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2025 Ballers: The Names to Know for College Football’s Future 2.0

2025 Ballers: The Names to Know for College Football’s Future 2.0
CJ Marable
CJ Marable December 16, 2024 @ 01:52 PM
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In this article:

Grayson Gulde
Grayson Gulde 5'10" | 200 lbs | LB | 2025
AL
Preston Lancaster
Preston Lancaster 6'0" | 210 lbs | QB | 2025
AL
Baylor Clayton
Baylor Clayton 6'4" | 235 lbs | DL | 2025
AL
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These players are already showcasing the skills, athleticism, and football IQ necessary to succeed at the next level. From explosive offensive playmakers to game-changing defenders, the class of 2025 is packed with prospects who could define the future of the sport. In this report, we spotlight the rising stars that every recruiter, scout, and coach should have on their radar. These are the names poised to leave a mark on high school football and beyond.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1333088"],"_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-676084f004111"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1333088' first='Baylor' last='Clayton'] stands out as the state leader in sacks with an impressive 23.5, demonstrating his dominance on the defensive line. His athleticism allows him to excel not only as a defensive end but also as a versatile athlete. Baylor's blend of speed, power, and instincts make him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. Scouts rave about his next-level talent, meeting and exceeding all metrics expected of a high-caliber recruit. With his production and physical tools, Clayton has the potential to thrive in any college program.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /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":"[player_tooltip player_id='1584642' first='Preston' last='Lancaster'] ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2409","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Tuscaloosa academy","_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-676084f0041c2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1584642' first='Preston' last='Lancaster'] has etched his name in the record books as the all-time single-season passing yard leader with 4,259 yards. His precision and arm strength make him one of the most prolific passers in high school football. Already holding Ivy League and FCS offers, Lancaster has caught the attention of elite academic and athletic programs. Beyond the stats, his poise and leadership in high-pressure situations set him apart from his peers. College coaches view him as a cornerstone prospect capable of elevating any offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /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":"[player_tooltip player_id='1587294' first='Grayson' last='Gulde'] ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_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":"195","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2496","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Vincent HS","_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-676084f00427e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1587294' first='Grayson' last='Gulde'] has solidified his status as the state's top tackler, boasting back-to-back seasons with over 150 tackles. His sideline-to-sideline range and ability to read offenses make him a defensive anchor. Known for his versatility, he thrives in multiple roles, whether it's in coverage or as a run-stopper. Gulde's relentless motor and football IQ have earned him recognition as one of the most reliable linebackers in his class. He's a player who consistently puts his team in a position to win with his on-field impact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /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":"Ju'Maria Hamilton","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'2u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2409","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Fairfield High Preparatory Schoo","_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-676084f004309"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">JuMaria Hamilton is a dual-threat quarterback who ranks in the Top 15 for total yards in 4A football. Over two seasons, he's amassed 4,770 total yards, including 1,160 rushing and 3,610 passing yards, averaging 207.4 yards per game. Hamilton's athleticism and versatility make him a constant scoring threat, whether on the ground or through the air. His ability to extend plays and find the end zone showcases his dynamic playmaking skills. College recruiters value his potential to adapt and thrive in multiple offensive systems.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /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":"Eli Holliman ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'4u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"180","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2495","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Shelby Co.","_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-676084f00438d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Eli Holliman has earned All-State honors as a physical and instinctive defensive back. He made waves during a four-game stretch where he scored four defensive touchdowns, showcasing his ability to turn defense into offense. Holliman's ball-hawking skills and aggressive tackling make him a standout in the secondary. His athleticism allows him to cover ground quickly, shutting down opposing receivers with ease. Coaches see him as a game-changer, capable of making critical plays in clutch moments at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->

These players are already showcasing the skills, athleticism, and football IQ necessary to succeed at the next level. From explosive offensive playmakers to game-changing defenders, the class of 2025 is packed with prospects who could define the future of the sport. In this report, we spotlight the rising stars that every recruiter, scout, and coach should have on their radar. These are the names poised to leave a mark on high school football and beyond.

Baylor Clayton

Baylor Clayton

AL
DL
HEIGHT 6'4"
WEIGHT 235
POS DL
CLASS 2025
View Player
​
Baylor
Clayton DL
Class
2025
Height
6'4"
Weight
235
HS
Reeltown
|
AL
2025 Ballers: The Names to Know for College Football’s Future 2.0
Baylor Clayton stands out as the state leader in sacks with an impressive 23.5, demonstrating his dominance on...
Written by CJ Marable
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Baylor Clayton

State: Alabama
School: Reeltown
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<span class="pn-tooltip pn-player-link">
        <span class="name-pointer">2025 Ballers: The Names to Know for College Football’s Future 2.0</span>
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Preston Lancaster Preston Lancaster 6'0" | 210 lbs | QB Tuscaloosa Academy | 2025 State AL

POS QB
CLASS 2025

Preston Lancaster Preston Lancaster 6'0" | 210 lbs | QB Tuscaloosa Academy | 2025 State AL

School: Tuscaloosa academy
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<span class="pn-tooltip pn-player-link">
        <span class="name-pointer">2025 Ballers: The Names to Know for College Football’s Future 2.0</span>
        <span class="info-box not-prose" style="background: linear-gradient(to bottom, rgba(193,25,32, 0.95) 0%,rgba(193,25,32, 1) 100%)">
            <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/12/2025-ballers-the-names-to-know-for-college-footballs-future-2-0/" class="link-wrap">
                                    <span class="player-img"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/12/JGIr51nF_400x400.jpg?w=150&h=150&crop=1" alt="2025 Ballers: The Names to Know for College Football’s Future 2.0"></span>
                
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                    <span class="last-name">Ballers: The Names to Know for College Football’s Future 2.0</span>
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Grayson Gulde Grayson Gulde 5'10" | 200 lbs | LB Vincent | 2025 State AL

HEIGHT 5'10"
WEIGHT 195
POS LB
CLASS 2025

Grayson Gulde Grayson Gulde 5'10" | 200 lbs | LB Vincent | 2025 State AL

School: Vincent HS
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Ju'Maria Hamilton

Ju'Maria Hamilton

HEIGHT 6'2"
POS QB
CLASS 2025

Ju'Maria Hamilton

School: Fairfield High Preparatory Schoo
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Eli Holliman

Eli Holliman

HEIGHT 6'4"
WEIGHT 180
POS DB
CLASS 2025

Eli Holliman

School: Shelby Co.
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
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