2027 Rankings: Eye-catching Prospects to Follow Closely, Part II
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As I carefully combed through hundreds of highlight films, I inevitably unearthed and ranked more prospects than ever before. Some prospects pop for obvious reasons; whereas others you are pleasantly surprised about. Here are a handful of prospects that caught…
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Continue ReadingAs I carefully combed through hundreds of highlight films, I inevitably unearthed and ranked more prospects than ever before. Some prospects pop for obvious reasons; whereas others you are pleasantly surprised about. Here are a handful of prospects that caught my eye through this process and are amongst some of my favorites for the class of 2027.
Having added about 20lbs and grown 2 inches taller, Synder’s Nyrell Domnie Nyrell Domnie 6’0″ | 255 lbs | OL Snyder | 2027 State NJ has tremendous upside and could be an under-the-radar prospect. On film he immediately pops for has big as he appears; however, the big man is nimble, both pulling and moving very well in open space. Upon contact, Domnie keeps his feet driving while also maintaining a consistent base. The same base also translates to Domnie’s posture in pass protection. Whether run-or-pass, like a season veteran we see Domnie chop the hands of defenders’ down when they try to hit a move. A defensive player as well, he does a good job getting hands on the man in front of him and is starting to recognize how pressure feels and fight back against it. He is a disruptive force between the B gaps as he plows forward. Domnie can stand to improve his defensive space, which will allow him to fire out more frequently.
Previous Rank: 14
New Rank: 14
There might not have been one prospect’s film that got me talking and shared with a few folks than that of Luca Lentini Luca Lentini 5’10” | 150 lbs | DB Haddonfield | 2027 State NJ ‘s. A varsity starter for perennial South Jersey power Haddonfield, Lentini has tremendous tape as a two-way safety. Like a savvy veteran, Lentini reads the quarterback’s eyes very well – especially considering he is just a freshman. This skill translates to stupendous breaks on the ball and profiling him as a rangy defensive back. There are several clips on Lentini’s tape that show him playing centerfield safety, getting an excellent break on the ball, and getting his hands on it all the way at the numbers. His unbridled faith in his athleticism and speed allows him to play freely and with confidence. That, match with his instincts, allows it to seem as if the ball follows him, for he Lentini is always around it. More than just a pass defender, Lentini does an outstanding job tackling and tackling with proper leverage outside the box; whereas inside the box, Lentini will look to clip you at your knees. With solid hips, especially for his age, I anticipate Lentini being Haddonfield’s top playmaker for years to come. My only rub about his film is that it lacks moments of him in man coverage – something I definitely want to see.
Previous Rank: Watch List
New Rank: 17
Highlights
Mikahi Allen Mikahi Allen 6’2″ | 215 lbs | DB Don Bosco Prep | 2027 State NJ looks as if he could be my uncle. A 6’4″ 215lb freshman shooting the alley for one of the state’s premier parochial programs is a scary thought. A varsity starter, Allen has a tall, lean, and strong frame. With aggression, he asserts himself as a run-stuffer both in the alley and in the box. He has tremendous length that allows him to play over the top of receivers. When walked down near the line of scrimmage, Allen sets a hard edge, gets hands-on offensive tackles, works and fights with every ounce of his being. In the box, he will square you up and attempt a decleating tackle. Serving as a primary returner on special teams, Allen possesses good vision with the ball in his hands. I want to see Allen open up his hips by the time the season starts. Doing so will make him a shot caller, him telling Power 5 schools what position he wants to play at the next level.
Previous Rank: Watch List
New Rank: 4