Early Look at some Must-Know Midwest 2027 Prospects

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're in the heart of the summer and the countdown to the highly-anticipated 2023 football season is on. There are many things to look forward to regarding the season, including the sights, sounds, and smells of Friday Night Lights, big hits, rivalry games, explosive TDs, and of course, the recruiting aspect of a prospect's fall performance. As recruiting continues to evolve and become more and more of a precedence in the big business of college football, things have naturally progressed to a point where identifying talent and recruits at a younger age can become a major game-changer for FBS college programs around the country. Lucky for our wonderful subscribers, <em>PrepRedzoneNEXT </em>is at the forefront of this shifting paradigm, and nobody is better at identifying the future stars of high school and college football than our own Al Pops. Using his help, as well as our <em>PrepRedzoneNEXT </em>Showcases, we've identified seven top-notch, must-know incoming freshmen who have already made significant waves on the recruiting trail and are set to explode onto the high school football scenes of Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Ohio. With less than two months before fall camps kick off around America's Heartland, enjoy this early look at some soon-to-be freshman phenoms. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>--</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["342339"],"_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":"Representing Park Ridge, IL, a first ring suburb of the Windy City, 6'1, 180 lb. QB u003cstrongu003eJameson Purcellu003c/strongu003e will attend u003cemu003eMaine Southu003c/emu003e u003cemu003eHigh Schoolu003c/emu003e with a significant, and may I add deserving, hype and offer sheet behind him. Purcell has some roots in California as well and runs with both the California and Supreme 7v7 clubs as well as trains with Southern California-based QB trainers from 3DQB. Last fall, he earned offers from UAB and Ole Miss, and continued the hot streak of 8th grade offers into the spring as USF, Western Kentucky, and most recently Auburn have officially joined in on his recruitment. He's also unofficially visited a boatload of P5 programs along the way, and has firmly planted himself on the radar of SEC, B1G, Big12, ACC, and other notable programs going into his high school campaign. The Under Armour Next veteran, while playing with the u003cemu003ePark Ridgeu003c/emu003e u003cemu003eHawksu003c/emu003e last fall, shows off a tall, long, u0026amp; lean frame, and the lefty gunslinger also demonstrated the ability to lead WRs open, a compact and smooth throwing motion, a quick release, touch, and mobility both inside u0026amp; outside the pocket. u003cstrongu003ePurcellu003c/strongu003e made some solid throws last fall and has a good foundation of mechanics and rapid decision-making going into his freshman year. With his frame, I expect the arm strength to increase rapidly as well, although he's not necessarily lacking in that department right now. He's one of two high-profile Land of Lincoln gunslingers in the 2027 class with significant resumes behind them as they enter the high school ranks.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["483197"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"The Mitten is already stacked with talent in the rising 2027s, led by a few major names already holding weighty college football offers as 8th graders. One of the must-knows is u003cemu003eLumen Christi High School's u003c/emu003eu003cstrongu003eLundon Hamptonu003c/strongu003e, who reportedly measures in at 6'1, 175 lbs., and has earned offers from Central Michigan and Saginaw Valley State, two Michigan-based programs that excel at identifying in-state talent. The 8th-grade highlights show off a playmaker with a ton of length, a good mix of quickness, balance, and physicality as a ball carrier, and toughness, aggression, and effort defensively. There's a lot he can do on the football field, and he was a three-phase contributor last fall who made plays no matter where he lined up, and u003cstrongu003eHamptonu003c/strongu003e looked particularly dominant as a kick returner. I also find his frame very promising and holds the capacity to blow up these next four years. u003cstrongu003eHamptonu003c/strongu003e has been grinding on the summer camp circuit as well and has performed well at Kent State and Michigan State's prospect camps this past June. He's also got a solid multi-sport background of basketball and track and is capable of some impressive displays of athleticism on the hardcourt as well. Check out this dunk during warm-ups from an AAU game in April: u003ca href=u0022https://twitter.com/HamptonLundon/status/1649930668191764480?s=20u0022u003ehttps://twitter.com/HamptonLundon/status/1649930668191764480?s=20u003c/au003ernrnThe ball in-hand and tackle breaking ability, physicality, and multi-sport background all combine for a good base of skills going into his high school campaign.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["426566"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"The most prolific of the rising freshman on this star-studded list, incoming u003cemu003eCarmel Catholicu003c/emu003e QB u003cstrongu003eTrae Tayloru003c/strongu003e will add his talent to an already loaded crop of underclassman u003cemu003eCorsairu003c/emu003e ballers who will keep the halls and AD office of the Chicagoland program busy with D1 coaches from across the country. Taylor has exploded as a recruit during his middle school career, earning an offer from Maryland as a 7th grader (!) after throwing for 50 TDs to only 2 INTs for some eye-popping statistics through the air with the Crystal Lake Raiders 14U squad. He kept the momentum going as an 8th grader, earning offers from Central Michigan, Marshall, Michigan, and UNLV, all in June during the summer camp circuit. The offers have come from heavyweight coaches and coordinators after seeing u003cstrongu003eTayloru003c/strongu003e throw live and in-person, which is obviously a good sign, and the 2027 gunslinger has also been running with u003cemu003eCarmel Catholic'su003c/emu003e varsity and JV 7v7 squads during the spring with promising success. I really like his footwork, quick release u0026amp; clean mechanics, ability to read and see the field, arm strength, and above all: accuracy. The ball placement on a variety of different throws is particularly impressive, not just for his age, and similar to current u003cemu003eBolingbrooku003c/emu003e, Illinois 2026 superstar QB Jonas Williams, who came into high school very well known and hyped up, u003cstrongu003eTayloru003c/strongu003e looks like a national quarterback recruit already ready for the high school game. I can't wait to see what he can do this fall.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["409965"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"Coming out of my home state of Minnesota, 6'2, 260 lb. DL u003cstrongu003eKhyren Haywoodu003c/strongu003e has already received a ton of love and attention from myself and our u003cemu003ePrepRedzoneu003c/emu003e site, mostly because he played for u003cemu003eBenilde St. Margaret'su003c/emu003e JV team as an 8th grader and is fresh off his first college offer from PAC12 Arizona State. u003cemu003ePRzNEXTu003c/emu003e national scouting director Al Pops has also given u003cstrongu003eHaywoodu003c/strongu003e some well-earned recognition recently, and all of it is for good reason, as he's undoubtedly the top prospect in Minnesota's 2027 class and is looking like a national-level prospect who is bound for numerous more P5 offers going forward. u003cstrongu003eHaywoodu003c/strongu003e was named the Under Armour Next 8th grade All-American game top performer, is a solid hooper and baseball player, and was a standout MVP of our u003cemu003ePrepRedzoneMNu003c/emu003e high school camp this past spring. He fits in very well against high school competition, and did earn a varsity spot with the u003cemu003eRed Knightsu003c/emu003e last fall to boot. His highlights are primarily JV reps, and in them I noted in my previous features that u003cstrongu003eHaywoodu003c/strongu003e: “showed off pursuit speed, a super quick get-off, strength, and a heckuva motor, all of which looked far above his age and middle school status. I also am impressed with his early bend and arsenal of effective techniques and pass-rushing moves to beat blockers and want to reiterate that his get-off is very impressive for an 8th grader playing against high schoolers. u003cstrongu003eHaywoodu003c/strongu003e has a chance to be a monster.” He's been showing out at Texas and Nebraska prospect camps this summer and is set to explode onto the MN high school scene this fall, as well as potentially become one of the most popular prep recruits in recent memory. I'll be making sure to get a live look at him this fall.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["547739"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"Set to attend the distinguished u003cemu003eHarper Woods High Schoolu003c/emu003e football program for high school, 5'11, 170 lb. WR u003cstrongu003eDakota Guerrant u003c/strongu003eis another acclaimed and extremely impressive youth football player from the Great State of Michigan. This summer has been fruitful for the athletic pass catcher from The Mitten, whose first offer came from the blue-blood, home state University of Michigan in the middle of May to kickstart what will eventually be a prolific and popular recruitment for the 2027 standout.UMass, Central Michigan, and Toledo have all followed suit as well. u003cemu003ePrepRedzoneNEXTu003c/emu003e National Scouting Director Al Pops saw u003cstrongu003eGuerrantu003c/strongu003e play live at the vaunted AYF National tournament in Kissimmee, FL this past December, where he played QB for a loaded u003cemu003eSouthfield Falconsu003c/emu003e squad, but he's lined up at WR and DB when Pops has seen him prior and projects best to the wide receiver position in college. He's a baller at any and all positions he's thrown in at, and he's also a standout contributor on the 7v7 circuit where he shows off some highlight-esque one-handed catches and a natural ability to create separation as a route runner. u003cstrongu003eGuerrantu003c/strongu003e demonstrates strong COD ability, burst out of his cuts, and impressive body control that helps him create a large catch radius and bring down receptions after fully extending his arms. He's comfortable running a variety of different routes and finding space in opposition zone defenses. Also instinctive in coverage as a DB and quick out of his breaks + the ability to high-point the football. Overall, he's just a natural and playmaking football player, and with the lineage of Michigan-bred athletes with similar skill sets at his age, it's no wonder the University of Michigan got involved so early.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["707407"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"It shouldn't come as a surprise that the talent-rich land of Ohio has a big-name rising freshman already on national blue-blood's radars, and from what u003cemu003ePRzNEXTu003c/emu003e National Scouting Director Al Pops has told me, u003cemu003eWinton Woods High Schoolu003c/emu003e in Cincinnati is set to welcome a stacked crop of 2027s into their ranks for the fall. Leading the pack is the high-profile RB u003cstrongu003eIsaiah Garrettu003c/strongu003e, who already holds offers from Michigan and Kentucky and has visited Cincinnati, Notre Dame, and Alabama this spring, solidifying himself on their big boards before his high school career has even begun. As an 8th grader, u003cstrongu003eGarrettu003c/strongu003e posted over 2,000 rushing yards and 20 TDs, along with an INT, a receiving TD, and a punt return TD in just seven games of action. There's no verified or reported size on him yet, but the tape shows off a ball carrier that looks bigger than most of his peers on the gridiron, and who absolutely plays at a higher level than his age would suggest. His big-play speed, shifty COD ability and running style, contact balance, and burst combine to create a dominant youth RB whose highlights suggest he could play at the high school level as a middle schooler. It's a commanding skill set whose physical presence and athleticism are rare finds for youth ball carriers. u003cemu003eWinton Woodsu003c/emu003e, as well as Ohio football in general, is very competitive, but u003cstrongu003eGarrettu003c/strongu003e is set to find the field far earlier than his peers and is looking like he'll be one of the best RBs in his class across the United States.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["445341"],"_player_evaluations_6_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"To finish things off, we'll stay in the Great State of Ohio and head back to the QB position, where young guns are observed, evaluated, and recruited earlier than arguably any other spot on the gridiron. u003cstrongu003eJackson Smithu003c/strongu003e, who will play his high school ball at u003cemu003eLakota Westu003c/emu003e, another Ohio big-school competitor, has good size at 6'3, 170 lbs. and a lot more room to grow, and is fresh off his first college offer three days ago from Kentucky out of the SEC. He's got a ton more schools looking at him as well, including Notre Dame, Ohio State, Tennessee, and Florida, all of whom he visited unofficially this spring u0026amp; summer. Another decorated youth football standout, u003cstrongu003eSmith'su003c/strongu003e 8th grade highlights display a tall, poised gunslinger with a big arm for his age that can stretch the ball vertically as well as put some zip on his underneath passes, accuracy both in and outside of the pocket, and a ton of juice as a ball carrier, where he shows off splash-play speed and the ability to step u0026amp; slip through tackle attempts on his lower body. He's also one of the biggest players on the field in his 8th grade highlights, and seeing how his 170 lb. frame is still very lean, he'll be able to hold a ton more good weight at the high school level. The physical attributes and arm talent were too hard to resist for the u003cemu003eWildcatsu003c/emu003e, and he'll be seeing a ton more offers roll in once he develops further.","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":7,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64a0608cb1b1b"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Surprise! We have a 2028 for your enjoyment as well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["419299"],"_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":"Although he currently resides in California, and his older brother is a standout 2025 OL at IMG Academy down in Florida, 2028 6'3, 270 lb. OL u003cstrongu003eKody Strayhornu003c/strongu003e hails from the Midwest and the state of Michigan, so I wanted to put him on our subscriber's radars so you guys have a Midwest rising 8th grader to keep track of. u003cstrongu003eKody Strayhornu003c/strongu003e did reclassify down to the 2028s, but the size screams high school OL, and the younger u003cstrongu003eStrayhornu003c/strongu003e has been selected for the Under Armour Next game twice and holds offers from Michigan and Michigan State at this point in time. He's also visited the likes of Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, USC, Texas, and Michigan State. His limited 2022 highlights with the OC Buckeyes - who are coached by powerhouse u003cemu003eMater Dei High School'su003c/emu003e varsity OL coach - present an interior OL who is comfortable and controlled in pass pro and working laterally across the LOS, strength at the point of attack, great leg drive once he's engaged, and the ability to manhandle and divert opposition with ease once he gets his hands on. Still a lot of football ahead of him, but with the size and movement skills you can see in his young frame and playstyle and it makes sense why B1G heavyweights are on him early.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64a0aab257b23"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->