Class of 2028 Players Making an Impact

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After a good freshman class last season, we are seeing the class of 2028 step up as well this fall, and the future looks bright. Today, I am bringing you some names to know from freshmen making an impact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1088707"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66e99f8de4f93"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jude is off to a strong start on the year as the starting QB for James Monroe's varsity squad. He has been on <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2023/11/al-pops-2028-offensive-prospect-potpourri-11-16-23/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Al Pop's radar</a> with <a href="https://prepredzone.com/next/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Prep Redzone Next</em></a> when he started on JV as an eighth grader. He is showing good poise in the pocket, keeping his eyes downfield to target the open receiver. His accuracy is very good, and I like where his arm strength is at for a freshman. There is a lot to like in Jude's game, and he will only get better.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19425864/Jude-Hardy?_gl=1*1rwlxt3*_ga*MTY5NDMwNTU3LjE3MDAwNzg3NTI.*_ga_29LPHS2HWC*MTcyNzg3MzM2OS43MDguMC4xNzI3ODczMzY5LjAuMC4w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/Jhardy10_" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19425864/66f027972219e50b9a6b8a89' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66fd5d59494cb"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1229884"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66f5cffe5252d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The future QB of Flint Hill has started off strong as the JV starter this season. Through two games (two games have been canceled this season), he is 16 for 34, 319 yards, 1 TD, and 1 INT, averaging 19.94 yards per attempt. He also has 13 rushes for 61 yards, averaging 4.69 yards per carry. He shows good pocket poise, able to maneuver through the pocket while keeping his eyes downfield. An accurate passer from the pocket and on the run. He has solid arm strength and that will develop as he continues to grow and get stronger. You will find his film on his X Account page.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/22610998/alexander-mahmood" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/am3210httc" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1014896"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66f5cffe5261a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">At 6'1" and 230 lbs., Mattox already has good size for a freshman and that is going to grow. As a Center, he shows a quick snap and engages the block quickly. He displays good strength in run blocking, with good ability to swing his hips into the gap and drive the defender out. He is <a href="https://x.com/mattox_ratcliff/status/1832031405188026795" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>good in pass protection</em></a> and able to anchor and halt any bull rush that comes at him. There is a lot to like, and he plays for a very good Gainesville program. I look forward to seeing his development over the next four years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/23487247/mattox-ratcliff" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/mattox_ratcliff" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/mattox_ratcliff/status/1839439364511941106","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/mattox_ratcliff/status/1839439364511941106 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":[1373018],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66f5cffe526e4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jhamari is a WR on Huguenot's varsity team as a freshman. He is showing the ability to run intermediate and deep routes. Able to make contested catches in traffic. He also shows the speed to outrun defensive backs. He will be one I will be keeping an eye on, and I look forward to his end of season film.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/24280988/Jhamari-Cain?_gl=1*2e7xzw*_ga*MTY5NDMwNTU3LjE3MDAwNzg3NTI.*_ga_29LPHS2HWC*MTcyNzg4MjQ2MS43MTAuMS4xNzI3ODgyNDc0LjAuMC4w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/JhamariCai81632" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/JhamariCai81632/status/1832659755774484847","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/JhamariCai81632/status/1832659755774484847 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1508898"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66e99f8de5085"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I learned of Kamharie (<em>a.k.a. "Zhiy"</em>) a few weeks ago when I attended one of <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/09/standout-players-from-salem-vs-william-fleming/"><em>Fleming's games</em></a> in their victory over Salem. He currently is the backup to Syracuse RB commit [player_tooltip player_id='1228866' first='Malachi' last='Coleman'], but when you see him run, you understand why he is on varsity. He shows good physicality, burst, and speed as a runner. He also is a kick returner and a good defensive back for Fleming.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/23397008/Zhiy-Steelman" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/Showtime_Zhiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/23397008/66d480d8fd75bc37bd6fce60' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66fd5d594a9df"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1508900"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66f5cffe52a5d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jakhi is a name you are going to want to know. Arguably already the best athlete on the varsity field as a freshman any time he touches the field. This past summer, he ran a <a href="https://x.com/_Jakhihayden/status/1801839228365480071">14.53 100m Hurdle</a> at the New Balance Nationals. As a DB, he has no issue playing with physicality in run support with good tackling. He can align in Off, Soft, and Press coverage and provides tight coverage on receivers. Also big play threat on offense at WR. Be sure to check out his midseason highlights linked below. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/21671209/jakhi-hayden" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/_Jakhihayden" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/21671209/66f84bf1d736d65014c9cc52' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66fd5d594aa45"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1092231"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66fd7a2a3e062"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The freshman RB and LB is another one you want to keep your eyes on. He has been noticed by <a href="https://prepredzone.com/author/arlenharrisauthor/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arlen Harris</a> on our <a href="https://prepredzone.com/next/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Prep RedZone Next</a> team as a <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2023/11/notes-on-stud-running-backs-from-the-2028-class/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stud Running back</a>. There are no updated highlights from this season, but you can see in last season's film that he displays good vision, burst, balance, and strength as a runner. He starts on JV and has some varsity reps this year and will be a name you will know over the next few seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/22747560/devonte-vonte-douglas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/5starr_vontee" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://youtu.be/Rb5WUf2POt8?si=tWHxiG2RGffVtebG","type":"video","providerNameSlug":"youtube","responsive":true,"className":"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://youtu.be/Rb5WUf2POt8?si=tWHxiG2RGffVtebG </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Kaydan Whiteside","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"150","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2410","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Fork Union","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66fd7a2a3e120"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A WR and DB for Fork Union is playing very well to start the season on Fork Union's varsity team. Through three games, he has 10 Receptions and 3 TDs on offense, and 1 INT and 5 PBUs on defense. He displays very good speed along with very good change of directions, lateral movement, and acceleration. These traits play a direct role in his success on the field. He has very good separation quickness in his route running and is a dangerous runner with the ball. As a DB, his change of direction allows him to quickly plant and go to make a break on the ball and keep tight coverage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/20016609/Kaydan-Whiteside" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/Kaydan11_" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/20016609/66f2d98b9171456468a80981' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66fd7a2a3e294"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Click&nbsp;<a href="https://prepredzone.com/prospect-index/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>&nbsp;to claim your Prep Redzone Prospect Index profile.<br>Follow me on Twitter&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/GoLions1934" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@GoLions1934</a>&nbsp;for further content |&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneVA" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@PrepRedzoneVA</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/PrepRedzone" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@PrepRedzone</a>&nbsp;| Virginia Scout&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/carljfred" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@carljfred</a></em>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<em>View my previous Prep Redzone articles&nbsp;<a href="https://prepredzone.com/author/cole-laing-author/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->