Future Stars Game – AL Pops Class of 2027 Headliners Part 1

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>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 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. Here's a look at Part 1 of the standouts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["416392"],"_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":"u003cpu003eBeard is a name that people everywhere need to get familiar with, if they aren't already. I was fully expecting him to see him as a running back but was pleasantly surprised to see him playing free safety for the Georgia Future Stars. He told me he has been practicing the varsity starters at safety leading up to the Future Stars event, and it didn't take long to see why. He was extremely active in the secondary during practice and capped it off with an amazing pick-six for Georgia's lone touchdown in the 10-7 loss to Florida. Beard already holds offers from Georgia, Arkansas and UAB. He's a special player that I'm going to leave at running back right now, but a switch to the defensive side of the ball is certainly not out of the question.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["893612"],"_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":"u003cpu003eRoberts walked past me as he was getting onto the practice field, and without seeing him take a single snap, I stopped him and asked to take his picture quickly. With some kids you just know they got that dog in themu002du002dthat's the case with Roberts. Absolutely chiseled at 6-foot and 180 pounds and claims to run a 4.6 forty, which may not be too far off. Has the strength to put linebackers on their back while blocking and the wheels to score on jet sweeps. Glad my premonition was right, as he went on to win the overall MVP award in Florida's victory over Georgia. He is a special one to watch and should be on the short list to get an early scholarship offer.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["378949"],"_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":"u003cpu003eThe coaches at South Mecklenburg High School have to be excited about Rankin brings to the table, after recently wrapping up his second stint with the North Carolina Future Stars. He's a multi-sport athlete that took the reigns at the quarterback position for NC, in addition to playing his natural position of safety on the defensive side of the ball. Good length at 6-foot and 165 pounds, which allowed him to cover a ton of ground in the deep secondary. Played quarterback because he was, in my opinion, the best overall athlete on the team. An obvious dual-threat that can run with the best of them, but can also throw it if need be.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["254550"],"_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":"u003cpu003eQuarterbacking the South Carolina Future Stars team, for the second year in a row, was Ethan Royal. Royal is a special talent with one of the most complete skill sets in the entire country for the 2027 class, at the Quarterback position. That said, it should come as no surprise that the UAB Blazers and Arkansas Razorbacks becomes offers No.1 and No.2 for the talented righty. He's camped all over the country this summer, including Colorado, Auburn, NC State, UNC and more. He has recently enrolled at Carolina-powerhouse program, Hough High School.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["886660"],"_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":"u003cpu003ePerhaps no member of the Georgia Future Stars eighth-grade team increased their stock more than Pfister did during the week. Leading into the event, I told a couple people that he was a prospect I was really excited to see liveu002du002dand he surpassed my expectations. Listed at 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds, he's an extremely long edge player with good muscle mass and a crazy motor. For a comparison, think along the lines of current Miami Hurricane's assistant and NFL HOF'er Jason Taylor. Great bend and lean in his stance. Exceptional reaction time, which was fully on display during one of the early practices in the week, when he batted down three passes during one semi-live period.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["690863"],"_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":"u003cpu003eThe Florida signal caller is a gifted passer and looked as good as I anticipated he would. McDonald, a Southpaw, made accurate throw after accurate throw through every practice and into the game. He was the lone true eighth-grade quarterback on the team, as Terel Dallas (2028) played up on the roster for the eighth-grade team. At 5-foot-10 and 180 pounds, he has very advanced control of his passes. Can break a finger on intermediate darts but then drop it in a bucket 35+-yard away on the very next play.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["718315"],"_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":"u003cpu003eAside from Nicholas Rankin, Nolden resonated with me as the most varsity-ready North Carolina prospect on this team. Stands 6-foot-1 and 175 pounds with a pretty good build on him. He's going to be an interesting prospect to watch develop because he's a bit of a tweener at this point, with size and speed somewhere between wide receiver and tight end. Defensively he did a good job as an outside linebacker and was around the ball regularly. However, I think his future is certainly on the offensive side of the ball given his skill set. Dropped a pass that looked very catchable in the game, yet caught everything thrown his way during several rain-drenched practices. There's something to this kid.u0026nbsp;u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["772855"],"_player_evaluations_7_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"u003cpu003eA classic interior defensive tackle, he was a load in the middle on the South Carolina Future Stars eighth-grade team. Billed at 6-foot and 290 pounds, the strong and stout prospect looks to have a bright future playing ball. Dawkins has a powerful initial step and jab that can jolt an offensive lineman's head back. Also brings his feet with a pretty good quick first step. Also has the mass to absorb double teams and keep his ground if lined up in the A or B gaps. Could improve the overall speed he plays at, but that should come as he progresses.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_8_player":["893927"],"_player_evaluations_8_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"u003cpu003eIn a similar vein to Xzavier Pfister, Jones was another prospect I was anxiously anticipating getting to see play live. At 5-foot-11 and 175 pounds, his build alone was intriguing but he also ran a 4.8 at tryouts. Come the actual Future Stars Game practices he was really, really impressive. His length, forward lean and build was notable. He was lined up on the outside and regularly blew past cornerback's on deep routes. On top of speed, he had a pair of consistent hands that he used to haul in balls throughout the week of practice.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_9_player":["553378"],"_player_evaluations_9_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"u003cpu003eHaving a high level of ability compared to the other athletes on the field is almost a foregone conclusion, if an athlete is getting a write up here on PRZ Next. On top of being a dominant offensive lineman, Williams was a fierce leader for this Florida Future Stars team. He had no problems (loudly) calling out his teammates if they weren't giving full effort, doing the right thing on the play, or messing around. I jokingly said to another prospect on the team that I'd feel scared for my life if I ever made him mad. Williams stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 250 pounds with a huge hands. Played offensive tackle in the game, but I think he's a future FBS offensive guard based on his skill set.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_10_player":["885785"],"_player_evaluations_10_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_10_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_10_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"u003cpu003eLawson was a late addition to the North Carolina Future Stars eighth-grade team, but the squad needed him in a big way. A native of Savannah, Georgia (yesu002du002dbut he played on NC) he was one of the biggest kids on the field at all times. He's a difficult kid to miss at 6-foot-4 and 265 pounds, he did well at both defensive tackle and offensive tackle. On both sides of the ball, showed off pretty good first two-three steps. Specifically on defense, he would push his way into the backfield on many plays but then the play would get away from him. Improving his quickness and giving a consistent effort will take him from good to great if he can put it all together.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_11_player":["378983"],"_player_evaluations_11_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_11_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_11_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_11_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_11_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_11_evaluation":"u003cpu003eI believe this was my third or fourth time seeing Gordon-Miles play live in the last calendar year, and each time the kid impresses. Passes the eye test as an athlete right away with broad shoulders, long limbs and good muscle. Stands 6-foot and 170 pounds. Truly an athlete, he can play any skill position on the field a coach could need. With his size, speed and build I think he projects to a safety long term but I wouldn't hesitate to line him up as a corner with good size. Also comes with good ball skills, so jet sweeps and other plays that allow him to run in space, are also a possibility on the offensive side of the ball.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_11_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_12_player":["894018"],"_player_evaluations_12_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_12_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_12_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_12_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_12_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_12_evaluation":"u003cpu003eSeeing Keyhea in person, I could quickly tell he doesn't miss many workouts in the weight roomu002du002dif any at all. At 5-foot-8 and 175 pounds he was one of the shorter athletes on the roster, but he didn't look out of place whatsoever. Plays with a natural, low center of gravity that leads to him being in a good attacking and tackling position at all times. A strong and compact player that explodes through impact. Seemed to perform best in the box during inside run drills. Speed has some room for improvement, as he's more powerful than fast at this point. Potential is certainly there to be a next-level player, dependent on development of speed and physical growth.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_12_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_13_player":["893797"],"_player_evaluations_13_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_13_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_13_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_13_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_13_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_13_evaluation":"u003cpu003eOpsincs was another one of the nine class of 2027 prospects that picked up verbal offers during the week. The Arkansas Razorbacks and UAB Blazers became the first two programs to extend offers. The 6-foot, 220-pound tight end/defensive lineman spent his week excelling as a physical, athletic and quick blocking tight end. While I can't speak to his defensive line play, I'm assuming he uses a lot of the similar athletic traits that allowed him to shine on the offensive side of the ball. I'm interested to see how he continues to grow and develop as a football player, over the next four years.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_13_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_14_player":["862976"],"_player_evaluations_14_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_14_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_14_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_14_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_14_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_14_evaluation":"u003cpu003eA returner from last year's South Carolina Future Stars, Watkins handled his business on the offensive front as a guard. Overall athleticism was much-improved from a year ago and was consistently shown during practice. Athleticism was best on display when he would be pulling down the line to kick out defensive ends or leading up into the hole. Did a nice job climbing the ladder and getting up to the next level with pretty agile feet. I'm unsure of his actual size, but it was pretty decent as well.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_14_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_15_player":["894199"],"_player_evaluations_15_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_15_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_15_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_15_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_15_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_15_evaluation":"Watching the North Carolina Future Stars teams practice together made it pretty difficult to figure out who was who, and what grade they were in, but Coleman was one the separated himself a bit. Came with pretty good size at 5-foot-10 and 155 pounds and I thought he could be a nice piece as a wide receiver. However, come game time, my thoughts of him picked up as a free safety. Tasked with trying to keep the deeply-talented Florida skill players, the eventual eighth-grade winners, in check was no easy task, but Coleman did well. His ability to track the ball and close on receivers was fun to watch. Had a few nice hits and pass breakup's, too.","_player_evaluations_15_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":16,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64a593a2c5853"} /-->