2027 Rankings: Ascending Prospects Making the Biggest Jump Part 1
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After milling through countless hours of Hudl (and Qwickcut) film, the 2027 Prep Redzone New Jersey player rankings were in a dire need for a serious update. After rolling up my sleeves and getting to work, here are the prospects…
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Continue ReadingAfter milling through countless hours of Hudl (and Qwickcut) film, the 2027 Prep Redzone New Jersey player rankings were in a dire need for a serious update. After rolling up my sleeves and getting to work, here are the prospects who performed at an extremely high level last fall, and thus, made the biggest jump in our official rankings.
There is much to like about Dylan Wrona Dylan Wrona 5’11” | 185 lbs | QB Don Bosco Prep | 2027 State NJ ‘s trajectory. Starting with his fundamentals, he does a good job staying balanced and transferring his weight when he throws, accurately dropping dimes from about 45 yards out. I would describe him as a rhythm thrower, who excels at connecting on the deep ball. Prioritizing connecting with teammates, Wrona is willing to stand in the pocket during high-pressure situations in order to deliver for his team, often placing the ball in spots where his receivers can work after the catch. Once the pocket is broken, we see him keep his eyes on the bigger picture, keying them downfield, to complete a big gainer. I would like to see him speed up his motion just about; however, I am most curious to see how Wrona’s escapability and pocket presence translates to the varisty and JV levels in the years to come.
Prior Ranking: 37
New Ranking: 22
Highlights
A big-bodied freshman running back and safety, Kyle Wise Kyle Wise 5’11” | 175 lbs | ATH St. Peter’s Prep | 2027 State NJ , is a prospect on the rise. From the secondary, he uses his large frame to play the body on smaller receivers, dislodging the ball and sending a message. What I like most about Wise is his ability to open up his hips, turn, and run – a process often taken for granted that he happens to do very well. As he entrenches himself in St. Peter’s Prep strength and conditioning program, I am certain that his pad level will improve, as well as how quickly he can achieve his top speed when running.
Prior Ranking: 35
New Ranking: 23
With an elite get off at times, Gabe Palaganas Gabe Palaganas 6’1″ | 205 lbs | DL Washington Township | 2027 State NJ is a lineman worth monitoring the next several seasons. Fundamentally, we see him get hands on his pressure key, feel the pressure, and fight against it winning leverage opportunities. Despite typically playing off the edge, I was impressed with with how hard Palaganas goes when generating an interior pass rush. He plays low and changes directions fairly well for someone his age at his position. Disciplined as well, Palaganas plays at the appropriate depth n the backfield and gets his hands up to deflect passes when he cannot get home. An area to monitor is his tackling. Palaganas will benefit from breaking done and actively and aggressively attacking the ball carrier’s hip.
Prior Ranking: 44
New Ranking: 25
Highlights
Much of JT Geraci JT Geraci 6’5″ | 225 lbs | TE Don Bosco Prep | 2027 State NJ ‘s climb in the rankings has to do with oh-so-many possibilities a daring and imaginative play caller has with him in the huddle. A mismatch nightmare at the high school level, Geraci has too much size and speed for your typical linebacker or safety to match up with him. When running routes he uses double-moves to create space and uses his hands to make catches, extending his arms to play keep away from defenders. Although I hate to compare high school players, let alone freshman, to NFL players, the way defenders have a difficult time bringing him down by the waist and thighs as he carries them for extra yardage reminds me of Gronk. Also a defensive end, Geraci has shown how he can dip & rip, also getting hands on consistently. Geraci was lined up in the slot often on offense and I am absolutely DYING to see him crack blocks someone into oblivion.
Prior Ranking: 48
New Ranking: 31
Highlights
A linebacker that, upon further review, deserved to climb in the rankings was Jaevon Mitchell Jaevon Mitchell LB Overbrook | 2027 State NJ . A varsity player for Overbrook, Mitchell is an A+ tackler, going in low, wrapping, and rolling exceedingly well. He clearly trusts his speed, as Mitchell has shown to blow plays up from underneath, making tackles from the inside-out. Very good in pursuing the ball, one of his clips shows Mitchell, the linebacker away from the play, beat his Mike linebacker to the play to make the tackle. Mitchell must be more consistent with his linebacker depth. Sometimes he plays a bit too close to the line of scrimmage, with does not give him enough time to read his keys, react, and go; however, when he affords himself more space, he seems to see things happening in front of him a bit more clearly.
Hudl FilmPrior Ranking: 50
New Ranking: 39