The Next Big Thing: 9 Skill Players from the 2025 Class to Know

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Every season has its standouts, but this one? It's something special. We've got a crew of young guns from the class of 2025 who are making a name for themselves so far this season. With the 2025 class playing as well as they are this year, I'm going to split this up into 3 parts: Skill Players, The Trenches, and QBs to round it off. Starting off with the skill players, these aren't just any prospects; these are the guys who make you spill your popcorn when they make that huge hit or that one-handed grab. Let's take a look at nine 2025s making waves this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["368918"],"_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":"[player_tooltip player_id='368918' first='Elijah' last='Beamon'], the standout wide receiver from Casteel, is the embodiment of speed and precision on the field. With his remarkable top-end speed, he looks like he's hardly running with his sweeping long strides. He's a constant threat downfield; but it's his football IQ that sets him apart. Beamon instinctively comes back to the football when the ball is in the air, providing a safety net for his quarterback. Once he's got his hands on the ball, his elusiveness makes him a nightmare for defenders trying to bring him down. But don't pigeonhole him as just a pass-catcher. Despite his size—which might be a limitation for the bigger blocking assignments—his effort in helping the run game is evident. He engages with vigor, driving his feet with an intensity that speaks volumes about his overall dedication.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["954413"],"_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":"[player_tooltip player_id='954413' first='Elijah' last='Harris'], the dynamic running back from Arizona Lutheran, is an electric blend of agility and power. What catches the eye first is his incredible elusiveness, complemented perfectly by an explosive burst that leaves defenders grasping. Operating within an unconventional offensive scheme, Harris showcases exceptional vision, often finding and exploiting running lanes from the most unexpected angles. He doesn't just find the hole; he attacks it with a relentless blend of speed and power, exemplifying his strength every time he tucks the ball. Even in the teeth of the trenches, his outstanding balance and that signature burst become game-changers. But Harris isn't just a ground game maestro. His route running is razor-sharp, and with his nimble feet and reliable hands, he transforms into a dual-threat in the passing game. And if his physical prowess wasn't impressive enough, his mental game seals the deal. Harris always seems so calm, cool, and collected on the field. Even after a big run, he's immediately ready to line up and do it again.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["954366"],"_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":"[player_tooltip player_id='954366' first='Maddox' last='Ford'], the linebacker from Perry, is nothing short of a revelation on film. It's rare to find a player whose speed can be appropriately described as 'lightning', but with Ford, it almost feels like an understatement. His instincts are in the elite stratosphere, allowing him to read plays and react with a swiftness that leaves many in awe. What amplifies his instincts is the perfect blend of size and speed, making him an athletic nightmare for opposing offenses. His prowess isn't just limited to the run game. In coverage, Ford's footwork is meticulous and masterful. He displays exceptional hip fluidity, transitioning to rush a scrambling quarterback or drop back into pass coverage. While he has room for improvement in fending off blocks, his rapid reaction time and swift first step often mean blockers rarely get a hand on him. His ability to glide in coverage, all while keeping a keen eye on the quarterback, speaks volumes about his versatility on the field. [player_tooltip player_id='954366' first='Maddox' last='Ford'] isn't just a standout; he's a star in the making.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["368939"],"_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":"Chandler's wide receiver, [player_tooltip player_id='368939' first='Carter' last='Ochoa'], is a true technician when it comes to route running. The first thing that grabs your attention is his cuts—crisp, decisive, and executed with precision. Thanks to his impeccable footwork, Ochoa has this uncanny ability to sell his routes, convincing defenders he's headed one way before swiftly changing direction. But it's not just about footwork; it's also about his great hands. Even when challenged with contact, Ochoa maintains control, ensuring he's always a reliable target for his QB. Against zone defenses, his field awareness is evident; he has an intuitive sense of where the holes are, positioning himself ideally to present a clear option for his quarterback. While he frequently operates from the slot, his prowess over the middle is noteworthy, deftly navigating traffic with routes that leave defenders trailing, and always willing to take the hit for a gain. When it comes to after-the-catch, he's no pushover; bringing him down is a challenge in itself. [player_tooltip player_id='368939' first='Carter' last='Ochoa']'s finesse and resilience make him a valuable asset to Chandler's offense.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_4_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1145581' first='Ridge' last='Allen']","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_4_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_4_player_details_height":"5'9u0022","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_4_player_details_position":"2408","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_4_player_details_school":"Benjamin Franklin","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_4_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_4_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_4_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='1145581' first='Ridge' last='Allen'] is having an excellent year at Benjamin Franklin, he's a sight to behold on the field. Averaging 8 yards a carry with over 160 carries on the year, u0022Shiftyu0022 might be an understatement when describing his play. With agility that would make even the best defenders second-guess their attack, Allen showcases a repertoire of jukes and spins that leaves opponents grasping at air. When he makes cuts, it's poetry in motion – smooth, yet delivered with a punch of power that's almost startling. Every handoff he seems to be running as hard as he can, a clearly trying to maximize every inch. It's not just his running game that stands out. Tasked with blocking duties often, Allen steps up to the plate and delivers. His technique is textbook, leveraging those robust legs to stand his ground against even the more imposing defenders. [player_tooltip player_id='1145581' first='Ridge' last='Allen'] isn't just playing the game; he's setting the pace, and it's thrilling to watch.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["954364"],"_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":"[player_tooltip player_id='954364' first='Dylan' last='Sims'] is making a name for himself as the tight end for Queen Creek. As the season progresses, his stats reflect his consistent improvement—a testament to his hard work and adaptability. What stands out about Sims is the combination of his size and agility. He possesses a larger frame but runs like someone half his size. His acceleration is impressive, especially evident when he makes that decisive turn upfield, showcasing an incredible burst of speed. While his route-running exhibits promise, there's potential for even more precision in his cuts with a touch of footwork fine-tuning. One of his standout attributes is how he utilizes his size against defenders, masterfully boxing them out and ensuring he's the primary contender for the ball. In the blocking game, his commitment shines through. Sims displays nimble footwork, and while additional strength would elevate his match-up against heftier edge rushers, his understanding of leverage allows him to hold his ground against more imposing opponents. As he continues to hone his craft, [player_tooltip player_id='954364' first='Dylan' last='Sims']' ceiling is undeniably high.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["954396"],"_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":"[player_tooltip player_id='954396' first='Jayden' last='Kimling'], the safety from Perry, exemplifies the ideal mix of football smarts and physical prowess. His aggressive playstyle stands out immediately on tape, showcasing an innate courage to challenge any and all receivers head-on. His hands, both strong and skillful, make it a nightmare for receivers trying to shake him off, often derailing their routes and the quarterback's timing. Beyond just coverage, Kimling possesses an uncanny sense for the routes unfolding underneath him. His contributions aren't limited to pass defense; Kimling excels in run support, swiftly identifying plays and zeroing in on the ball carrier with precision. He's a force to be reckoned with when delivering hits, making his presence known to any opponent daring to cross his path. What truly sets him apart is the rapidity and accuracy of his reads. He's often making moves on the receiver even before the quarterback has made the pass, a testament to his superior football IQ. This intelligence doesn't just make him efficient—it allows him the luxury of calculated risks, as he's seldom on the wrong end of a play. [player_tooltip player_id='954396' first='Jayden' last='Kimling'] is doing a phenomenal job holding down the back of Perry's stout defense.","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["369007"],"_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":"With a blend of tenacity and speed, [player_tooltip player_id='369007' first='Andres' last='Bonilla'] from Buena is carving out a reputation as a running back you can't overlook. This workhorse isn't just about endurance; he pairs it with a speed that keeps defenses on their toes. While he might encounter early contact in the backfield more often than desired, Bonilla's tenacity shines as he seldom goes down with the first tackler. His innate sense of balance is striking—defenders may get a hand on him, but watching him bounce off and maintain his stride is a testament to his agility. When he approaches a gap, he does so with power. While he's primarily a north-south runner who lowers his head and charges forth, the addition of some finesse moves could elevate his game even further. What's undeniable, though, is his commendable leg drive. Whether it's pushing past a line or breaking free from a tackle, Bonilla's legs never stop, driving him forward with a power that's hard to counter.","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_8_player":["368912"],"_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":"With a build that commands attention and speed that's hard to match, [player_tooltip player_id='368912' first='Shamar' last='Berryhill'] of Sabino is making waves as a wide receiver. Not just content with his impressive agility, Berryhill also has great hands, making him a reliable target on the field. While his route-running might benefit from a touch more finesse, it's his sheer velocity that often compensates, leaving defenders in the dust. His physicality isn't just for show either; Berryhill plays with a force that isn't often seen out of players his size, and it's particularly evident after the catch. Opponents often find him a handful to take down, as his size and drive combine to create a real challenge.","_player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":9,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-653586521af4d"} /-->