t done growing. His older brother Kenny was a 6-foot-10 basketball player at Oklahoma State. This one will be fun to watch.
A huge, massive wall of an interior Defensive Tackle out of Maryland, I was shocked to hear is playing his first year of tackle football. At times during the season was completely unblockable and honestly became a two-gap player with his ability to take on a block and still move decently enough laterally. Admittedly is extremely raw and gets by a lot on sheer power and mass. Played this year with the Maryland Heat so he got a ton of valuable reps, coaching and competition against some of the best pre-high school players in America. Right now, he’s 5-foot-10 and 280-pounds; If he can get to that 6-foot-1, 6-foot-2 mark, keep that power and add in some technique, he could be a really promising player.
We come across kids in each recruiting cycle that become memorable for any number of reasons–some good, some bad. Cruz is a memorable kid for how he handles his business on the field, in training and on social media. He’s a mature prospect who knows the game of football at a high level. Currently standing in the 5-foot-10, 155-pound neighborhood, he’s an Athlete that can it done at any number of positions. Personally, I really like him as a Defensive Back and right now he could play anywhere back there for me. From understanding pursuit angles, to oily hips and a knack for causing turnovers he checks all the boxes for me. He’ll be at Midland Legacy High School in Texas come this fall.