Future Stars Game – AL Pops Class of 2027 Headliners – Finale
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Some of the very best athletes from North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida and Georgia took the field for the annual Future Stars Game event last month. It’s been a crazy ride looking at the athletes in the class of 2028…
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Continue ReadingSome of the very best athletes from North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida and Georgia took the field for the annual Future Stars Game event last month. It’s been a crazy ride looking at the athletes in the class of 2028 and 2029 that stood out during the event, but we’re finally at the main event with the class of 2027. These athletes will be off to high school in a few short weeks and this class put an emphatic exclamation point on their pre-high school football career’s at this game. Complete with verbal scholarship offers, several one-score games and the emergence of some guys that will absolutely be playing on Saturday’s in four years–once again the Future Stars Game has solidified itself as a can’t-miss event every June.
Dillon is a prospect who exploded onto the scene as an eighth-grader this past year and bulldozed his way into the upper echelon of offensive line prospects across the country. The 2027 prospect was dependable and solid from the opening practice for the Georgia Future Stars. He played primarily right tackle and did a great job of pushing guys around the entire week. Watching him play, I don’t think a move inside to guard is out of the question at this point. But, time will tell. He’s a good one and only going to get better.
Miller, a native of Horseheads, New York (an hour from Binghamton) made the trip south to suit up for the North Carolina Future Stars and the kid did not disappoint. I ran into him and his mother in the hotel the day before check-in and I immediately liked the looks of him as an athlete. Comes with a good build on him at 5-foot-11 and 190 pounds. During the first practice he was working out at the running back position and was by far the biggest back, but also one of the most agile. That said, his best contribution came on the defensive line where he used those quick feet and power to have a big week, with a ton of tackles. His older sister played volleyball at Syracuse and that same athleticism rings true here.
Highlights
Physically, Parker was the most impressive class of 2027 running back on the Georgia Future Stars eighth-grade team. He looked like a created player out there with muscle on top of muscle, speed, power and the midnight-black dark visor. At this point he is the most complete and varsity-ready back I’ve seen play in this 2027 class in the state. I’m not the only one who think he’s beyond his years, as Parker already has offers from UAB, Arkansas and Cincinnati. This off-season, he has also camped/visited Georgia and Aubuoo. Expect nearly double-digit offers by this time next year.
Highlights
The Future Stars Game was my second time seeing Wright play live for multiple days since December and he was even better this time around. Wright looked to have tacked on an inch or two, with obvious muscle growth too, now standing in the 6-foot, 170-pound range. Wright proved to be a difference-maker for the Florida Future Stars team throughout the event, eventually being named Offensive MVP in Florida’s 10-7 win over Georgia. On top of going home with the MVP plaque, he also headed back to Jacksonville with his first two offers–from UAB and Arkansas.
There’s not enough positive words to say about Savion Lindsay in terms of being a student-athlete and just a well-rounded young man. I’ve been watching Lindsay play closely for the last two-three years and he’s a consistent plus. At 5-foot-8 and 180 pounds, he’s an exceptionally strong back for this level who is one big muscle from the neck down. Brings a great mix of speed and power to the position. Most importantly has a nose for the end zone inside the red zone. His most memorable series came in the consolation game against North Carolina, where he got the ball on three of five plays inside the red zone and punched it in.
While Janarro Sumpter Jr. Janarro Sumpter Jr. 5’10” | 185 lbs | RB FL was the workhorse back for the Florida Future Stars eighth-grade team and Tranard Roberts Tranard Roberts 6’0″ | 180 lbs | ATH Williston | 2027 FL was the clear offensive star, Gage did a lot of the little things to help Florida win both its games last month. Gage is a stout, bowling ball type of back at 5-foot-8 and 190 pounds. Was really impressed with his ability and willingness to block when he wasn’t carrying the rock. Whether it was meeting a linebacker in the hole or keeping the chains moving with three-yard gains up the gut, Gage did his part to solidify the class of 2027 Florida Future Stars undefeated record over the last three years. This group won it as sixth graders, seventh and capped it off with an eighth-grade victory.
Satterwhite is a 2027 prospect out of Georgia that can literally play any position on the field, excluding offensive line or quarterback. The 5-foot-11, 170-pounder played both strong and free safety for the Georgia Future Stars, and made plays all week long. In the first game against South Carolina, Satterwhite hauled in a crucial interception and also had six tackles against a team with a ton of weapons. In the championship game Florida, Satterwhite also did what he could to keep a team with as many as four, or five skill players that have FBS projections from me, at bay. Speed, power, ball skills and versatility are going to make him a coveted recruit in the coming years.
Lee County is getting a big play wide receiver in Jaden Upshaw Jaden Upshaw 6’2″ | 185 lbs | WR Lee County | 2027 GA . Up to a 6-foot-1 and 175-pounds, he’s a bigger, more physical wide receiver that I’m super high on. His production didn’t jump off the page from this year’s Future Stars Game event, but after watching him play the last two years at this event–I wouldn’t lose a second of sleep over it. Very capable of winning contested passes against smaller cornerback’s because he simply out-muscles them to come down with it. Was clocked at 5.0 in the forty during tryouts, so there is room to improve his straight line speed. If he can get down into the verified 4.5-4.7 range, he looks like a no-brainer P5 prospect.
Christie was the shot in the arm on special teams that the Georgia Future Stars could count on during the week. His speed was undeniable, as he used it to buhe opposition time and time again during the week. For example, in their victor over South Carolina, Christie torched the SC defense for a long touchdown reception. He went to the well again for an 80-yard kickoff return later in the game. During the spring he ran an 11.4 in the 100M and that speed was fully on display throughout the week for Georgia. He’s a kid who wasn’t on my radar, but certainly sprinted his way onto it last month.
Nicknamed “Hercules”, White became a social media superstar this past season with him straight up abusing defensive players trying to bring down the 5-foot-8, 190-pound running back with verified 4.4 electronic speed in the forty. In a backfield full of future P5 football players on the Georgia Future Stars team, he continued to stick out. Already holding an offer from Arkansas ahead of the event, he picked up an offer from UAB during the Future Stars week. On top of what he does as a ball carrier, I watched him give the same effort as a blocker in passing situations, easily picking up anyone who got through.
The way Jerry got down hill and attacked from the third level was nothing short of phenomenal to watch. In practice, whether he was playing safety or on the corner, he had very disciplined eyes and got downhill exceptionally fast. Looking at his social media after the Future Stars Game week, he was clocked at running 20.5 mph by his high school during a recent practice. At 5-foot-11 and 160 pounds, he’s almost like an extra linebacker on the field with the way he tracks and attacks–just with excellent speed. Coaches told me he can also play wide receiver at a high level, but I’m sold on him being a super aggressive FBS safety in four short years.
There aren’t too many defensive linemen in the 2027 class, or any class for that matter, that offer the type of versatility that Georgia prospect, Rylan Robertson Rylan Robertson 5’11” | 245 lbs | DL Creekside Seminoles | 2027 GA does. At a hair under 6-foot and anywhere from 225 to 245 pounds (depending on where you look) he’s fast enough to play defensive end in a 4-3 front, yet also physical enough to play nose in a 3-4. In the Future Stars Game roster selection, they called Robertson a dog–and that is absolutely true. He can flip a switch and straight up get after the offense and make life miserable for them. Has one of the quickest, most aggressive, yet under control first steps I’ve seen in this class.
Have seen Hamm play live a number of times in the last 1.5 years and he’s an intriguing athlete. I have him listed as a linebacker, but I’m not convinced the 6-foot-1, 215-pounder stays there long term. In fact, I’m not sure football is even where he stays–given his basketball ability, too. In either situation he’ll need to grow more to become a major player. On the gridiron he’s somewhere between middle linebacker, outside linebacker, tight end and hand-in-the-dirt defensive end. He has a ton of natural athletic ability but I hope he ties it all together over the next few years. Passes the eye test right away and flashes ability–but needs to sustain it.
The last I watched the Georgia Future Stars practicing before the games, Westberry was working in with the defensive linemen, as a defensive end. While I still do think he’s going to be a stud defensive lineman long term, it was his play on the offensive side of the ball that saw him get some love. At 5-foot-10 and 265 pounds, he’s a sqautty kid that can get violent in a hurry.
Highlights
Extremely athletic two-way lineman that was giving the South Carolina Future Stars team fits during practice, before being a pest come game time, too. On the offensive side of the ball he’s a guard that moves like a running back. Phenomenal feet and has no problem pulling or climbing the ladder to get to the second level. Defensively, which is where I like him, he is lightning quick off the ball and can play anywhere along the front. After doing more research on him, the athletic ability I saw flashed over the course of a few days, was obvious this whole past school year as he was MVP of both his football and track teams, in addition to being his middle school’s athlete of the year.
Saw Murray for the first time a year ago at the Future Stars Game as a seventh-grader and came back again last month as an eighth-grader, to wrap up his pre-high school career. He’s a good looking athlete with pretty good length at 5-foot-10 and 190 pounds. Competes and plays multiple sports which was evident in crunch time of a very hard-fought game against Florida. He moves really well laterally and tested with a 4.97 in the forty. Looks to be a natural inside linebacker, but does possess some traits that makes me feel a move to outside linebacker isn’t out of the question.
Based off personality alone, Bryant was one of my personal favorites from the Future Stars Game week last month. He kept everyone loose and laughing throughout the week, but also knew when to shut up and play ball. At 6-foot and 250 pounds, he’s an active interior defensive lineman that can hold down two gaps with relative ease. Has some natural strength that allowed him to take on double teams and chip blocks without losing much ground. No official stats were kept for the game, but I had him in on double digit tackles in Georgia’s win over South Carolina and loss to Florida.
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Additional 2027 Standouts – All Earned or Already Had A PRZ Next Profile
Alex Brock Alex Brock 5'10" | 130 lbs | K Cedar Grove | 2027 GA | Kicker | Georgia – Was a lights-out kicker for Georgia during the week, especially in their big win over South Carolina in the opening game. Brock drilled a pair of field goals, one of which was a 32-yarder, and five extra points in the 41-11 victory. He also had a successful point after attempt in Georgia’s 10-7 loss to Florida.
Isaac Fanelli Isaac Fanelli 5'10" | 150 lbs | WR FL | Wide Receiver | Florida – One of the first kids I noticed during the Florida Future Stars practice. Maybe it was bright orange jersey, or maybe it was the incredibly long arms he has. Literally can scratch his knee standing up straight. Doesn’t wow with speed quite yet, but very good hands and probably the largest catch radius on the squad.
Dereon Garner | Wide Receiver | North Carolina – Certainly on the small side, Garner is just 5-foot-7 and 125 pounds but has some ability. He stood out to me during practice with how he moved and operated out of the slot position.
Caleb Ruiz Caleb Ruiz 6'0" | 260 lbs | OL Benedictine Military | 2027 GA | Offensive Line | Georgia – Like Jaiden Jackson Jaiden Jackson 5'10" | 210 lbs | OL GA and several others, Ruiz was a late add to the North Carolina Future Stars team by way of Georgia. At 6-foot and 260 pounds he’s an interior offensive lineman through and through. Think lower body and very good knee bender. Could be a nice piece at center or guard.
Keyon’Dre Wright Keyon’Dre Wright 5'8" | 130 lbs | DB Swansboro | 2027 NC | Defensive Back | North Carolina – Not a prospect that jumps off the page with measurables listed at just 5-foot-8 and 130 pounds, Wright did a decent job during the week as an athlete. Whether lined up at wide receiver or defensive back, the latter is where I think he’ll stay, he played fast. Was clocked at a 4.63 in the forty (hand time) during tryouts. Has a ways to go to become a legit prospect, but his effort deserves some press/
Michael Kyles Jr. | Quarterback | Georgia – On a team with an arsenal of weapons three-to-four kids deep at each skill position, the quarterback position can somehow be taken for granted. Kyles Jr. did everything he could to ensure that wasn’t the case for Georgia, as the lone true quarterback on the roster. He has grown a significant amount over the last calendar year and is up to 6-foot and 140 pounds. There is room for improvement and growth across the board for him, but he’s a kid that hasn’t even began to hit his stride yet. Enormous upside here.
Johdeem Jones Johdeem Jones 5'11" | 195 lbs | LB FL | Linebacker | Florida – A tackling machine for the Florida Future Stars team. Was legitimately giving the starting offense fits during practice, because he was in the right place at the right time every time. Big kid at 5-foot-11 and nearly 200 pounds. Looking forward to watching him develop over the next four years.
Kyson Mallard Kyson Mallard 6'6" | 300 lbs | OL Westover Comprehensive | 2027 GA | Offensive Line | Georgia – If there’s a more exact clone for former Georgia Future Stars player himself, and 2023 Kansas City Chiefs draft pick Wanya Morris, I’d love to see him. Mallard is a bit of a project, but at 6-foot-4 and 270 with long limbs–he’s a future offensive tackle at a FBS program.
Elijah Shell Elijah Shell 5'5" | 120 lbs | WR FL | Wide Receiver | Florida – The Florida Future Stars were very deep at the skill positions with some freaky, freaky kids. While Shell didn’t matchup physically with some of the alpha’s on the outside at just 5-foot-5 and 125 pounds, but he had hands like glue. When balls did come his way, I didn’t see him drop many. A lot of room to grow and mature, but has the fundamental skill of catching the ball down.
James Mobley IV James Mobley IV 5'7" | 160 lbs | ATH Calvary Day | 2027 GA | Athlete | Georgia – Incredible athlete that puts in as much work in the weight room as anyone in the country. Did some good things as a quarterback at 5-foot-7 and 160 pounds. I’m not sold on him playing there long term. Too fast and athletic to NOT have in the game with the ball in his hands in some capacity. Reigning Dewitt Award winner, given to the private school athlete of the year.
More 2027’s That Made National Watchlist and Earned/Already Had Profiles
Noah Merriweather Noah Merriweather 5'5" | 150 lbs | RB Warren County | 2027 GA | Running Back | Georgia – Lightning quick with 4.5 speed, with the nickname “Blur”. Already has offers from Nebraska and Arkansas State.
Malachi Miller Malachi Miller 5'10" | 175 lbs | WR FL | Wide Receiver | Florida – Good-size’d wide receiver at 5-foot-10 and 175 pounds. Big catch radius and moved pretty well in his routes
Brody Stephens Brody Stephens 6'2" | 270 lbs | OL Crisp County | 2027 GA | Offensive Line | Georgia – Played center throughout the week. Was impressed by him early. Great size at 6-foot-2/6-foot-3 and 270 pounds. Can play multiple positions up front.
Talik McCollum | Wide Receiver | North Carolina – A bit of a jack of all trades at the wide receiver position. Made some nice catches as a slot receiver. Quick initial burst got him upfield quickly.
Caeylin Menzie Caeylin Menzie 5'9" | 190 lbs | RB Benedictine Military School | 2027 GA | Running Back | Georgia – One of the strongest pre-high school athletes I have ever seen. Squatting over 400 pounds for reps. Fast, explosive. Also a great linebacker, too.
Malik Ratliff | Wide Receiver | South Carolina – This kid grew his stock tremendously at the event. Fast, long, big catch radius. One of the best ’27 WR’s in South Carolina without question.
Blake Hilton Blake Hilton 6'2" | 340 lbs | OL GA | Offensive Line | Georgia – Really big kid at 6-foot-2 and 340 pounds. Good run blocker. Needs to get in better shape and improve athleticism to reach full potential.
Khalil Johnson Khalil Johnson 5'8" | 260 lbs | OL Madison County Central | 2027 FL | Offensive Line | Florida – I really hope this kid grows because he has all the tools to be a dominant offensive lineman. Played left tackle but only 5-foot-8. A powerhouse with quickness you’d never expect. Violent and mean, too.
Stephen Love II Stephen Love II 5'7" | 145 lbs | ATH George Walton Academy | 2027 GA | Athlete | Georgia – Inside wide receiver that can play the position well, but needs to develop more. Needs to get bigger, stronger from the 5-foot-7, 130 pounds he is now.
Jake Tell Jake Tell 6'1" | 195 lbs | DL Jensen Beach | 2027 FL | Defensive Line | Florida – Watched him at practice and he did well, but really turned it on come game time. Has the potential to be a next level player as a defensive end if he can continue to get quicker and more physical when engaged with bigger offensive tackle’s.
Keiland Miley Keiland Miley 5'10" | 160 lbs | ATH Northeast | 2027 GA | Athlete | Georgia – Caught my eye early during the week of practice. Intriguing size and movement at 5-foot-10 and 160 pounds. High level of athleticism. Impressive vertical
Ayden Lewis Ayden Lewis 5'11" | 250 lbs | DL Atlantic | 2027 FL | Defensive Line | Florida – When Lewis wants to go, he can make life miserable for opposing interior offensive linemen. Would flash for a play or two, then not. Needs to get more consistent with effort. At 5-foot-11 and 250 pounds, he’s a tough assignment as a defensive tackle.
Denim Welch Denim Welch 5'11" | 260 lbs | DL Westlake | 2027 GA | Defensive Line | Georgia – Didn’t see him at practice, but did a good job on the interior defensive line. I like him as both a guard and defensive tackle. Time will tell where he ends up.
Raquan Lewis Raquan Lewis 5'10" | 180 lbs | LB Ed White | 2027 FL & Rashon Lewis Rashon Lewis 5'8" | 180 lbs | LB Ed White | 2027 FL | Linebacker | Florida – Identical twin brothers who both flashed at linebacker. Raquan is a bit taller at this point and looked stronger at the point of attack. Rashon looks more like a middle linebacker, but is quick enough to play inside. Check back in a year and we’ll see where we’re at.
Michael Jackson Michael Jackson 5'8" | 170 lbs | ATH Johnson | 2027 GA | Athlete | Georgia – Played the “Star” position in Georgia’s 3-3-5 defensive. Fitting position for Jackson who can hit like a linebacker but still has above average cover skills.
Jack Rickert Jack Rickert 6'2" | 260 lbs | OL FL | Offensive Line | Florida – Played left guard but looks like he could have played tackle with his build. Much better run blocker than pass blocker at this point. If he can improve his feet in pass protection, I don’t see why he wouldn’t be able to experiment at tackle. Listed at 6-foot-3 and 290 on the roster, but I don’t think he’s that big yet.
Trevon Williams Trevon Williams 5'6" | 165 lbs | ATH Dougherty County | 2027 GA | Athlete | Georgia – Extremely active but undersized outside linebacker at 5-foot-6 and 165 pounds. Could see a move to strong safety or even nickel safety if situation dictates
Ja’Mare Tolliver Ja’Mare Tolliver 5'7" | 185 lbs | LB Stephenson | 2027 GA | Linebacker | Georgia – Short, compact, throwback middle linebacker at 5-foot-7 and 185 pounds. Thick kid who does best when it’s one-on-one in the hole. Two-time Future Stars Game selections
Jaiden Jackson Jaiden Jackson 5'10" | 210 lbs | OL GA | Offensive Line | Georgia – Played on the North Carolina Future Stars team as a late addition. Comes with average-ish size at 5-foot-10 and 210 pounds but did a nice job of competing in the trenches on both sides of the ball.
Jamichael Solomon Jamichael Solomon 5'9" | 260 lbs | DL Sumter County | 2027 GA | Defensive Line | Georgia – Built like a fire hydrant. Short, compact and strong kid. Squats over 300 and benches over 225 for reps. Pretty good quickness for an interior defensive linemen as well.