Updated 2027 Rankings: New Additions (Part 1)
In this article:
Earlier today we released the updated 2027 rankings. Here are the top 10 New Additions to the ranking: Colton McKibben Colton McKibben 6'2" | 200 lbs | LB Carlsbad | 2027 NM , Carlsbad: McKibben was one of the most…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingEarlier today we released the updated 2027 rankings. Here are the top 10 New Additions to the ranking:
Colton McKibben Colton McKibben 6'2" | 200 lbs | LB Carlsbad | 2027 NM , Carlsbad: McKibben was one of the most impressive athletes at the Prep redzone Combine in Grants last month. McKibben is 6-foot-2, 200 pounds but runs well (4.62 seconds) and has some serios hops (camp best 9 feet, 5 inches in broad jump). He’ll be a major contributor on the Carlsbad defense for three years. He appeared in 1 varsity game as a freshman in 2023 and made 10 tackles.
Daniel Cardenas Daniel Cardenas 6'4" | 255 lbs | DL Rio Rancho | 2027 NM , Rio Rancho: The one things that stands out about Cardenas is his impressive size. He’s already 6-foot-4, 254 pounds. He’ll likely make the jump to the Rams varsity in 2024. He stood out at the Prep Redzone Combine in Grants last month.
Vincent Varela Jr. Vincent Varela Jr. 6'2" | 185 lbs | DL Manzano | 2027 NM , Manzano: The 6-foot-2, 185-pound Varela saw varsity experience as a freshman in 2023, registering 4 QB hurries in 4 games, so he’s shown he can get after the opposing signal caller. He has excellent speed and runs track for the Monarchs. Several camp invitations.
James Barreras James Barreras 5'9" | RB Rio Rancho | 2027 NM , Rio Rancho: Barreras will challenge for the Rams No. 1 RB job after turning heads as a freshman last season with the Rio Rancho frosh and junior varsity squads. Either way, Barreras will carry the football for the Rams varsity in 2024.
Chase Nelson Chase Nelson 6'0" | 260 lbs | OL St. Pius X | 2027 NM , St. Pius X: Just a few freshman start in the trenches for their school’s varsity football team, but Nelson is one of them. He started all but one game at center for St. Pius X last season. Even his head coach describes the 6-foot-0, 240-pound Nelson as a “stud.” High praise for a promising young player.
Jaxon Alba Jaxon Alba 5'9" | 155 lbs | RB Las Cruces | 2027 NM , Las Cruces: Alba is being eyed by the Bulldawgs as the backup RB behind Daniel Amaro Daniel Amaro 5'9" | 175 lbs | RB Las Cruces | 2026 State NM but Alba may see action as a DB as a way to get him on the field. One of the top young players in Las Cruces.
Julian Marquez Julian Marquez 6'0" | 160 lbs | DB Rio Rancho | 2027 NM , Rio Rancho: Marquez possesses plenty of speed and should see action as a safety in the Rams secondary this season. He played for the freshman and JV teams and suited up 5 times for the varsity.
J’ven Smith J’ven Smith 5'10" | 160 lbs | WR Atrisco Heritage | 2027 NM , Atrisco Heritage: A talented wide receiver, Smith opened eyes at the Prep Redzone Combine in Grants last month. He has good size with a 5-foot-10, 160-pound frame. Atrisco Heritage should have a loaded wide receiver corps in 2024 and Smith looks to contribute. He’s already thinking about the next level, visiting New Mexico Highlands for Junior Day.
Diego Martinez Diego Martinez 5'11" | 230 lbs | DL Cleveland | 2027 NM , Cleveland: An up-and-coming DL prospect who shined at the Prep Redzone Combine in Grants last month. He’s listed at 5-foot-11, 228 pounds.
Josiah Chavez Josiah Chavez 5'11" | 160 lbs | QB Atrisco Heritage | 2027 NM , Atrisco Heritage: Rising senior Landon Griego Landon Griego 5'11" | 170 lbs | QB Atrisco Heritage Academy | 2025 State NM is penciled in as Atrisco Heritage’s starting QB for 2024 but Chavez could be the Jaguars’ QB of the future. He’s close to six-feet tall with nice speed. He also runs track for AHHS.