16 Games in 4 Weeks, Which Prospects Need to Be Recruited Today

<p class="text-gray-700">As impressed as I've ever been after watching junior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1132647' first='Liam' last='Zelman'] this past weekend. I'm as familiar with Zelman's game as one can possibly be. Zelman has attended PRZ camps, has won Camp MVP. I've watched Zelman work out at Cheshire Academy, a good 5-6 hours away from home. I've watched his tape and graded him inside the Top 100 of two different sets of rankings. This past weekend served as the first time I got to see him play in pads in a game that mattered. </p>   <p>Zelman looked great from a physique standpoint. In shape, carried a LB/S build, arms and legs looked worked on. Zelman's build has always impressed, he checked off this box in person. Zelman recorded just one passing touchdown in this one, yet was able to plunge into the end zone on three different occasions, utilizing his legs each time. I know Zelman can move, yet I was intrigued by how natural he looked carrying the football. Numerous sets calling for QB draws or sweeps, possibly even some QB power sets called for him to tuck and run. SCH back [player_tooltip player_id='1133960' first='Finn' last='Whittle'] had himself a day on the ground, yet Zelman likely eclipsed the 75-100 yard mark in this one by himself. The game plan didn't call for Zelmam to throw the rock around the yard much, yet when he did, the trademark release looked as quick as ever. Complete command of the huddle, Zelman displayed some attitude and swagger I didn't know he had in him. Lincoln had no answer for this offense and Zelman knew it. Four total TDs, a great punting performance too.</p>   <p>Talking recruiting, all QBs have to understand how tough it is to gain traction at this position. There are many more talented QBs than there are spots available. Recruiting is a cut-throat world, recruiting QBs is even more cut-throat. That being said, I give Zelman an FCS-floor grade, with an FBS ceiling. Zelman is embedded inside a ridiculously good 2026 PA class. Ranked a top 75 prospect, the Top 75 in any other class would have Zelman inside the Top 4-5 at his position. This year, Top 75 lands you at 9-10. I think Zelman checks off too many boxes to be left out of the FCS landscape, however. I witnessed Zelman flick the football 45+ yards, I've witnessed Zelman flex one of the best releases available. At 6'3, 200+ pounds, proving he can serve as a legitimate dual-threat, there's not much Zelman can't do in my eyes. He should be actively recruited TODAY.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/PRZPAvic/status/1835027837956325554 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1091200' first='Aaron' last='Clark'] and Zelman didn't go off against Lincoln like I know they are capable of. That's fine, the gameplan didn't call for it, and I know what the two are capable of via prior tape. Clark was targeted downfield on a couple of occasions, I'd credit Lincoln on some reps, I'd credit a couple overthrows as well. Despite the mistakes, Clark still managed to reel in three balls for over 60+ yards, all this while blocking on the perimeter and serving as a deterrent to run toward when aligned at DB. Clark's rank should show you how fondly I think of the two-way junior. Him being included in this piece should tell coaches that I believe he's a tier better than the majority of the prospects on the field.</p>   <p>Prior to this game, Clark would dismantle an LC defense for 215+ yards and three scores. This is the young man's ceiling, his floor being what I saw against Lincoln. A game-breaking type of prospect with straight-line speed that must be accounted for. This is another FCS prospect who is currently unoffered. Looked a lot bigger than 6'1 on the field, a lot bigger than 185, this being my opinion from the sideline. Reminds me of [player_tooltip player_id='386095' first='Preston' last='Holmes'] a bit, must account for his two-way prowess too. Should be actively recruited today.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/PRZPAvic/status/1835002560098291934 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">I've been screaming [player_tooltip player_id='402474' first='Xavier' last='Stearn']'s name from the mountaintops for as long as I can remember. There's nothing left to say that I haven't already said in the past. Let me just display his stat lines from each of his games this year. Stearn needs to be recruited today. Coaches should be clamoring for a shot to make a connection with him, it could make or break a program's recruiting class. </p>   <p>Here's what I have said about Stearn just two weeks ago. <br></p>   <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"> <p>Tough to raise your stock further if you're <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402474' first='Xavier' last='Stearn']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/xavier-stearn/"><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong></a><a></a> . I've gone on record numerous times, lauding all things Stearn, been doing so for almost two years now. Thankfully, Stearn is making me look good in terms of evaluation. Lincoln had Germantown on the ropes for the majority of this football game, it took a bit of time for the passing game to open up, but once it did, Germantown was able to score 27 points in one half. Stearn, this credit to his offensive line, can tear apart a defense when given the opportunity. Stearn can turn a game into a 7v7 event when he's seeing the field properly. Fantastic locater, a fantastic decision-maker, it's great seeing Stearn show more command and confidence now that he's no longer an underclassman. I witnessed him direct his teammates, I witnessed him work officials for calls, even witnessed Stearn not shy away from opposing chatter from Lincoln. The young man is growing up and is proving our ranking to be a good one. Currently holds one offer from the University of Pennsylvania.</p> </blockquote>   <p>6'5.5, 210 pounds. PRZPA Camp MVP</p>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>23/34, 330 yards, 4 TDs<br>13 completions for 288 yards, 7 TDs<br>4 TDs in a loss to Lincoln<br><br></li> </ul>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/PRZPAvic/status/1829586848865476937 </div></figure>     <p>Since I last checked in on McKee, (two weeks ago), the young man has gone on to catch nine balls for four touchdowns, elevating his touchdown total to seven in just three games. Tack on multiple PBUs, multiple tackles and interceptions from his S/CB spot. </p>   <p class="text-gray-700">Here's what I wrote on Mckee just two weeks ago. </p>   <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"> <p>Two-way performance. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1155998' first='Michael' last='McKee']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/michael-mckee/"><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong></a><a></a> was stationed at corner and was tasked with the almost impossible job of bottling up Syracuse commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='399252' first='Ziyyon' last='Bredell']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/ziyyon-bredell/"><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong></a><a></a> . Where McKee shined and potentially earned himself some money was on the other side of the football. Five catches on the day, three scores in a game that almost got out of hand. Germantown Academy was behind the eight-ball for a good part of this game, yet the staff insisted on establishing a running game. Once Germantown was forced to open up the field and throw the ball, Stearn and McKee began to connect for big plays. McKee reeled in a pass on a slant while being draped by a defender, a close-quarters catch that shows off his hand-eye coordination. Another touchdown came on what looked like a corner route ran by McKee while in trips formation. McKee reeled in the catch why flashing his toe-dragging skills for an impressive score, his second of the game. Again, you can see the body control and coordination this kid is working with. McKee would get open for another score with less than a minute left in the ball game. Huge game against a Lincoln defense that was on point for the most part. McKee also provided a spark via kick return.</p> </blockquote>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/PRZPAvic/status/1829577894126916077 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">From a prospect perspective, I'd argue [player_tooltip player_id='598902' first='Jaasai' last='Simmons'] still leads the pass-rushing unit over at Roman Catholic. That being said, LaZaryus Toombs is the current name that should be hot on the recruiting trail. 6'3, 235 pounds, is having a phenomenal season beside a star-studded defensive line deploying names like [player_tooltip player_id='263022' first='Mykell' last='Ford'], [player_tooltip player_id='1623519' first='CJ' last='Miller'], [player_tooltip player_id='1156096' first='Julian' last='Enoch'], [player_tooltip player_id='1352809' first='Antwan' last='Smith-Ray'], and the above-mentioned Simmons, who is currently committed to Marshall University.</p>   <p>More on [player_tooltip player_id='1091189' first='Lazaryus' last='Toombs'], the senior DE has three scholarship offers under his belt, yet it's tough to know if any of the three scholarships are still on the table. I would imagine they are, that being offers out of Long Island University, Maine, and Akron. I come to that conclusion based on how Toombs has performed through four weeks of play. I have Toombs in this piece because I can make a case that the young man should have a couple more FCS opportunities under his belt. Toombs recorded a sack and two TFLs in a dominant victory over AP Randolph, a game I was in attendance for. Love the Malvern Prep tape, Roman has Toombs shade either side of the tackle in a four-man front, serving as a true EDGE rusher. A tough chest plate to get a hold of, Toombs attacks tackles with the intent of throwing them off balance. Holds a lot more lateral agility than you'd figure, this isn't a chunky DE build. A motor that revs to stop the run too. Toombs gets off his initial block so well, his vision through traffic is phenomenal, the young man does a great job shocking out of his stance and seeking the BC. Toombs came away with at least ten tackles in this one, that's saying something for a kid whose hand is in the dirt each play.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/PRZPAvic/status/1832604837344665951 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Wrote about McEwan in a previous post, still think he deserves to be mentioned in this piece. A senior without offers to his name. Playing against good competition each week in the PCL Blue, has length that should have coaches drooling. Unsure how moldable the young man is, how well he adapts to coaching, yet I'd figure PSACs will be in on his game once they begin offering. The likelihood of FCS programs inquiring at this point is low, yet that doesn't mean we can't shed eyes on the kid nonetheless. Got a chance to see him perform against AB Ryan, McEwan provided a sack in that game and several other stops. McEwan has recorded two sacks in four games from what I can tell on tape, he's wreaking havoc as a play-side run-stopper as well. </p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/PRZPAvic/status/1832480227064156410 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='453138' first='Justice' last='Hardy'] hardly broke a sweat in the live evaluation against ANC. Wyomissing was able to do whatever they wanted offensively, Hardy ended up being on the receiving end of two scores in this one. Competition made it so that the live evaluation wasn't a great one, yet I couldn't pass on the opportunity of seeing the kid live for myself. Hardy was as advertised. I recently included Hardy inside a piece highlighting the top 2027s in PA who need to be recruited. I figured i'd double down and include the sophomore in this piece as well. Athleticism beyond his peers, two-way reps have expanded his IQ and awareness. An FBS prospect in my eyes. </p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/PRZPAvic/status/1832155020080587071 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Wrote a piece including [player_tooltip player_id='272635' first='Ben' last='Kumpon'] after the La Salle Malvern Prep game. In that column, I spoke about how Kumpon's drop on our ranks will be reverted, as his two-game tape was enough reminder of his special the young man can be on both sides of the ball. Since then, Colgate and Towson reached out to Kumpon and offered the LB/TE/DL scholarships. Just yesterday (at the time of writing), Ben Jumpon announced he's shutting down his recruitment and committing to Towson University. A huge get for the program who offered within the same week.</p>   <p>I'm glad that FCS programs were equally impressed with Kumpon's first three, I was worried he wouldn't see the same traction, was worried he wouldn't be able to build on the momentum established when he secured the Marist offer. Now, Kumpon's recruitment is closed, huge congrats from us over at PRZ!</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/BenKumpon/status/1835876069208924582 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Been knocking on this door for so long I'm unsure what else there is to say. Here's what I wrote concerning Lansdale Catholic's FBS prospect [player_tooltip player_id='646730' first='Darren' last='Jackson'] after his Week Two performance against Father Judge. </p>   <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"> <p>In a game where starting quarterback Yeboa Cobbold exited early, junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='646730' first='Darren' last='Jackson']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/darren-jackson/"><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong></a><a></a> was still able to contribute quality two-way reps in a loss to Father Judge. I think of Jackson as a potential FBS outside linebacker, thus his high ranking. Jackson serves the OLB role well on this Lansdale defense, yet he also serves a quality role at tight end as well. Jackson was serviceable at OLB in this one, great pursuit to the football, was working in space and manning zones while aligned in the slot. Not too much in terms of TFLs but I witnessed Jackson running around the field to make sure his presence was felt on defense. Jackson came up huge offensively, however. About 5/6 catches on the day, looked great after the catch, the kid sports a long-limbed build, one that can churn up positive yards quickly if you give him a chance. Cobbold hit Jackson in an improv situation, the junior quarterback finding Jackson downfield for an easy score that put LC up at the time. Jackson was still able to produce despite a quarterback change. LC's offense staggered a bit without Cobbold creating behind the LOS, yet Jackson was able to reel in catches still and provide YAC. This is a prospect whose phone should be blowing up. Currently holds one offer out of Kent State.</p> </blockquote>   <p>Story remains the same. If Jackson doesn't get a Power Four offer then so be it. Jackson is worthy of a plethora of G5 offers, this in my opinion being his floor. If I were Jackson, I'd keep my head down and control what he can control. Let the gasbags like myself do the talking for him. I have no problem pressing the issue. </p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/PRZPAvic/status/1829905539826171954 </div></figure>    <p class="text-gray-700"></p>    <p class="text-gray-700">Looking back three weeks ago, I remember coming away pleased with IDL reps showcased by 2026 OL/DL [player_tooltip player_id='402477' first='Yendor' last='Mack'] out of Susquehanna Township. Mack, who currently ranks one spot outside the Top 100, was first identified as a future OL at the next level. Mack's 6'3, 280-pound frame make his transition to OL a no-brianer, yet watching some of his tape from games I haven't attended, I can't help but feel this kid could be a fantastic IDL worthy of Division One looks. There's a lot to clean up on both ends, talking OL and DL reps. There's a lot to like too. Long wingspan and great measurables have me feeling potential collegiate suitors might turn a blind eye to some tech and footwork issues. 79.25 inch WS, 9.5 inch hands. Grip strength is visible on tape. Mack currently has no offers to his name, yet he's one I suggest FCS schools do a bit more digging on. </p>   <p></p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/MackYendor/status/1836064003841265771 </div></figure>    <p></p>