Which Louisiana seniors ranked as PRZLA "Favorites" (Nos. 1-25)

Evaluating and projecting talent and success — in any field — is an inexact science with a wide range of variables in play in both the present and the future.   Recruiting sees this play out with different college programs or media/scouting services having differences up and down their boards or rankings lists.   With the final 2023 rankings complete, Prep Redzone Louisiana took a look around the state's other primary rankings lists (247, On3 and Rivals) to compare and contrast and take a closer look at the prospects positioned more highly on the PRZLA list than on others.   Outside of the top five spots (where the same handful of names, in some order, lead almost all outlets' rankings), the eight prospects below are those in the top 25 who earned their highest rankings from Prep Redzone Louisiana — or, more succinctly, were PRZLA "Favorites" in the 2023 class.   No. 6 [player_tooltip player_id='138276' first='Jaiden' last='Ausberry'] | 6-2, 215 LB | University Lab   The younger of U-High's standout Ausberry brothers in back-to-back classes has been a steady top-10 prospect on Prep Redzone Louisiana's 2023 lists since his sophomore year. Jaiden, who signed with Notre Dame in December, began garnering attention as an underclassman as an impressively fast athlete at his size both running 40-yard dashes and running down ball-carriers or interceptions. As the son of former LSU linebacker Verge Ausberry and younger brother of 2022 Auburn signee Austin Ausberry, he grew up with a high-level feel for the game for the game beyond his years that enabled him to play as fast as he runs and serve as a defensive quarterback for his Cubs. And he's bulked up 10-15 pounds from his previously listed weight in a way that allowed him to be a stronger, more physically dominant playmaker than ever before with 133 tackles, including 16 for loss and three sacks, and four pass breakups, two forced fumbles and a recovery.   No. 8 [player_tooltip player_id='138439' first='Omarion' last='Miller'] | 6-2, 195 WR | North Caddo   The North Caddo star has lived in the top 10 throughout the past two years and should be an absolute steal as Colorado's first Louisiana signee under coach Deion Sanders and the new staff. Miller is a smooth route-runner and one of the most dominant receiving prospects with the ball in the air that has come through the state in several years. As a senior, he caught 55 passes for 1,232 yards and 16 touchdowns, while also excelling in any number of other ways in which the Titans managed to get him involved. Miller rushed 18 times for 188 yard and three more scores and also reached the end zone on a 98-yard kickoff return against highly touted Neville and an interception return on defense.   No. 9 [player_tooltip player_id='138467' first='Trey' last='Holly'] | 5-8, 190 RB | Union Parish   The record-setting Union Parish back has put an array of highlights and rushing totals up week in and week out his entire high school career. He's a dynamic ball-carrier with breakaway speed who has showcased some eye-popping cuts, spins and other moves in his Farmer's run-dominant offense and should thrive with more space to work in college. But the LSU signee has also shown a more well-rounded game than sometimes gets credited with physicality and versatility beyond his size with his play on defense, special teams or moving to different positions on offense.   No. 10 [player_tooltip player_id='138486' first='Rickie' last='Collins'] | 6-3, 185 QB | Woodlawn (Baton Rouge)   LSU's quarterback for the 2023 class was a leader for his high school program from the time he stepped onto campus. Collins is a tall, athletic passer — a basketball and baseball standout for his Panthers as well prior to his senior year — who has remained driven to consistently develop himself into a more complete player and man through his years with coach Marcus Randall, himself a former LSU quarterback, and the staff. Collins is bigger and stronger than ever, has stood taller in the pocket as an upperclassman and improved his discipline in keeping his eyes downfield while on the move, while maintaining the agility to create with his legs when plays break down.   No. 16 [player_tooltip player_id='275575' first='Matthew' last='Fobbs-White'] | 6-3, 235 DL/LB | Neville   A top-25 Prep Redzone Louisiana prospect made a final lead up to No. 16 after a fantastic senior season that included 19 sacks, 25 hurries, three pass breakups and two forced fumbles. The hard-hitting defensive end showed more speed, quickness and versatility than ever before and an ability to wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks and backfields no matter where he lined up. A high school career of practicing against LSU tackle signees Will Campbell and [player_tooltip player_id='138389' first='Zalance' last='Heard'] during the week and playing for one of the state's most highly regarded programs and against tough non-district and playoff slates should have him well prepared to hit the ground running at Tulane.   No. 18 [player_tooltip player_id='138387' first='TaDerius' last='Collins'] | 6-4, 245 DL/LB | Northwood (Shreveport)   A longtime Prep Redzone Louisiana "favorite" finished his high school career with a strong senior season — including multiple all-state honors — of 68 tackles, including 25 for loss and 13 sacks, and three forced fumbles before signing with Indiana. The multisport standout has maintained his quickness and overall athleticism as he bulked up his tall, long frame north of 240 pounds and is currently showcasing his similar inside-outside versatility on the basketball court, blocking shots and draining 3-pointers, as on the football field, where he can still mix in drops back into coverage with his harassing of opposing passers.   No. 24 [player_tooltip player_id='188943' first='Ashton' last='Stamps'] | 6-0, 170 DB | Archbishop Rummel   The Rummel defensive back never stopped climbing the ladder the past two years and finishes in the top 25 after a senior year of maximizing his opportunities to make impact plays despite now carrying the "LSU commit" moniker and opponents' game-planning for and working away from him that comes with that status. Stamps intercepted a pass, broke up nine others, recovered two fumbles and stepped up as a punt returner with 420 yards on 14 attempts (30 yards per return), including a touchdown return in a playoff victory.   No. 25 [player_tooltip player_id='451735' first='Ja'Cory' last='Thomas'] | 6-3, 190 ATH | Walker   The former running back has shown some special flashes of big-play ability with the ball in his hands out of the backfield or on sweeps, screens and digs as he shakes defenders or breaks tackles, finds his way to a seam and opens up a long, breakaway stride. And his highlights from this year include a few more downfield receptions getting open over the top of the defense or going up over a defensive back with his springy basketball leaping ability to pull down a pass. His latest reported offer came in mid-January from a junior college, so Thomas may be headed that route out of high school, but he has clear Division-I potential if he stays the course.

Evaluating and projecting talent and success — in any field — is an inexact science with a wide range of variables in play in both the present and the future.