Initial Louisiana 2027 rankings countdown: Top 10

Prep Redzone Louisiana's spring updates process wraps up this week with the first official rankings for the 2027 class, on the heels of the group's freshman seasons.   Leading up to the complete, 75-player list on Monday, we will count down the top 30 in more detail.   And make sure to check back following the release for additional features and notes on the cohort, including a looks at an elite set of young quarterbacks and other prospects to monitor as we see more of them leading up to their sophomore year.     No. 10 [player_tooltip player_id='940554' first='Trenajh' last='Smith'] — 6-1, 170 ATH/DB — South Terrebonne   The Gators' standout doesn't yet carry some of the family-name or high-profile recognition as several other members of this initial top 10, but should be a name most college coaches and recruiting fans around the state get to know before long. Smith's long frame, speed, fluid hips, ball skills and confidence make him one of the state's top young cornerback prospects to watch in the coming years.   No. 9 [player_tooltip player_id='485983' first='Emmanuel' last='Moses'] — 5-11, 180 DB — University Lab   The strong build and physicality that "ManMan" brings to the field make it little surprise to hear he's the younger brother of former Cubs stars Dylan and Keylan — the Alabama, IMG Academy and NFL linebacker and LSU-committed linebacker, respectively. Emmanuel has worked more thus far in the secondary and has shown quick feet and good instincts and hands with the ball in the air, as well as the disruptive, hard-hitting play in the box for which his older brothers have long been known.   No. 8 [player_tooltip player_id='469475' first='Jaylan' last='Ash'] — 6-0, 145 WR — Archbishop Rummel   The long, lean pass-catcher is a speedy outside weapon who may be at his best right now using his leap, timing, big catch radius and body control to go up over defenders to snatch passes — often in highlight-reel fashion — but shows the ability to beat his man in a variety of ways all over the field and an understanding of how to use the threat he presents deep to set up defenders and create space on other routes.   No. 7 [player_tooltip player_id='592357' first='Sky' last='Ryan'] — 5-11, 170 DB — Lafayette Christian   The younger brother of LSU defensive back Sage Ryan is a long, fast cornerback who played well in the Knights' secondary this fall before spending this spring focusing primarily on track season and his continued speed work. Sky has quick feet and fluid hips, uses his hands well in man coverage and makes patient, well-timed plays on balls thrown his way. Sage opened eyes as a freshman on the program's first state title run before going on to cement himself as one of the top players in Lafayette Christian's young history and one of the top prospects in the country. And Sky began his freshman year already handling well those big shoes and the notable buzz surrounding his own potential.   No. 6 [player_tooltip player_id='1250280' first='Ryan' last='Moore Jr.'] — 5-11, 160 ATH — East Feliciana   "Bug" is already an electric three-phase playmaker for his Tigers with a combination of quickness and long speed that gives opponents fits as a constant home-run threat as both a versatile offensive weapon and a return man. But even as a freshman this past fall playing varsity competition three years older, his game is already impressively well-rounded with his physicality making tackles on defense and breaking them with the ball in his hands and his ability to consistently make difficult catches — timing, elevating and high-pointing over opponents (as a receiver or defensive back) or confidently securing acrobatic receptions on diving or sideline plays.   No. 5 [player_tooltip player_id='469439' first='Ahmad' last='Hudson'] — 6-5, 190 ATH — Ruston   One of the top young athletes in Louisiana, the Bearcats' multisport standout made headlines as a freshman in particular for his all-state basketball performance this winter to help lead the program to the state tournament. But Hudson also showed some flashes of his highlight-reel pass-catching ability on the football field this fall along the way to that program's first state title since 1990. The biggest question may ultimately become whether he plays football at the next level at all, given how high his basketball ceiling appears to be, but major programs are already recruiting him in both sports.   No. 4 [player_tooltip player_id='1137410' first='Morris' last='Walters'] — 6-1, 180 WR/ATH — Jeanerette   Walters was one of the most productive freshmen in the state this past fall with 41 catches for 602 yards — nearly 15 yards per catch — and seven touchdowns for a resurgent Jeanerette squad making its deepest playoff run in decades. He already boasts a tall, strong build as a pass-catcher with a wide catch radius, and his explosiveness in his release, his breaks or with the ball in his hands made him a threat to find the end zone on any given play. As impressive as those freshman statistics were on a veteran team, Walters has the potential to put up prolific numbers for years to come.   No. 3 [player_tooltip player_id='934555' first='Braylon' last='Calais'] — 6-3, 185 ATH — Cecilia   Another versatile athlete from the 337 with an impressive combination of size and speed, Calais is one of the bigger skill prospects in the class with great ball skills and strong hands to consistently win on plays in the air — where his basketball ability serves him well in jump-ball situations — and the speed to stretch the field vertically or break runs, screens and other short plays for huge gains. He started in the secondary this fall on his Bulldogs' first state championship game run since 1995 and also has a background playing some quarterback.   No. 2 [player_tooltip player_id='642719' first='Elijah' last='Haven'] — 6-4, 190 QB — Dunham   The Tigers' promising young passer did not disappoint in his first fall as the team's starter. Haven has a tall frame, big arm capable of making any throw on the field, poise beyond his years and impressive overall athleticism — enough to also make him an all-state performer and intriguing prospect on the basketball court. His efficiency with 2,205 yards, 35 touchdowns and three interceptions on 122-for-180 passing (nearly 68%) was remarkable for a freshman starter with consistent play not only from the pocket, but extending plays and making throws on the move or taking off to lead the team with 641 yards and 12 more scores on 107 carries.   No. 1 [player_tooltip player_id='1250887' first='Peyton' last='Houston'] — 6-0, 185 QB — Evangel Christian   "Pop" hasn't had as much opportunity yet to showcase his game in varsity action, as he transferred schools early this fall, but his arm talent and feel for the game — as well as the way in which other players gravitate to him — have been consistently clear in a wide range of other camp, 7-on-7 and workout settings. Houston can make any throw on the football field. Houston stands tall and rifles tight spirals to any area of the field with just the flick of his wrist from a range of angles. And while we'll get a more complete picture this fall and beyond, the special potential and early polish that have colleges around the country already recruiting him are not difficult to see.

Prep Redzone Louisiana's spring updates process wraps up this week with the first official rankings for the 2027 class, on the heels of the group's freshman seasons.