2027 Rankings Update: Stock Risers

We're going to tell you all about the new additions to the Class of 2027 rankings.    But first, it's important to let you know exactly why those who were part of a previous rankings cycle impressed us over the course of the 2024 football season. Because, frankly, it's often much more difficult for sophomores to make waves.   There's an understanding of how much they can influence games, and opposing coaches usually know to pin point their exact locations.   Of the biggest 20 stock risers in the 2027 rankings, most of them were in the category of those whose film was already out there.    INFLUENCING THE TOP 10    [player_tooltip player_id='1094944' first='Aiden' last='Manavian'] (up three spots to No. 5) may not ultimately complete a perfect run as a starting quarterback. There's no telling what will happen during his junior and senior seasons. But after his electric introduction during the 2023 championship running, running it back in 2024 for Oceanside was spurred by Manavian. He's a couple of vertical inches from looking like a future Power 4 quarterback, and he might just do it even without another growth spurt.    Just behind Manavian at No. 6 overall is a newcomer to our 2027 rankings, South Pointe defensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1591712' first='Seth' last='Tillman'] spent the entire season showing why he was the most influential player at his position in the state. In his first game of the year, he had four tackles, two tackles for loss and a couple quarterback hurries. He never let up, finishing with 76 stops, 25 tackles for loss, 15.5 sacks (all in October or later), 30 quarterback hurries and a pair of fumble recoveries.    Next up at No. 7 overall, [player_tooltip player_id='1215391' first='Jayven' last='Williams'] (up 33 spots) went off in his first year on the varsity level. After dominating the JV ranks as a freshman - but sitting behind several older players on the 2023 roster - Williams took over last fall. He rushed for 2,007 yards (8.2 yards per carry) and 25 touchdowns. He only failed to reach the end zone in one game all year, and that was in a 22-point win in which he casually rushed for 127 yards.    And rounding out the newcomers to the Top 10 is Ridge View receiver [player_tooltip player_id='1172363' first='Khristian' last='Jackson'] at No. 9 overall (up four spots). Jackson started the year playing under the wing of eventual South Carolina signee [player_tooltip player_id='233146' first='Jordon' last='Gidron'] and was expected to be the complementary piece. However, when Gidron went down in early September, Jackson (pictured) quickly took a step forward and looked more than comfortable. He caught seven of his 10 touchdowns after Gidron's injury and with some added size proved to be a difficult cover.   FROM UNRANKED TO TOP 50   In total, four other players joined Tillman in the previously unranked crew who jumped directly into our Top 50 overall. Irmo's [player_tooltip player_id='756223' first='Nate' last='Carson'] moved all the way up to No. 19. The right tackle spent his sophomore season teaching a master class on getting low and then positioning his lower body to prevent any pressure from getting into the backfield. Irmo's offense was a top-to-bottom affair that needed all parts firing, and Carson held his own and started getting some big-time attention because of it.    Hammond reloaded much of its roster from the year before, but [player_tooltip player_id='1603691' first='Jackson' last='Ross'] (No. 45 overall) helped lead yet another championship run by putting up 134 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks and 17 quarterback hurries. At times he was dominant; at others, he simple did his job. But throughout the season, his impact for the Skyhawks was clear.    Just down the street at AC Flora, defensive end/outside linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1550897' first='Hugh' last='Manning'] and his 25 tackles for loss, 114 tackles and five forced fumbles helped a developing Falcons' defense making some significant strides after a rough 2023. He took advantage of a great reach and long stride to close down the edge throughout the year.    And just sneaking into the Top 50, [player_tooltip player_id='1603697' first='Zymier' last='Gordon-Miles'] finished the season with 1,264 yards and 16 touchdowns while catching another 17 passes for another 123 yards. He had seven 100-yard rushing games, two of which came in the playoffs. He also scored six postseason touchdowns during the Trojans' Class 5A, Division II championship run.    OTHERS TRENDING UPWARD   The rest of the Top 50 shaped largely by those who gave us every reason to promote them up the 2027 rankings.    [player_tooltip player_id='840548' first='Tre' last='Howard'] QB, Ridge View (Up three spots) - Despite a lack of pure height, Howard left no doubt as to his understanding of the playbook or ability to make any throw.   [player_tooltip player_id='1172366' first='Tyrone' last='Jennings'] DL, White Knoll (Up five spots) - He finished with 102 total tackles even after missing two games near the end of the regular season.   [player_tooltip player_id='1422528' first='Maleek' last='Miller'] WR, Irmo (Up five spots) - We already knew Miller was a dynamic receiver. As the year went on, we saw he could be potent as a tailback, too.   [player_tooltip player_id='1422535' first='Jayvin' last='Risher'] ATH, Hampton County (Up five spots) - His offensive capabilities are just starting to come into scope. Same for Risher on defense.    [player_tooltip player_id='691267' first='CJ' last='Brooks'] OL, Gaffney (Up six spots) - The next big, physical Indians' offensive lineman is already here, and he's here to do some damage.    [player_tooltip player_id='1172345' first='Trenton' last='Lynch'] RB, Spartanburg (Up seven spots) - While facing a difficult schedule, Lynch is averaging better than 100 yards per game through his first 24.   [player_tooltip player_id='1426796' first='Marques' last='Skinner'] OL, Riverside (Up 14 spots) - A large right tackle with pretty of pop, Skinner didn't allow a single sack for the for the Warriors.    [player_tooltip player_id='755914' first='Jaiden' last='Bryant'] DL, Irmo (Up 16 spots) - He not only led the Yellow Jackets in tackles; he also put up a team-high 26 tackles for loss and 18.5 sacks.    [player_tooltip player_id='1271263' first='KJ' last='Burg'] LB, South Pointe (Up 24 spots) - Among the state's leaders in tackles, Burg finished with 134 stops and had a hand in four turnovers.    [player_tooltip player_id='1422592' first='Caleb' last='Pinkney'] DB, River Bluff (Up 26 spots) - Pinkney excelled on the island, picking off seven passes, including three in the regular-season finale win over Lexington.   [player_tooltip player_id='1422604' first='Jailyn' last='Broughton'] DL, Cross (Up 29 spots) - The down lineman took up so much room that everyone around him had an easier time doing their own job.    [player_tooltip player_id='1283361' first='Jaylon' last='Richardson'] DB, Catawba Ridge (Up 49 spots) - The corner took on a lot as a sophomore and was more than up to the task. Big things await.

We're going to tell you all about the new additions to the Class of 2027 rankings.