Offseason Recap: Biggest Winners, Part I

<p>For fans, the offseason can be long and drowsy. However, for those around the recruiting game, it's one of the busiest times of the year. Here at Prep Redzone, we have been tracking several prospects who have made the most out of the offseason. Here they are. </p>   <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='787911' first='Josh' last='Petty']</em></strong> - 2025 - OL - Fellowship Christian</p>   <p>For a recruit of his caliber, Petty has surprisingly remained fairly quiet on the recruiting trail despite major P5 offers rolling in left and right. National rankings have given Petty a near five-star ranking, and our rankings at Prep Redzone are similar. Petty's blend of raw athleticism and physical upside make him one of the most intriguing 2025 recruits in the southeast. You could argue that he has the highest ceiling of any 2025 recruit in the state. He has the framework for perfect physical development, coming in at a lean, proportional 6'5 265 frame. He will need to bulk up and become more physical in order to make an immediate impact, but time in a P5 strength and conditioning program can make that happen in 1 offseason. Petty is an incredibly impressive mover. He can peel out and run stride for stride downfield with skill players as well as reach second-level defenders exceptionally quickly. He strikes with good hand placement and showcases the ability to re-fire his hands to maintain leverage on defenders. For a guy still developing physically, he plays through the whistle and generates enough drive from his lower body to force defenders to the ground. Petty, at his best, will be a major contributor at the P5 level with eventual NFL upside. </p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/J_petty77/status/1684383952541454336?s=20 </div></figure>   <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='338659' first='Luke' last='Nickel'] </em></strong>- 2025 - QB - Milton</p>   <p>In his first year as the full-time starter, Nickel fought through early-season growing pains as he led Milton to an impressive run during the second half of the season. This offseason, Nickel has started to settle in on the recruiting trail and has seen numerous offers pour in from P5 schools across the country. Nickel is as stout as they come for QBs, weighing in at 6'2 205 with noticeable definition and build. His arm strength is off the charts, showing the ability to reach all levels of the field. He can also sling the ball while on the move and off-platform. He is more accurate as a drive-ball thrower, but he has shown the ability to put plenty of touch on the ball and give his receivers the best chance of making a play. Nickel isn't a super twitchy or dynamic runner, but he has the speed to keep the defense honest. With his size, he is trouble to bring down both in the pocket and in the open field. In fact, he tends to fall forward on contact. With another big season, Nickel should solidify blue-chip status. </p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/LukeNickel5/status/1674823120325165071?s=20 </div></figure>   <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='910356' first='Zykie' last='Helton']</em></strong> - 2026 - OL/DL - Carrollton</p>   <p>Helton made national headlines this offseason when he committed to Alabama. The fact that Nick Saban and his staff decided to take his commitment should be evidence of the caliber of prospect he is. When it comes to sheer power and strength, Helton is likely in a tier of his own in the state. He is listed as 6'3 325 and carries his weight well, which is impressive for a youngster. He is explosive off the snap and uses his strength to blast through blockers and begin his pursuit of the QB. Helton is projected by most on the IOL. While he would absolutely be able to move people off the ball up front, I think he projects best on the IDL. With his explosiveness and power, he can clog up running lanes and put instant pressure in the face of the QB. We will wait to see where Helton settles in, but either way, he is a clear SEC-caliber prospect who has a spot anywhere. </p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/zykiehelton52/status/1678130354564079618?s=20 </div></figure>   <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='910346' first='Amari' last='Latimer']</em></strong> - 2026 - RB - Sandy Creek</p>   <p>I discovered Latimer last fall while he was putting together a solid freshman season for Sandy Creek. Then, I made a comparison to Kerryon Johnson and pinpointed him as an RB you must have on your radar. Fast forward a few months and Latimer has emerged as a major P5 football prospect with an offer from UGA and other programs. The physical growth this offseason from Latimer has been evident. He has started to max out his frame and looks like a gazelle in the backfield. He is an elusive runner who relies on his vision and patience to attack the first level. Once he gets to the second and third levels, he continues to show off his elusiveness and shimmy in and out of running lanes. With his frame, he is incredibly difficult to bring down. If you don't aim low or gang tackle, Latimer can shrug off a tackle attempt or hit you with a nasty stiff arm. Latimer's physical development can not be overstated. He is a major P5 football prospect who is due for a massive sophomore season.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/amarilatimer_/status/1671587750431137793?s=20 </div></figure>   <p></p>

For fans, the offseason can be long and drowsy. However, for those around the recruiting game, it's one of the busiest times of the year. Here at Prep Redzone, we have been tracking several prospects who have made the most out of the offseason. Here they are.