PRZNE 2027 Rankings Update | New Names to Know

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code:&nbsp;OscarGalindo30&nbsp;in the coupon code area.</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our Class of 2027 rankings received a post-season update, with the number of ranked players growing from 30 to 75 and nearly 300 players on the watchlist. Sophomore year is when we see many players make a jump as they earn varsity starting spots or can work their way into a solid role.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are five new names that you should add to your radars!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>FULL 2027 RANKINGS&nbsp;<a href="https://prepredzone.com/nebraska/rankings/2027-watch-list/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HERE</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1556216' first='Colton' last='Williams']<a href="https://x.com/ColtonW2027"> (@ColtonW2027)</a>, DB - Millard West - 6'2" 170 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Very good breakout season for Millard West sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1556216' first='Colton' last='Williams']. Williams more than proved he will be someone to watch as he battled with some of the top receivers in the state and more than held his own in coverage. Colton recorded 44 tackles, four fumble recoveries, and two interceptions. The part of Colton's game that stands out the most is his aggressive ball skills, as he recorded 12 pass breakups throughout the season. Williams does a great job tracking the ball and uses his hands effectively to disrupt receivers at the catch point. He's very quick and fluid on his feet, with sharp footwork, loose hips, and a smooth change of direction. Colton also has the taller, lengthier frame at 6'2", which is starting to become the norm at the cornerback position at the next level. Definitely a prospect to get on your list now!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/22641842/66ea39a58902c6f44c447cba' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-677372f7589f1"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1192653' first='Barrett' last='Kitrell'] <a href="https://x.com/BarrettK54">(@BarrettK54)</a>, OL - Ashland-Greenwood - 6'4" 245 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2027 class looks pretty deep in the OL group, with several players emerging in year 2. Barrett is a mauler on the offensive line who loves to bring the fight to the defense with his aggressive blocks and physicality at the point of contact. He displays nice athleticism and quickness as he does a good job climbing up to the second level to clear lanes in the run game. Great finisher. Kitrell also posted 22 tackles, 3 TFLs, a sack, and forced a fumble on defense. Massive upside with this budding two-way star!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16714085/6732b5eca936461479edc625' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-677372f758a20"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1588236' first='Ian' last='Christo'] <a href="https://x.com/Christo9Ian">(@Christo9Ian)</a>, LB - Elkhorn North - 6'1" 180 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That Elkhorn North linebacker group is no joke as they boast two of the top '26 LBs, and now one of the top sophomores in [player_tooltip player_id='1588236' first='Ian' last='Christo']. Ian had a highly productive season, ending his sophomore campaign with 90 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, and 1.5 sacks. Ian pops on tape immediately when you turn on his film, flashing a non-stop motor and tireless pursuit of the ball. He flashes a quick trigger when shooting his gap and has the speed to close on the ball very well. Christo also has some sneaky twitch at the line of scrimmage that allows him to shake off blockers while tracking down the ball carrier. Good technique tackler. Ian also proved to be a well-rounded linebacker with some great reps in coverage, where he did a great job locking down the middle of the field and the flats. I wouldn't be surprised if we start seeing some more attention and possibly some offers headed Ian's way soon!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19628086/6727e2c9a953dda75e9fa6b4' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-677372f758a41"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1588237' first='Chase' last='Loecker']<a href="https://x.com/chaseloeck"> (@chaseloeck)</a>, WR/ATH - Lincoln Standing Bear - 6'2" 185 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Although the Lincoln Standing Bear Grizzlies took some lumps in year 1 of their varsity program, there is a TON to be excited about regarding this roster. One player that caught my attention this season was receiver [player_tooltip player_id='1588237' first='Chase' last='Loecker'], who was a very reliable target in the passing attack. Chase's bigger frame creates size mismatches against defenders and can help him fight off aggressive DBs. Loecker has some strong hands that allow him to secure catches when battling through contact. He does a great job working all levels of the field with his route running and a good understanding of how to exploit soft spots in coverage. Very good at tracking the ball on deep passes. Chase also showed some nice burst after the catch that allowed him to tack on extra yardage. Looking forward to seeing more from Chase this offseason!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19464722/671e897eda13d98171ac2414' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-677372f758a5f"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1347466' first='Soren' last='Scott'], OL - Lincoln Standing Bear - 6'5" 235 lbs </em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's another player who emerged as a prospect to watch from the Grizzlies' inaugural varsity season. Soren is a tall, lengthy offensive tackle with an athletic 6'5" and 235-pound frame with room to add more weight. I was impressed with Soren's aggressiveness at the point of attack while looking to finish his block in the dirt. He is quick on his feet and does a great job driving defenders off the ball. The sky is the limit for the Grizzlies' prospect!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19573186/674a975a625776be6d65ffaf' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-677372f758a7c"} /--> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Make sure to follow&nbsp;<em>@PRZ_OscarG</em>&nbsp;for more news on Nebraska and Iowa HS recruiting.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->